Why Volunteer in Australia?

Here’s why Australia volunteering is worth the effort. ☆ The faraway land of Australia boasts a rugged beauty. Its few big cities huddle on the coasts, leaving much of the country untouched. Lush green rainforests contrast red desert, and jagged mountains create a backdrop for white sand beaches. Australia’s natural splendor makes it a top destination for holiday-ers from around the world, but it’s also the perfect lure for volunteers abroad.

The Twelve Apostles is one of Australia’s most popular scenic tourist attraction! It’s definitely a must-do while your volunteering Down Under!

While it’s not often the first place that comes to mind when you consider volunteer programs, Australia offers plenty of opportunity for change and growth, particularly in the great outdoors. Most volunteer opportunities in Australia will bring you closer to wildlife and the environment. What better way to make a positive impact and embrace adventure than by volunteering in Australia!

Read More: How to Maximize Impact While Volunteering in Australia

5 aussome reasons to seek volunteer opportunities in Australia

Not sure if you’re ready to volunteer in Australia? Keep reading to find out why you should seek volunteer opportunities in Australia. Hint: You can cuddle koalas and more!

1. It's less intense than other locations

When most think of volunteering abroad, they believe they have to leave their comfortable lifestyle and enter into third world conditions. While developing countries greatly need volunteers, so does the developed world. In Australia, volunteering may not involve extreme conditions, but you’ll be able to bring a positive impact in a different way.

What does this mean for you? Volunteering in Australia allows a high standard of living in a well-developed country while you make a difference in the community. English is the native language, so it’s easy to communicate. While it may not sound like a lot now, culture shock is so real, and you’ll appreciate the modern comforts and common language once you’re far away from home.

Australia is similar to home, but has its own unique culture and customs, making it a great place to explore without getting too overwhelmed.

2. The culture is fun and unique

Aussie culture isn’t just rugby and barbies on the beach. While you’ll have plenty of time to experience surfing and sun baking, there’s much more to this island country. Australia’s unique culture is a blend of indigenous values and immigrant traditions. As a volunteer in Australia, you can embrace diversity, learn about aboriginal art and culture, melt into the pot of descendants of early Irish and British settlers, and explore fast-growing Asian and African communities. The culture welcomes every overseas volunteer.

3. There are a variety of placements available

Volunteer opportunities in Australia come in all forms, shapes, and sizes. It is a prime destination if you want variety, from two-week stints to one-year immersion programs. Choose from major cities like Sydney and Melbourne, or venture into the outback. Volunteer opportunities in Australia are endless, ranging from community development to grassroots campaigning, or working with indigenous communities and refugees.

The most popular placements, however, can get you closer to some of Australia’s furry (and not-so-furry) friends, which brings us to… 

There are plenty of amazing volunteer opportunities in Australia! We especially love the idea of doing conservation work in the Great Barrier Reef!

4. The animals!

Embrace your inner Steve Irwin and dive head first into environmentalism and animal welfare as a volunteer in Australia. Aussies love the great outdoors, so it’s no surprise the Land Down Under is a top destination for volunteering with animals. On a continent the screams natural beauty and hosts some of the most diverse and dangerous wildlife on the planet, volunteer opportunities in Australia will get your adrenaline pumping. Volunteer deep in the Daintree Rainforest amongst cassowaries and crocodiles, or throw on your scuba gear to conserve sea turtle habitats on the Great Barrier Reef. If you’re an animal lover or a nature enthusiast, this is your place to do volunteering: Australia, with animals. What more could you ask for? 

5. Sightseeing will take your breath away

You’ll never run out of adventures and sights to see as a volunteer in Australia. Travel to the big cities to explore graffitied streets in Melbourne, climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge, or surf on golden beaches in Queensland. Rent a car for the weekend to explore mountains and rainforest, or plan an epic backpacking trip around the country after you finish your volunteering. Volunteering in Australia can be hard work and long days, so don’t forget to reward yourself with travel opportunities at some point during your stay.

Grab your esky and a slab from the bottle-O and head out for an adventure! It’s sure to be a ripper!

Australia volunteering FAQs

Australia may be a Western, English-speaking country with all the modern comforts of home, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be prepared for your trip Down Under. Here you’ll find all the info you need to get started as a volunteer in Australia.

Can I volunteer in Australia for free?

Sorry, mate, no such luck. While it may be a turnoff to pay loads of money to work for free, consider the mission of the project. As a volunteer in Australia (or anywhere, for that matter), you need to pay for an organization to house and feed you, as well as purchase all the resources needed to carry out the mission. It’s nearly impossible to find a worthy cause that will let you volunteer for free.

Cost is often the only downside to volunteering in Australia. The cost of living is high, flights can cost a limb, and program fees can surpass $1,000 for just a week or two. But think about those cuddly wallabies or newborn sea turtles and the sustainability of a long-term project. You can’t help without giving a little! And if you’re worried about raising the money, consider fundraising to jumpstart your travels.

C’mon look at that little face! How could you not want to visit him!

What are the best volunteer programs in Australia?

Whether you want to become one with nature or lend a hand in urban areas, Australia has heaps of programs to help you get there. Depending on the time you have and the work that’s close to your heart, you’re sure to find a program to suit your goals. Here are GoAbroad’s favorites.

1. GoEco

One of Australia’s most popular volunteer programs welcomes volunteers from around the globe for two to six week placements. Start your placement in one of the East Coast’s major cities and combine volunteerism with adventure travel. Perhaps you’ll help with land restoration outside of Melbourne before hitting the Great Ocean Road, or work on boardwalk construction while four-wheel-driving through Fraser Island just north of Brisbane. No matter where you decide to start you volunteer placement, Go Eco will get you out into nature and give you the opportunity for conservation.

2. Love Volunteers

This cheap organization can help you volunteer in Australia at a low cost. Love Volunteers is run by volunteers, and by sacrificing company cars and a head office, they can save you money while providing high quality service. You’ll make a real difference by volunteering in Australia with wildlife. Call the Great Barrier Reef home as you observe and conserve turtle habitats, or protect the wildlife of Victoria in a rescue and rehabilitation clinic. Volunteers can find opportunities for as short as one or two weeks. 

3. Oceans 2 Earth Volunteers

Oceans 2 Earth Volunteers is one of the only Australian-owned volunteer organizations, specializing in – you guessed it – more animal and welfare projects! Various projects around Australia are all committed to rescue, care, rehab, and release of Australia’s wildlife. You’ll have the unique chance to feed orphaned joeys, collect gum leaves for koalas, and scrub sea turtle shells. When you aren’t being “mum” to these critters, you’ll be out in their habitats, cleaning up beaches and rainforest to maintain happy and healthy homes for Australia’s babies. 

4. Carpe Diem Education

This program is perfect if you’re looking for long-term volunteer opportunities in Australia. Carpe Diem Education specializes in semester- or year-long programs that combine education with volunteering for several months of experiential education. Volunteers will live with a local family, have the opportunity to learn about the culture firsthand, and participate in environmental volunteer projects. With projects all over the South Pacific, you could spend several months in marine conservation or reforestation in Australia before moving on to communities in Fiji or New Zealand. Now that’s an adventure! 

5. Connect-123

Based out of Sydney, this volunteer program allows volunteers to immerse themselves in and give back to this beautiful city. If you’d prefer to spend your time around humans rather than animals, consider joining one of Connect-123’s volunteer programs. Australia is a thriving first-world country, but there is a wide range of organizations that assist with the economic and social imbalances that still exist. Choose from a variety of volunteer opportunities, from community service and education to public health and human rights.

Is it safe?

We’re talking about the land of Oz! Australia is one of the safest countries in the world. Crime rates are low and laws are in order to protect workers and volunteers. The only major threats come from nature: riptides, bushfires, floods, and some of the most deadly wildlife in the world call Australia home. Don’t let this scare you! Any time you’re out and about in nature, you should keep your wits about you. Beware of wild animals and listen to your placement advisors on safety precautions to avoid sticky situations.

How do I get started?

Now that you have the inside scoop, know where many volunteers choose to spend their time, and know common causes that volunteers are working to eradicate, it's time to choose who you want to volunteer abroad with! Choosing a volunteer program in Australia isn't as hard as it sounds, especially if you follow these steps:

• Decide where to go. Figuring out where YOU should volunteer down under is paramount. Have a short list of locations that sound ideal for your goals and skills (i.e. if you don't have experience working with animals, you might reconsider volunteering with wombats in Adelaide). Don't let anything hold you back—choose a place that's right for you.
• Pick your project. We outlined a few common causes that international volunteers support above. Do some reflection on what skills and knowledge you bring to the table, and which project would best benefit from your time and energy.
• Choose from the best volunteer abroad programs in Australia. Pay attention to past participants’ reviews, program/university reputation, location, and how the project's needs match your skills. Some programs may even share contact info for ambassadors or past participants if you want the REAL dirt. Here are more considerations to make as you figure out how to choose the right volunteer program for you. Pro tip: You can use MyGoAbroad to compare programs side-by-side.
• Plan your finances. Sort out funding before you go to afford daily essentials and splurge on travel (in addition to program costs and airfare). Be sure to raise a little extra money to donate to the organization that you'll be working with. Learning how to fund your volunteer abroad adventure is essential prior to your travels!
• Get prepared! Preparing to volunteer abroad is as fun as it sounds. With the days til departure number dwindling and your excitement boiling, it can be easy to overlook the details. Lean on us to help guide you through your pre-departure process—that's what we're here for. 

You now know why volunteering in Australia is a worthwhile pursuit, mate

If you’ve ever wanted to visit Australia, volunteering abroad is the perfect way to do it!

Despite the money, the day-long flights, and the threat of deadly flora and fauna, volunteering in Australia is worth the trip. Volunteers can travel to some of the most beautiful natural areas in a country that’s at the top of every traveler’s bucket list. As a volunteer, you’ll be able to ease into a new environment with a high standard of living and make a difference in both the human and natural world. With a variety of placements, you can choose a program that suits your schedule and volunteer for a cause that’s close to your heart. 

What are you waiting for? With sunshine, friendly locals, and cuddly critters, there’s no question volunteering in Australia is a worthwhile pursuit. Catch some waves, dive deep into rainforest, and get up close and personal with marsupials and more in one of the best places to volunteer abroad!

Get Matched with 5 Volunteer Programs in Australia for FREE