Volunteer Abroad in Great Barrier Reef

While volunteering in the Great Barrier Reef, you can expect to work directly on reef rebuilding and conservation, animal welfare and protection, and eco-tourism and education. 

Popular program types. Marine conservation programs are popular volunteer opportunities in the Great Barrier Reef and often the most rewarding. You’ll be making sure the unique species that live amongst the reefs are protected for generations to come. Also popular are animal welfare programs. Not restricted to the ocean, volunteering abroad in Australia may involve working with land animals as well! And let’s not forget the importance of educating others about conservation. Volunteer programs in the Great Barrier Reef focused on education will make you the resident expert on eco-tourism and conservation.

Summer and short term programs. Generally, longer programs are more valuable for you and your organization, but you can make an impact in 2-4 weeks! Make your summer vacation or short school break unforgettable and resume-worthy.

Long term volunteer stints. You’ll never forget a full semester or year volunteering abroad in the Great Barrier Reef. You’ll be learning about and protecting a UNESCO World Heritage Site and experiencing the friendly culture found down under.

If you volunteer in the Great Barrier Reef, you can spend all your free time snorkeling, scuba diving, or taking day trips to nearby Brisbane (depending on your location on the reef). You’ll most likely be near the Gold Coast, where you could spend time sunning on sandy beaches or hiking in tropical Lamington National Park. If you’re closer to Brisbane don’t miss the Koala sanctuary! 

Volunteering abroad in Australia provides you with the unique opportunity to experience Australian culture like you wouldn’t necessarily get to as a tourist. Take the time to speak to an Aboriginal Australian (indigenous people of Australia) if you have the opportunity, and learn about their traditional way of life, art, music, history, and more. You’ll gain a unique perspective, one which is pivotal to understanding Australia as a whole. 

While Australia can be quite expensive, volunteers are usually provided with housing options by their program provider. You can check out GoAbroad’s Accommodations Abroad for some tips and tricks. Regardless of where you stay, you’re sure to meet some fellow travelers and some super cool Aussies!

The organizations that offer programs to aid in the conservation of the Great Barrier Reef need help. This amazing feature of our planet is projected to disappear in under two decades unless something changes. Coral bleaching resulting from increased ocean temperatures, pollution, and over-tourism has affected at least half of the Great Barrier Reef already. You can help do something about it!

Volunteering abroad in the Great Barrier Reef will prepare you for a future career in marine biology, nonprofit work, conservation, animal welfare, and more! You’ll meet incredible people that will become lifelong connections—perhaps even references. You’ll come away having experienced something very few can brag about.

So, ask yourself, what are you waiting for? The fantastic parts of our planet, like the Great Barrier Reef, won’t be around for future generations to discover, enjoy, and learn from, unless we do something about it now. Your Australian adventure will be full of meaning—and kabobs on the barbie, photos with cute koalas, kangaroo sightings, nights on the beach, days in the sun, and a healthy tan...So get out there and volunteer in the Great Barrier Reef!