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In Douglas, in the Queensland region of Australia, get involved at a wildlife park. This placement is open to biology students. All the eco-volunteering placements selected here.
Volunteer at an animal sanctuary in Australia
This programme offers a perfect blend of adventure and a change of scenery. And all this in a country home to wildlife found nowhere else in the world! What’s more, you’ll have the chance to explore and enjoy the rainforest and the coral reef. In the Queensland region, the Great Barrier Reef meets the rainforests, offering nature lovers stunning locations and landscapes. Pure wonders of nature!
Just 45 minutes from Cairns, in Douglas to be precise, at the wildlife park hosting the programme, you’ll get to look after Australia’s iconic mammals, such as koalas, kangaroos and wallabies. You’ll also come face to face with reptiles, fish and various birds, including the famous cassowary… Birdwatchers are in for a treat!
The role of eco-volunteers
You will help to protect the extraordinary animal species of the Australian continent by getting involved in the day-to-day care of mammals and birds.
The centre’s residents, particularly those who have recently been rescued, require special care and treatment. Their diet must also be closely monitored.
The tasks are flexible and can sometimes be physically demanding
- Preparing pet food
- Cleaning and maintenance of the animal enclosures and the park
- Collecting and distributing leaves for Koala
- Setting up exhibitions and displays for visitors
- Identification and collection of endemic plants
- Support for the care of injured and orphaned animals
- Reflections on improving animals’ living conditions
- Building and maintaining nests and feeders
- Collection and sorting of data on threats to species conservation
- Hosting students for work placements in environmental science and biology
Supervised by specialists such as environmentalists and animal carers, a work placement programme for students is also available. This long-term placement takes place at two sites: the main site in Port Douglas and a second site, a 40-hectare conservation centre for endemic flora and fauna, 30 minutes north of Cairns.
Duration: 4 to 8 weeks
Start date: Volunteers are expected to arrive in Cairns every two weeks on a Monday. They begin the programme on Tuesday.
- 4 weeks: €2,490
- 6 weeks: €3,290
- 8 weeks: €4,090
The price includes
accommodation, lunch (on working days) and daily transport between Cairns and Douglas; a certificate of attendance issued by the Wet Tropics Management Society; and training
Not included in the price
: Airfares; travel insurance; dinners and breakfasts; excursions not included in the programme; airport transfers
- Location: Cairns and Port Douglas, Queensland.
- Aged 18 and over
- 4 to 8 weeks
- Intermediate level of English
Housing
Included is one night’s accommodation at a youth hostel in Cairns on the day of your arrival (Monday evening) and two nights at the same hostel in Cairns upon your return from Port Douglas (Saturday and Sunday).
Eco-volunteers stay in mixed-sex dormitories (upgrade to a single room is available). The hostels offer comfortable, air-conditioned rooms, a kitchen and modern facilities.
In Port Douglas, volunteers stay in a youth hostel approximately a 10-minute drive from the project site.
Tous les avis sur les missions Freepackers
The partner organisation
The partner organisation’s mission is to encourage participation in ethical and sustainable development projects. It connects NGOs, social welfare organisations and government bodies with volunteers. It promotes solidarity-based and participatory travel. The partner is a certified WYSE Travel Confederation Member. WYSE is a global non-profit organisation representing youth and student travel operators worldwide. It is also a member of the AFNOR commission for the development of the international standard on responsible tourism, a member of the international mobility committee, a certified Australia specialist, accredited by the international ICEF group, a member of the EAIE (European Centre of Expertise, Networking and Resources for the Internationalisation of Higher Education) and a member of the travel4impact Network.
You’re bound to enjoy these eco-friendly missions
