Oceans 2 Earth Volunteers offers an amazing opportunity for domestic and international travellers alike in the Tropical North Queensland. The perfect backdrop for a unique 3-in-1 project that ventures from the exotic blue seas of the iconic Great Barrier Reef to the Australian bush land.
Starting on the first Sunday of every month, the 3-week expedition for international volunteers provides passionate conservation advocates a chance to gain insights into the some of the challenges facing the ecosystems of both the Great Barrier Reef and Tropical Wetlands of Mareeba. This project connects people who share the common value of conserving and protecting these ecosystems and their inhabitants.
Week 1
Island Reef Research & Conservation
The first arrival point for volunteers is the Island Reef Research & Conservation Project on the iconic Great Barrier Reef.
Volunteers receive the appropriate training to become volunteer marine researchers learning about some of the unique fish and coral species on the Reef. In partnership with expert oceanographic organisations, volunteers help in collecting scientific marine data for long-term surveys and monitoring on the endangered Great Barrier Reef and participate in marine debris clean-ups.
The Great Barrier Reef faces ongoing threats and challenges that continue to degrade the condition of the Reef, including ocean warming, ocean acidification causing coral bleaching, mining, overfishing and pollution among others. With the help of international volunteers and local Aussies like you, we hope to have a meaningful and positive impact to help in combating some of the threats to this unique and exquisite ecosystem.
Please note for the months of March, April and September, week 1 is spent at the Turtle Rehabilitation Centre (also Week 2’s activity).
Week 2
Turtle Rehabilitation Centre
Week 2 offers a new adventure on a tropical island on the Great Barrier Reef at a Turtle Rehabilitation Centre.
Volunteers continue their conservation efforts spending time caring for rescued sea turtles and experiencing first hand the direct impact we as humans have on these animals and their habitat. Volunteers participate in a range of activities including food preparation, feeding, cleaning tanks and assisting with other activities that eventually lead to the release of the sea turtles back into the sea.
Time permitting, you may have the opportunity to swim with green and hawksbill sea turtles in the wild and other charismatic sea creatures – an experience that will never be forgotten.
in March, April and September, Week 1 and Week 2 are spent at the Turtle Rehabilitation Centre)
Week 3
Aussie Bush Safari Conservation
For volunteers keen to venture further into the wilderness, the Aussie Bush Safari Conservation project offers an opportunity to experience and work at the heart of a Tropical Wetland Reserve in the North West of Cairns. Volunteers can take in all the diverse landscapes the Australian native bush land has to offer including forests of eucalypts, swampy wetlands and dry savannahs, areas that are home to emus, kangaroos and wallabies amongst many other species.
Set amongst a stunning backdrop of woodlands and wetlands holding a rich biomass of flora and fauna, Oceans 2 Earth Volunteers are sure to be inspired by one of the Earth’s true wilderness areas both ecologically and culturally significant. Volunteers stay in safari-style canvas tents complimented with bathroom amenities and an array of wildlife coming to shade themselves under the tents.
This exciting adventure gives participants the opportunity to care for several animals including endangered species at a small wildlife rehabilitation area at the project site by bottle-feeding young and exercising birds of prey in preparation for eventual release back into the wild. Conservation work includes assisting with research, wildlife and habitat monitoring, data entry, the construction of new animal enclosures and general maintenance and care of facility. No two days are identical, allowing volunteers to work on science-led conservation initiatives, wildlife preservation programs and the protection of habitat.
Extra Activities in Queensland
There is always time to take part in some fun holiday activities while you are volunteering in Australia.
Tropical North Queensland has a stunning landscape where participants can spend weekends off exploring the tropical paradise.
For those who are the more adventurous type, volunteers are free to experience white water rafting, freshwater swimming, skydiving, bungee jumping and biking through rainforest. For relaxing and unwinding, there are dozens of restaurants, cafés and clubs to see. Take a step back and take in all of the culture and colour Northern Queensland has to offer.
Oceans 2 Earth Volunteers is a multi-award winning and Australian operated charity organisation connecting animal and nature lovers with sustainable, ethical and conscientious non-profit organisations around the world. Oceans 2 Earth Volunteers operate over 30 programs in 7 countries including 12 animal welfare and marine conservation programs in Australia.
How You Can Get Involved
Register your interest and book a placement through Oceans 2 Earth Volunteers website to experience this exciting and diverse adventure in the Tropical Far North Queensland.
Email the Oceans 2 Earth team at volunteers@oceans2earth.org for more information on this unique opportunity.
Written by Shalee Rae, writer for Oceans 2 Earth Volunteers
