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Grounded in expert standards and the values of ethical travellers like you, this score shows how a project actually performs—not just what it claims.
The Rehabilitation Centre, located in Cairns, treats injured and sick marine turtles brought in from the Great Barrier Reef and Cape York Peninsula. Animals are brought in suffering from disease, starvation and/or injuries caused by boats, discarded fishing gear or ingested plastic that is mistaken for food. Many of the turtles brought in from the Great Barrier Reef are suffering from ‘floaters disease’.
Volunteers and donations from local businesses have kept the centre running. More than 170 sick and injured animals have been brought in for treatment over the past 10 years.Â
Species of turtles in care at the centre include Green, Hawksbill and Olive Ridley turtles.
Volunteers make a huge difference to this project. Since the centre first started over 10 years ago the success rate in rehabilitating sick and injured animals and returning them to the ocean has improved to more than 85%, from 20-30%.
Volunteers contribute by assisting staff in;
*Rehabilitating sick and injured turtles
*Helping to promote humane and sustainable practices through co-operation and education initiatives
*Cleaning turtle tanks
*Feeding rescued turtles
*Providing assistance when requested, in an effort to rescue turtles in distress
Volunteers take a ferry ride to an island off Cairns where they will spend the morning at the Rehabilitation Centre. Food is prepared, the turtles are fed, tanks are cleaned and some turtles are given a scratch. A turtles shell is covered in a layer of keratin which is like fingernails, so they can feel it when someone touches them, and some of the turtles enjoy a back scratch.
The Education Centre offers a tour each day to visitors to the Island so volunteers prepare this area for their arrival.
The remainder of the day is spent at the island enjoying free time until the afternoon ferry arrives to return them to the mainland. There are water sports equipment for hire including paddle boarding, kayaking and trampolining into the deep crystal clear waters of the bay (depending upon availability).
Some volunteers may be offered special projects such as working in the Intensive Care Unit looking after critically sick or injured turtles that have just been rescued, turtle tagging, cleaning beaches of rubbish, ghost nets and debris or research assistance (GPS tracking of turtles that have been released, data analysis).
Age Requirement:Â 17 years of age
No specific skills are required except a love for turtles and the ability to work in hot, wet and/or humid weather depending upon the season.
The Rehabilitation Centre is home to midge (or sand) flies. These little biting pests are easily dealt with by spraying your legs with good quality waterproof fly spray or simply covering yourself up by wearing shoes and socks and long sleeves.
Arrival Sunday for a Monday start, all year
Volunteers work 2 shifts a day, morning and early evening with the afternoon to relax.
5 days a week Monday to Friday 7.30am – 12pm with the option of weekends.
6 bed female or mixed dorm rooms with a shared bathroom at a resort style hostel. Single and other accommodation types may be available upon request. There is free Wi-Fi, swimming pool and common entertainment areas. The hostel also organises regular tours of the area such as rainforest walks, sailing and beach trips. A no accommodation option is also available for volunteers who prefer to book their own accommodation.
The hostel accommodation includes a pancake breakfast and common self-catering kitchen facilities.
For non-accommodation options, meals are not provided.
| Duration | Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Hostel | |
| 1 week | $1067 |
| 2 weeks | $1680 |
| 3 weeks | $2400 |
| 4 weeks | $3030 |
| 5 weeks | $3735 |
| 6 weeks | $4305 |
| Each additional week | $710 |
| Accommodation not included | |
| 1 week | $840 |
| 2 weeks | $1290 |
| 3 weeks | $1815 |
| 4 weeks | $2250 |
| 5 weeks | $2755 |
| 6 weeks | $3130 |
*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!
