Overview
Marine Conservation on Australia's Great Barrier Reef

This volunteer project is based on Brampton Island, part of the WhitSundays and home to the world famous Great Barrier Reef. Volunteers will sail by catamaran from Mackay to Brampton Island where you will set up camp on a tropical beach, your home for the next 2 weeks. You will be a part of small team of volunteers assisting the Natural Resource Managers return Brampton Island National Park to its natural state. The majority of the work includes eradicating invasive vegetation, collecting and analysing marine debris and conducting surveys and health checks on the coral reef. In your free time you will have the opportunity to snorkel the reef, explore the island and enjoy the local wildlife; koalas, kangaroos, possums, goannas and more.

View Film Footage, images, blogs, stories from the field, video diaries and more at the programs media centre

The camp made me realise how human civilization is damaging the Great Barrier Reef. I loved the whole experience, the people, purpose, the beautiful beach and the sunset walk. The best thing about the camp was meeting new people and finding out new things about the Australian bush. The leaders always made sure we knew we were making a difference and that it was appreciated!

Nicole Remedios, Volunteer

What Difference Does This Project Make?

As the island is relatively small, the conservation work performed by the volunteers has a direct and lasting impact on the island’s plants and animals. Volunteers will clean up marine debris which will prevent many populations (particularly turtles) from either swallowing, ingesting or entangling themselves in the rubbish. Volunteers will also assist with the removal of invasive weeds which helps regenerate the island back to its natural state by allowing native flora to grow. Data collection of coral, seagrass and marine life will provide ongoing information to the Natural Resource Managers helping them to gauge the impact of pollution prevention strategies on the marine ecosystems of the island. Similarly turtle, dolphin and birds of prey data collection will assist researchers with species, population and distribution patterns.

Highlights

Sail to and from a secluded tropical island in the Great Barrier Reef on a catamaran, camp on the beach right by the water; see the direct result of your conservation efforts; learn about native wildlife such as turtles, kangaroos, possums, manta rays and birds of prey; enjoy a sunset hike to Point Lookout where you may spot kangaroos and koalas; snorkel the reef at high tide; witness the wonderful corals and stunning marine life found on the islands’ reef, and explore the white sandy beaches, forest plants and rocky headlands; learn about marine environments from our experienced staff.

Location

Brampton Island boasts an extensive range of native Australian fauna and flora including koalas, grey kangaroos, flying foxes and sand goannas. The marine park waters surrounding the island are turtle feeding areas and provide important turtle rookeries. We set up camp at Western Bay, a secluded bay surrounded by a large coral reef, much of which is exposed during low tide. Volunteers get the opportunity to view the reef via snorkel during high tide, or by foot on a guided tour during low tide.

Field Conditions

Volunteers live in tents on the beach of Western Bay ensuring all volunteers wake up to the beautiful ocean on their doorstep. There is a BBQ and camp area for cooking, and all volunteers pitch in and help with cooking and cleaning duties. Volunteers will be camping in 3-man tents (sleep 2). Sleeping bags with clean inners and thin camping mats are provided. Meals are basic but nutritious. The shower provided is a bush shower. Water restrictions lead to a limited number of showers volunteers can take. Volunteers can also keep fresh by bathing in the sea. One composting toilet is provided.