Volunteer Programs in Australia
About
Australia, the only nation in the world that can also boast of being a continent, is a magnificent country. As a destination on the wishlist of many travelers, Australia is a sunny, beautiful place with a number of attractions, and you are sure to never get bored. Not only is Australia a beautiful nation to explore, but it also has a number of great volunteer opportunities for individuals who are looking to help.
Program Types
Environmental/Wildlife Conservation
Australia is known for its beautiful landscapes. However, these landscapes are in fact quite fragile and they provide a habitat for endangered flora and fauna. As a volunteer, you would be working on a wildlife research sanctuary, an outdoor education project, or scientific research.
Marine Conversation
One of Australia’s greatest tourist attractions is the Great Barrier Reef. The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef system and is located in north east Australia, off the coast of Queensland. Unfortunately, there are many problems that have been affecting the native flora and fauna, and as a volunteer, you will be working to restore the habitat.
Work with Children
Australia has a number of refugees from various war torn countries like Somalia and Sudan. There are many Intensive English Centers in the nation where refugee students study. As a volunteer, you will be teaching these students and also coaching them in sports.
Planning Your Trip
Know Before You Go
Australia is a Western and English speaking country, so you may feel tempted to not prepare too much for your trip. You should however remember that Australia has a distinct culture and Australians certainly have a different style of speaking as compared to their counterparts in the US and UK. There are plenty of resources about life in Australia out there, like Rocky Travel so do a little research before you go!
How to Save Money While Volunteering
Australia is a western nation and thus isn’t a particularly cheap country, so if you’re on a tight budget, try not eating out too often and not shopping too much. Moreover, try to walk or use public transportation as much as possible instead of calling a taxi.
Health and Safety of Volunteers in Australia
As a volunteer in Australia, you’re not required to be vaccinated for any diseases. However, you are recommended to be vaccinated for Influenza if you’re traveling from May to October. Also, because of the prevalence of mosquito borne illnesses, you are recommended to carry insect repellants with you.
Australia is a safe country and as a tourist and volunteer, there really isn’t anything you should worry about.
Popular Volunteer Programs in Australia
Frequently Asked Questions
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Do I need a visa to visit Queensland?
Whether you’re studying in Queensland or just taking a quick holiday, all visitors who are not from Australia will need a visa. If you’re visiting for tourism purposes, you will need to obtain an Australian Tourist visa.
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What are some of the top things to do in Queensland?
Queensland offers plenty of exciting things to do for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and anyone just looking to disconnect and explore. You can visit the tropical waters of Whitsunday Islands, snorkel with the vibrant marine life in the Great Barrier Reef, or even take a safari through Daintree National Park, the world’s oldest living rainforest – there’s so much to do and see!
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How much should you budget for a spring break in Queensland?
Spring, summer, and holidays tend to be the more expensive times to visit Queensland, as they’re peak tourist periods. Flights from the US to Brisbane can range anywhere from $500 - $1500 round trip. You should expect to spend around $100-$150 USD a day during your trip in Queensland, including food, accommodations, and any activities you do. However, if you’re on a tight budget, there are also fun affordable options such as hiking, visiting beaches, or exploring museums – many of which won’t even cost a dime if you’re a student!
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What is Queensland known for?
Known as the “Sunshine State,” Queensland is famous for its golden beaches (hello white sand and clear blue water!), 5 World Heritage-listed sites including the Great Barrier Reef and the planet’s oldest living rainforest, and much more, making it a fantastic spring break destination.
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Do volunteers get paid in Australia?
While it's possible to get paid for volunteering, what's more likely is that you will find organizations that offer non-financial benefits in exchange for your labor. For example, you could volunteer through WWOOF or Workaway, in which you will generally be provided with meals and accommodation in exchange for your help on a family farm or small business.
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Where can I volunteer in Australia?
Volunteer programs can be found across Australia in big cities and their surroundings. The most popular places include Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Cairns, and Adelaide.
