Applications for 2026 marine conservation placements are open
Volunteers surveying coral on a Great Barrier Reef island

Cairns, Queensland, Australia

Island Reef Research and Conservation

Real citizen science on the Great Barrier Reef, no experience needed. Two islands, 45 minutes from Cairns.
Check availabilityDownload the brief
Duration
1–3 weeks
From
AUD $2,160
Deposit
Via WeTravel
Dates
Via calendar
Minimum age
18 (17 with an accompanying adult)

See yourself there

Real moments from the project, the surroundings and where you’ll stay.

Why it matters

Based in the world's largest coral reef, this placement gives volunteers a genuine role in marine conservation and environmental research, no research background required. Working alongside trained marine biologists, volunteers contribute to the reef's long-term protection through coral surveying, reef monitoring and marine debris clean-ups across two islands 45 minutes from Cairns.

The data volunteers gather feeds real decisions, not a folder. Volunteers staying beyond week one join the marine turtle study, learning to identify individual turtles and at times swimming alongside them in the wild.

What you’ll do

  • Coral reef surveying
  • Turtle movement monitoring
  • Oceanographic data collection
  • Marine debris clean-ups

Shape your placement

1 week, 6 nights

AUD $2,160.

2 weeks, 13 nights

AUD $3,840. Most chosen.

3 weeks, 20 nights

AUD $5,520.

Dive certification is an optional add-on and can be added to any length. It requires an additional 3–5 days, depending on the certification level, and pricing varies by course.

A day on the project

  1. 06:30Breakfast at the Cairns hostel
  2. 07:00Depart as a group for the port
  3. 08:00Boat out to the day's reef survey site
  4. 09:00Surveying, turtle monitoring, oceanographic data or debris clean-up
  5. 12:00Lunch, then the return ferry to Cairns
  6. 13:00Free time (finish depends on the day's work)

How Your Contribution Creates Impact

  1. 01

    64%

    Money to the Project

    Direct funding to wildlife, marine, and community-based conservation fieldwork.

  2. 02

    3%

    Operations Costs

    Essential behind-the-scenes work: staffing, logistics, and ethical oversight.

  3. 03

    13%

    Accommodation

    Comfortable, eco-conscious lodging for your stay.

  4. 04

    3%

    Catering

    Locally sourced meals that support community food systems and local traders.

  5. 05

    13%

    Taxes & Charges

    Taxes, permits, and legal charges that uphold international and local standards.

  6. 06

    4%

    Donation

    Future Impact Fund – Additional contributions that extend support beyond your stay through ethical projects.

  • Registered Australian charity
  • No-touch welfare policy
  • Vetted project partners

I travelled 36 hours and would do it all again!

“I travelled a total of 36 hours to get to Cairns and 44 hours to get home, and I would do it all again for this experience. I am someone who does well under pressure and alone so I was not worried about circumnavigating the globe alone, but I am still proud of myself for proving to myself that I could. Once I settled in and got to know my roommates and co-volunteers, I knew I would be okay. It was hard work and I had illness my first and second week, but I found that the volunteer work helped me in my resilience. I made some dear friends that I am still in contact with. I would say to anyone hesitant about joining the program to just go for it! This world is meant to be experienced and life is meant to be lived. In my third week, I was the only volunteer and I felt like I was really able to help Helen get important work done between the two of us. It was nice to have the one on one time with her. My last week, we built the program around what I wanted to do. It was an amazing experience and I gained so much”

Charity M, United States

Practical detail

What’s included

  • Pre-departure support and project information booklet
  • Full day of training and orientation
  • Field equipment and materials
  • O2E welcome pack and t-shirt
  • Dormitory hostel accommodation in central Cairns
  • Lunch Monday–Friday
  • Ferry trips to the islands
  • 24-hour in-country support and O2E emergency phone
  • Certificate of participation on request

What’s not included

  • Flights
  • Visas and vaccinations
  • Travel insurance
  • Snacks and spending money
  • Local transport and tours
  • Return airport transfer (unless stated)

Book your place

Live fees and dates come straight from our booking system. Choose your dates in the calendar, or and our team will come back to you.

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