Description

Are you looking for a real Aussie outback adventure?

From koala habitats to developing wetlands, Australia is the home of ancient rainforests, awesome wildlife and countless national parks which all need your help! This volunteering opportunity gives you the chance to check out the many terrains of Australia while lending a helping hand from stunning coastal areas to the harsh but character- building outback! The opportunities are endless in a country this large! So embrace this opportunity to really immerse yourself in Australia's exotic surroundings while exploring at the same time!

* Project details:

We work with an Australian conservation charity. Founded in 1982, they are the leading conservation charity in Australia. With 24 regional offices all over Australia this allows us to give you a massive variety in the type of work available. On-going charity projects include:
* Weed control projects at Uluru Kata Tjuta World Heritage Area (Ayers Rock), NT.
* Assisting with research on Echidnas (spiny anteaters) and goannas on Kangaroo Island, SA.
* Fauna surveys in the Grampians National Park, VIC
* Wetlands restoration projects in the national capital, Canberra, ACT
* Tree planting and wildlife spotting on Rottnest Island, WA
* Koala habitat surveys, starting from Mackay, QLD
* Crazy Any surveys in remote aboriginal-owned Arnhem Land, NT
* Building boardwalks to protect wetlands in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, TAS
* Building walking tracks on Fraser Island - World Heritage area and the world's largest sand island, QLD
* Working in coastal conservation by installing fencing to protect coastal dunes and penguin habitat in Waterhouse Conservation Area, TAS.
* Developing urban wetlands in Perth, WA.
* Outback projects in north western Australia, including turtle tracking and monitoring, starting from Broome, WA
* Bushfire recovery projects following the February 09 fires, VIC

Please note these are just examples you cannot specify or request any of the above projects.

Why the project needs volunteers:

In the last 200 years, since European settlement, Australia has seen the loss of 70% of her native vegetation, including 75% of her rainforests. Loss of species goes hand in hand with loss of habitat and 23% of mammals, 9% of birds and 16% of amphibians are either already extinct or extremely vulnerable. Australia has 13 areas listed as world heritage sites and more than 500 national parks. Thought of by many as one of the worlds last wildernesses Australia is home to a unique and fragile ecosystem that needs our help and protection.

Highlights

* Knowing that you are part of a huge and vital conservation programme
* Living in Australia - it not known as the 'lucky country' for nothing
* Meeting people from all over the world and making friends that can last for life
* Having the choice of pretty much anywhere in Australia to work

Qualifications

Conservation volunteers will be hands on people who love the outdoors. You should be in good health and reasonably fit. Be prepared to take part to the best of your ability and work well in a team. You must be prepared for some hard physical work, Conservation volunteers need to be willing to get stuck in and get their hands dirty. You will need to be flexible and be prepared to move around the country and stay in various types of accommodation. Conservation is the priority and you must be willing to go where you are needed.

Your role as a volunteer:
The variety of conservation projects is as immense as the island continent. The nature of work will vary depending on the time of year you visit and the choice of your destination. Typical projects include: tree planting and promoting reforestation in Australia, dune regeneration, flora and fauna surveys, path and track maintenance, habitat regeneration, heritage restoration work and native vegetation protection.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

USD 1,259.00 for 2 weeks, USD 300.00 for every week thereafter

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Pre-departure orientation/Training

Program Fees Include:

What's Included

* Accommodation: A wide variety, ranging from lighthouses, shearers' barns, homestays and camping but this is not an exclusive list of possible accommodation available
* Food: Self-catering - food provided
* Training: In-country orientation
* Support: Pre-departure helpdesk, Local in-country team and 24hr emergency support

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

The variety of conservation projects is as immense as the island continent. The nature of work will vary depending on the time of year you visit and the choice of your destination. Typical projects include: tree planting and promoting reforestation in Australia, dune regeneration, flora and fauna surveys, path and track maintenance, habitat regeneration, heritage restoration work and native vegetation protection.

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Apartment/Flat
• Group living
• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently

i-to-i Volunteering's Mission Statement

i-to-i Volunteering provides unique opportunities for you to travel, work and volunteer abroad. Thousands of travelers aged 16 to 80 have joined our volunteer vacations. With over 130 projects on 4 continents, across 22 countries you can join the worldwide i-to-i volunteer community on an extended adventure in areas such as teaching English, community development, conservation, home building, and working with animals.

Year Founded

1994