Each project on our website features an Ethical Score—a transparent rating from our EthicCheck tool. It’s based on evidence from our project partners and measured against key ethical criteria: animal welfare, community impact, environmental sustainability, and transparency.
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.
Experience what the tropical North Queensland has to offer by volunteering in the Aussie bush and on the Great Barrier Reef with this 3-in-1 Bush to Reef Eco-Combo Project.
Yes, that’s right. 3 O2E eco-projects over 3 weeks! Perfect for people who cannot choose which project to undertake!
Spend a week experiencing the wonders of the world’s largest reef system, the Great Barrier Reef. Here you’ll get the chance to learn all about the different species that live in and around the reef as volunteers work in collaboration with various oceanographic organisations to research the ecosystem, monitor and survey the reef, and help clean up beaches of marine debris.
Work sites are based across two islands that are under serious threat from coral bleaching, pollution, mining, overfishing and climate change among other factors.
(Project 1 does not run in March, April and October. Another week at the turtle rehabilitation centre will takes its place for these 3 months.
Volunteers spend a week caring for rescued turtles. The sea turtles, who have been brought in from the Great Barrier Reef and Cape York Peninsula, need constant care. Volunteers prepare food,feed the turtles, clean tanks, all on a tropical island on the Great Barrier Reef. On your morning shift, learn and see firsthand how humans and disease cause harm to these majestic animals. In the afternoon, time permitting, you may find yourself swimming with them in the wild.
In the third week, volunteers travel to a Tropical Wetlands Reserve North-West of Cairns and embark on an exciting adventure in the Aussie Bush.
The Reserve is home to several endangered species and a wildlife rehabilitation centre. Volunteers will care for animals who are getting ready for release back into the wild and also, take part in a science-led, conservation initiative that focuses on the preservation of wilderness, the conservation of wildlife and ecological communities, cultural heritage and community wellbeing.
Experience diverse landscapes such as the dry savannahs, swampy wetlands and endless forests of eucalypts, as kangaroos frolic, wallabies graze and emus wander.
Volunteers make a huge difference by contributing to either 2 or 3 of O2E’s projects (depending upon the month).
You will be devoting your timeto the long-term protection of the Tropical Wetlands and The Great Barrier Reef and its inhabitants, by collecting data and research that will further enhance citizen-science activities being undertaken for researchers. Volunteers also participate in by giving rescued sea turtles a second chance at life by keeping the rehabilitation centre up and running.
All 3 projects, Island Reef Research & Conservation, Turtle Rehabilitation and Aussie Bush Conservation thrive thanks to the data that volunteers collect to enhance Australian conservation practices, preserve habitat and care for animals in need.
Your daily activities consist of:
Day 0 – Arrive in Cairns.
Project 1 – Island Reef Research & Conservation
The work consists of various 2-3-hour work-related activities, with the remainder of the time open for volunteers to explore the beauty of Cairns.
Day 1 – Training
Day 2 – 5 – Early breakfast then depart for a day of either reef monitoring, coral reef surveying, gathering raw oceanographic data ormarine debris clearing.
Day 6 – 7 – Weekend is free time
Project 2 – Turtle Rehabilitation Centre
Day 1 – 5 – At the Turtle Rehabilitation Centre,
volunteers take a morning ferry to an island off Cairns. The morning is spent preparing food, feeding turtles, cleaning tanks and giving the turtles a good back scratch. The remainder of the day is spent back in Cairns or on the island where volunteers can enjoy some free time.
Day 6 – 7 – Weekend is free time
Project 3 – Aussie Bush Safari Conservation
Day 1 – Travel to the Tropical Wetlands near Mareeba, a 1-hour coach ride way.
Day 2 – 5 –Head out on the lagoon and conduct the bi-daily water-bird survey, feed the animals, collect samples, study, research and monitor wildlife in their natural habitat, conduct 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.
Day 6 – Return to Cairns for the night
Day 7 – Depart
18 years of age
You must be fit and have the ability and willingness to work in the heatand humidity.
Volunteers must be fluent in English and at least 18 years of age.
The Island Reef Research Conservation component requires volunteers to be able swim 50 metres and tread water/float for 10 minutes.
The heat and humidity during the Wet Season (summer months of Australia) if you are not used to it.
Also be aware of the midge (or sand) flies in some seasons. These little biting pests can be easily dealt with by spraying your legs with good quality and waterproof fly spray.
1st Sunday of every month
This is a 3 week program.
Conservation days:
7.30am Depart Cairns for the survey location
4pm Return ferry to Cairns
Tour days:
These will vary depending on each tour but are always a fun filled, jam packed full day!
Project 1 – Island Reef Research & Conservation
Volunteers stay at YHA Central Cairns in female or male dorms (upgrades are available). There is WI-FI, a swimming pool and common entertainment areas.
Project 2 – Turtle Rehabilitation Centre
Volunteers stay at YHA Central Cairns in female or male dorms (upgrades are available). There is WI-FI, a swimming pool and common entertainment areas.
Project 3 – Aussie Bush Safari Conservation
Volunteers stay in very large, fully furnished safari-style canvas tents. The tents are built on a high-set wooden deck and are equipped with anen-suite bathroom, lighting, fans and full-size beds.
Before & after – this project includes 1 extra night at YHA Central Cairns before, and one after.
Project 1 – Island Reef Research & Conservation
YHA Central Cairns provides free pancakes for breakfast.
Lunch is included.
Volunteers are responsible for cooking their own meals in the kitchen provided.
Project 2 – Turtle Rehabilitation Centre
YHA Central Cairns provides free pancakes for breakfast.
It is the responsibility of the volunteer to take lunch to the island, or purchase food there. For dinner, volunteers can cook their own meals in the kitchen provided or head out to one of the many cafes and restaurants.
Project 3 – Aussie Bush Safari Conservation
Meals include breakfast, 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) |
|---|---|
| 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!
