Overview
Volunteer on Conservation Projects in Queensland, Australia

Volunteers joining this program will have the opportunity to work alongside Australia's leading practical conservation organisation to make a real difference to the environment through practical conservation projects. Projects undertaken in the Townsville and Northern Queensland region will range from protecting and enhancing the natural areas found along the Great Barrier Reef Coastline to protecting the unique vegetation found in and around the tropical rain forests and waterways, the habitat for the widely diverse wildlife found in this area.

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I spent two weeks tree planting and completing wildlife surveys- really good team and team leader- had a brilliant laugh! Spent a week on beach restoration- beautiful area and it’s a good way to see unusual parts of Australia and make a difference.

Cathy Hampton, Townsville, Australia

What Difference Does This Project Make?

This program offers a safe, fun and friendly opportunity to contribute in a practical way to the conservation of the unique Australian environment. The types of projects assisted include: tree planting, erosion and salinity control, seed collection, construction and maintenance of walking tracks, endangered flora and fauna surveys and monitoring, weed control, habitat restoration and heritage protection.

Highlights

The project opportunities offer an experience to volunteers to see a unique part of the Australian environment rarely seen or experienced by the average visitor. Most activities will be vegetation based (tree planting, removal of feral species, seed collection, protective fencing and more). Positive outcomes of the projects undertaken include protection of the Great Barrier Reef and ongoing support to the threatened species only found in the tropical rain in this part of the world.

Location

Projects will be undertaken across Northern Queensland but particularly in Townsville, a large regional centre on the north Queensland coast adjoining the Great Barrier Reef.

Field Conditions

Accommodation will vary due to the wide variation in the nature of projects and locations. Typical accommodation can include caravans, hostels, shearer's quarters, bunkhouses or camping (tents provided). Volunteers should bring a sleeping mat as well as a sleeping bag. Everyone helps with the cooking, cleaning and washing up. Fresh produce, meat and vegetables are used as often as possible although this cannot be guaranteed every day, particularly on remote projects far from shops, so please make allowances. Special diets, such as vegetarian, vegan or food allergies, can be catered for.