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Enjoy working in the Aussie bush experiencing diverse landscapes including dry savannahs, swampy wetlands and endless forests of eucalypts.
Volunteers spend their time on a stunning wetlands reserve which serves as the centre of this science-led, conservation initiative focusing on the preservation of wilderness, the conservation of wildlife and ecological communities, cultural heritage and community wellbeing.
The Reserve is home to several endangered species and more than 220 bird species which are actively managed, therefore, ongoing habitat monitoring, conservation management and wildlife research is a key part of this project. Currently, there are no formalised processes for collecting medical & rehabilitation data on Northern Australia’s species, government or otherwise in Australian conservation practices. No facility scientifically records, analyses and shares data to support first-line defence against diseases of Northern Australia’s species. This is where volunteers step in and help us combat the challenge head-on!
Conservation work includes research assistance, wildlife and habitat monitoring and data input, construction of new animal pens and general care and maintenance of the facility.
The reserve also provides professional medical care to wildlife, particularly threatened species, therefore when animals are in care, volunteers assist in the care and rehabilitation and release of wild animals. Large raptor and macropod pens, bird aviaries and small mammal enclosures enable the project to increase their rescue and rehabilitation footprint. This allows volunteers to engage in daily activities caring for some of Australia’s most iconic wildlife species. Unless there are animals in care, this is not a core volunteer activity.
One night in a Cairns hostel are included either side of the trip to the wetlands giving volunteers the opportunity to spend some time in the city and meet other O2E volunteers who are embarking upon different projects within the region.
Volunteer fees and time are essential for making this project a success. All financial contributions directly support the organisation and its programs incorporating the land and conservation management of the Tropical Wetlands.
Volunteers are involved in applied conservation management and research activities on the main reserve under supervision of the ranger. The placement offers a range of wildlife management and rehabilitation skills, as well as experience in applied field conservation.
Other activities may involve assisting in all aspects of animal and bird rehabilitation from the daily work of feeding and cleaning pens, grounds maintenance, conducting structured behavioural observations and data collection on the various species undergoing rehabilitation, wildlife surveys and other work across the savanna and wetlands.
No two days at the reserve are the same. As the work roster illustrates, there are several tasks and activities that must be catered to and this is dependent on the animals on site and the time of year for volunteer arrivals. At any one time there will be up to 40 animals in our care ranging from aquatic species to reptiles, possums, birds, gliders and mammals of various shapes and sizes. There is a focus on endangered species when they are admitted to the shelter.
Volunteers can apply their skills and acumen to any number of roles, ranging from harvesting / collecting, studying / research and monitoring wildlife in their natural habitat, fieldwork in the wider reserve involving checking / setting camera traps, photo-point monitoring, species observations, data input, feeding and watering animals in care, release of animals back into the wild, building pens and enclosures, cleaning of enclosures, providing enrichments, care and rehabilitation duties and vehicle and equipment maintenance.
A tour of the nature reserve in an open topped vehicle is one of the highlights enabling plenty of photo opportunities.
18 years of age
Volunteers must be fluent in English, be willing to work and must be able to take direction. Skills are harnessed and refined during orientation and training, but enthusiasm and a love for animals and conservation are the key ingredients that make a great team on the ground.
The main challenge is the heat and humidity In the Wet season and it can be difficult for people if they are not used to it.
Every 3rd Sunday, all year round. 19/07/20, 16/08/20, 20/09/20, 18/10/20, 15/11/20, 20/12/20, 17/01/21, 21/02/21, 21/03/21, 18/04/21, 16/05/21, 20/06/21, 18/07/21, 15/08/21, 19/09/21, 17/10/21, 21/11/21, 19/12/21, 16/01/22, 20/02/22
Volunteers work 2 shifts a day, morning and early evening with the afternoon to relax.
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The on-site accommodation offers very large, fully furnished safari-style canvas tents as accommodation. These tents are on a high-set wooden deck, have en-suite bathrooms, lighting, fans and full-size beds, a small fridge and table. Each has a solar power unit and hot water ensuing maximum comfort all year round suiting all climate conditions. In some cases, we may have two volunteers of the same sex sharing a tent, however we offer individual accommodation where possible.
Meals are provided throughout the day including breakfast, morning tea, lunch and dinner with vegetarian and vegan options. Soft drinks and snacks are available for purchase. Volunteers are responsible for cooking their own meals in the communal kitchen area. Vegans, vegetarians and pescatarians are catered for.
| Duration | Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|
| 1 week | $990 |
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*Please note some items are not included in the project fees listed above, such as flights, visas, vaccinations, travel insurance, snacks, spending money, local transport, in-country tours and return airport transfer (unless mentioned above). Please note that prices are subject to change without notice. Please ensure you have read the O2E Volunteers Terms and Conditions.
| Duration | Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|
| 2 weeks | $2200 |
| 4 weeks | $4471 |
| Accommodation upgrades | are available, email us! |
Direct support for wildlife, marine conservation, or community initiatives.
Essential resources to keep our programs running smoothly and ethically.
Comfortable, eco-conscious lodging for your stay.
Locally sourced meals to fuel your experience.
Mandatory contributions to ensure compliance with local and international regulations.
Additional funds to amplify the long-term impact of conservation and ethical projects.
*Please note some items are not included in the project fees listed above, such as flights, visas, vaccinations, travel insurance, snacks, spending money, local transport, in-country tours and return airport transfer (unless mentioned above). Please note that prices are subject to change without notice. Please ensure you have read the O2E Volunteers Terms and Conditions.
Pick a project and apply for free
Receive your acceptance email
Pay your $495AUD deposit which confirms your placement
Receive your first email from your customer care coordinator
Save, pack, go!
