Description

Volunteer and get up close and personal with Dolphins on a paradise Beach in Western Australia! This fascinating and very worthwhile project gives you high levels of personal satisfaction and you'll contribute to the well-being of dolphins, in one of the most beautiful parts of Australia! The sheer size, amazing natural wealth, awesome scenery and huge variety of plant and animal life make Australia an essential destination for anyone with a passion for nature and wildlife. Your project is based at a non-profit Centre in Bunbury committed to dolphin research, education, conservation and tourism. Facing Koombana Bay to the North, the Centre enables people to interact with Bottlenose dolphins in a variety of ways. There are up to 100 dolphins living in the Bay and groups of them regularly visit the shallow waters in front of the Centre.

WHAT YOU'LL GAIN FROM DOING THIS PROJECT:

-> A training course into Dolphin research.
-> An exciting, never-to-be-forgotten adventure into Australia and you'll learn about the Aborigine culture that makes this country so fascinating!
-> The enormous satisfaction of helping dolphins and knowing that you made a contribution to their ongoing conservation.
-> New skills, more confidence, a greater understanding of a different culture, invaluable personal and professional development.
-> An entry on your CV or resume that will put you head and shoulders above most others in the job market
-> And best of all.. an unforgettable experience!

YOUR WORK:
As well as time in the water with the dolphins your role involves interaction with the public. You're there to learn and then educate. 80% of your day will involve talking to people who come to see the dolphins, educating them about their characteristics and making them aware of how crucial it is to conserve these wonderful animals.

Other tasks may include:

-> Talking to visitors on the beach - explaining what the Dolphin Centre does.
-> Assisting to coordinate the Interaction Zone when dolphins visit.
-> Managing the front entrance and Dolphin Room area.
-> Participating in 'Coastcare" activities and assist with current research projects.
-> Assisting with the research program, recording observations in the bay and monitoring dolphin visits to the zone.
-> Inputting the research data into databases for analysis
-> General maintenance and cleaning.
-> Tour guiding through the Interpretive Centre for the general public, tour groups and school students.
Work varies at different times of year.

Volunteer Training:

You'll learn a lot on the training course which includes presentations from guest speakers. After having completed a minimum of 20 hours training, you'll receive an official Volunteer T-Shirt which will identify you to the public as a trained representative of the Centre.

The Centre relies on the assistance of volunteers to advise visitors on the operations and ethos of the Centre, help manage the dolphin interaction program, actively participate in their research program and act as a guide. Staff members attend monthly meetings, as well as regular video and BBQ nights, which you'll be invited to attend.

You'll work 5 days a week, around 8 hours per day.

This placement is definitely for animal loving enthusiasts who are willing to work hard and aren't afraid of getting their hands dirty - the rewards are well worth it! Whilst volunteering is rewarding in itself, time spent at a project such as this is an excellent springboard for traveling around Australia. Meeting other volunteers from around the world, and listening to their stories and recommendations can give you the confidence to travel and experience more.

About The Centre:

The Centre is the only site to offer shore-based and boat-based swim tour interaction with wild dolphins as well as dolphin watching tours and a fascinating and educational Interpretive Centre. It is not clear why wild dolphins choose to visit the Zone. There are many dolphins that visit the Zone regularly that do not receive any fish and many of them stay for extended periods of time for interaction with the human visitors. Sick and injured dolphins also treat the beach as a haven, with some repeatedly visiting during periods of illness or injury.

ABOUT THE DOLPHINS OF KOOMBANA BAY:

The Koombana Bay dolphins are Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). They have beaks that are short, usually only 7-8 cm long, wide and rounded, with a lower jaw which protrudes conspicuously beyond the upper. The line of the mouth is soft and curves upwards at the back to give this species its familiar, faintly amused facial expression.

LOCATION and ACCOMMODATION:

This programme is located in Bunbury, the third largest city in Western Australia about 2½ hrs south of Perth. Bunbury markets itself as 'the real Australia'. It is located on a peninsular surrounded by spectacular blue waters. Bunbury has a Mediterranean climate with warm to hot summers and cool winters.

In the town there is a colourful street of sidewalk cafes called the "Cappuccino Strip". With a variety of award winning waterside restaurants, atmospheric historic pubs and plenty of Entertainment Centres, Art Galleries and cinemas - the town buzzes all day.

You'll live in a backpackers in the heart of Bunbury with great facilities. You'll have the beach, the City Centre and lots of other attractions all within two minutes walk and you'll be able to explore the nearby forests, national parks, beautiful waterways, historic towns, hundreds of vineyards and the incredibly beautiful coast-line on your days off.

Highlights

Free Weekend in Perth During your Placement:

As an added bonus on this placement, you'll get a FREE weekend in Perth to explore this great city! We'll bring you up from Bunbury by coach and you'll stay in a Backpackers in the heart of the city, by vibrant North Bridge, famous for it's nightlife.

WHAT TO DO NEXT:

Talk to us - We're there to help you. Most of our team are ex Travellers volunteers and are ideally qualified to offer advice and guidance because they know what you're looking for. They'll help you find your perfect project - and then make it all happen!

If you'd like more information about this or any of our projects, please email or call us! If you'd like to apply for this project, please go to our website and complete the application form. As soon as we receive it, we'll liaise with you and then start making your travel adventure happen.

It's as easy as that.

WHAT'S INCLUDED:
* Accommodation
* Meeting you at the Airport in Perth
* Transfer to your project in Bunbury
* Free weekend in Perth during your placement
* Full pre-departure support
* Local in-country team support and backup
* 24-hr emergency support
* 1 free T-shirt

Travel Types

• Eco Tours
• Environmental Studies
• Nature Tours
• Volunteering

Qualifications

No qualifications or previous experience are necessary, just a good dose of enthusiasm! Everyone is welcome on a Travellers programme, whether gap year, undergraduate, on a career break - or even retired! From 17 years old upwards, and all nationalities. This placement would suit anyone who wants to make a real difference, wants first-hand experience of a different culture, has a love of doplphins and has initiative.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

from 2,620 for 6 weeks

Cost Includes:

• Excursions
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Registration fees
• Travel while in host country
• Written materials abroad
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

Full support from the moment of booking and throughout your placement to your return home. There are support staff 24/7 in all our destinations worldwide and a 24 hour emergency international telephone line direct to the Head Office. All meals are provided, unless otherwise stated. Accommodation is provided (whether a rented house, a hotel/hostel, homestay, apartment or flat).

You'll be met at the nearest airport on your arrival by our in-country manager who will take you to your accommodation and give you a full induction into the area. He/she will also be on call 24/7 and you'll see them frequently.

Pre-departure you'll receive comprehensive information about every aspect of your placement and necessary preparations, ranging from what to pack, to visa information, to what to do on your weekend travel in the country. Your safety, well being and happiness throughout your placement are our primary concerns and we will keep in touch with you throughout. International flights not included.

A free weekend all inclusive trip to Perth is also included on this trip.

Experience Required

yes

No qualifications or experience required, but you must be adaptable, enthusiastic, fit and healthy, and have lots of initiative. You should also be fluent in English and enjoy talking to people. All projects are open to all nationalities. You need to be aged between 18 and 70.

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

This placement would suit people who want to make a real difference and want first-hand experience of Australia. No qualifications or previous experience are necessary, just a good dose of enthusiasm and a love of these wonderful creatures and the sea! Everyone is welcome on a Travellers programme, whether gap year, undergraduate, on a career break - or even retired! From 18 years old upwards, and all nationalities.

Age Range

All ages!

This Program is open to

American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups of varies

Application Process Involves

• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Phone/Video Interview
• Resume

Typically The Application Process Time is

within 5 working days

Travellers Worldwide's Mission Statement

Travellers Worldwide organises all types of worthwhile and beneficial voluntary placements in local communities. We also provide Work Experience & Internship opportunities, as well as different types of Courses and study abroad options. We have many diverse projects, from teaching underprivileged or refugee children in schools, orphanages and care homes, to conservation and rehabilitation of endangered animals, such as orangutans, lion cubs, dolphins, elephants. Our aim is to make a difference to the communities we work in and to facilitate personal and professional growth in our volunteers. We employ local people in our destination countries and local providers of goods and services, thus ensuring we have a positive impact on the community. Our ethos encompasses mutual respect, cultural exchange, responsible travel and a beneficial outcome for all. Travellers also arranges work experience placements in Journalism, Law, Veterinary, Medicine, Tourism, Architecture, and many more. There are also opportunities to learn languages and other skills such as Capoeira in Brazil, Tango in Argentina or Flying in South Africa. These projects are unique - and tailored to suit you! Our placements are flexible (2 weeks to 1 year) and on most you can choose your own start and finish dates. No qualifications are required, just an enthusiasm to experience a new culture! Full support is provided within the country, with friendly and conscientious staff, ensuring a safe and exciting way to experience a brand new culture! Placements are also very sociable: you'll make friends with the other international volunteers and often volunteers travel together after their placement and during their free weekends. We help you to Make a Difference and have an exciting adventure travel experience!

Year Founded

1995