VOLUNTEER YOUR HELP
Get more out of your travels in Australia. Register to work voluntarily during your visit and you could find yourself experiencing life on an Australian farm, helping turtles to nest or getting involved with an Australian community.
Why would I do volunteer work during my travels in Australia?
Volunteering is a great way to contribute to the country you are visiting. It is also an opportunity to meet new people, and understand the locals’ version of the country. Volunteering can be very rewarding and may contribute towards helping you to achieve some of your career goals.
How do I find volunteer work? Do I need work visas?
It is important to do your research – find out if there are any costs, and about the conditions of your placement. You should also ensure that you agree with the philosophies of the organisation for which you volunteer and that the organisation reflects your personal interests.
Which visa you need depends on the organisation you choose. Visitors from some countries do not require visas.
When you volunteer for the Conservation Volunteers Australia (CVA) program, you will not be ‘working’ for them, instead volunteering your time. This means you must pay for the cost of your meals and accommodation, just like any other holiday.
Are there opportunities to volunteer across Australia?
Yes, most organisations offer volunteering opportunities around the country. WWOOF (Willing Workers On Organic Farms) has over 1,500 host properties throughout Australia. CVA has 25 offices across Australia and projects are often at other locations.
Do I need any qualifications to volunteer?
Usually no formal qualifications are required. Volunteers must, however, be reasonably fit, and certain skills and previous experience might be valuable for specific tasks.
What sort of work is available?
WWOOF offers work on organic farms in exchange for your meals and accommodation. CVA’s focuses on involving people in conservation projects, so you need to be prepared to get your hands dirty. Project activities can include trail maintenance in national parks, planting shrubs along sand dunes, weed removal and more.
Is it a good way to see the country?
Definitely! Conservation projects are underway in urban and remote locations, in national parks, nature reserves, wetland areas and more. You also get to interact with local communities and go to places that tourists normally don’t get to see.
Are my living costs provided?
Volunteer organisations offer different arrangements with regards to paying for your food and accommodation. For example, WWOOF volunteers work for their keep. A single day volunteering with CVA (bring your own lunch) doesn’t cost anything, and accommodation packages from $30 per night are available for multi-day projects that involve travel.
Will I be trained?
Normally volunteers get trained on the job. CVA volunteer teams are accompanied by an experienced team leader who conducts on-site training in the use of tools, and flora and fauna identification. Conservation Volunteers is a registered training provider and offers a Certificate 1 Active Volunteering.
What’s the best thing about doing volunteer work in Oz?
Australia is a unique and beautiful country with spectacular landscapes and wildlife. As a volunteer with Conservation Volunteers you to contribute to the protection of our precious environment for future generations to enjoy.
Useful contacts:
Willing Workers on Organic Farms (WWOOF) Australia
Conservation Volunteer Australia (CVA)
Greenpeace Australia Pacific
Interview with a volunteering traveller
Lauren Noble talks about her experiences as a Conservation Volunteers Australia worker.
My name is Lauren Noble. I am 26 and an American.
I wanted to travel to places I'd never been before. Volunteering with CVA provides good physical work, and an opportunity to give something back to a country that is so hospitable.
I researched options to volunteer in Australia and booked my choice through an agent in America.
I am in my fifth week of a 6-week placement. Over the past 5 weeks I have helped plant trees on a nature reserve in Geelong, removed old fencing on a property near Warrnambool, visited Phillip Island to help remove woody weeds [vegetation conservation], and last week I was at Mt Buffalo National Park helping with track maintenance. I would never have seen all these places on my own. It has been awesome!
I work in customer service back home. This is a nice break and something completely different. I enjoy working outdoors and feel like I am contributing in a positive way to the protection of the environment. I would like to get more involved in volunteering when I get home.
CVA was my first stop. After CVA I am traveling with my dad to Cairns to see the Great Barrier Reef, and Sydney.
The most memorable moment so far was seeing the penguin parade at Phillip Island. The best bits about volunteering are travelling to places you wouldn't see as a tourist, meeting new people from different countries as well as locals, and being physical outdoors.
I saved money before I came. The program fee covers housing and food, so I don't need a lot of extra money!
If you're considering volunteering, be open to doing lots of different activities and meeting new people – and be willing to get your hands dirty. It is a great opportunity to meet new people, and travel to places I might not have otherwise got to. It's a great adventure.
