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WEEKS 1 & 2 Volunteer Project

Each volunteer work project runs for the 1st two weeks and is operated in partnership with well-established conservation organizations including, not-for-profits, government and non government organizations (NGOs), private industries, and local grassroots groups. Projects are based in various locations, from the remote outback to Australian suburbs.

Volunteer Work Projects
Each project can be broadly classified based on the goals of the host organization, the project location, and the primary work task.

Habitat Restoration projects encompass a huge variety of locations both on public and privately owned land. The goal of these projects is to improve local habitats through native revegetation and sometimes recreational facilities improvement including trail building. The primary task on these projects is weeding and native species planting. (ALT, CVA, Phillip Island, TLC, WCMA, Mt Tomah)

Wildlife Sanctuary projects include any project located in a designated wildlife or nature sanctuary. The goal of these projects is to conserve native animals in a relatively natural setting. Primary tasks vary across projects and can include fencing, weeding, planting, surveying, and animal husbandry. All of these tasks are directly related to the establishment or maintenance of the sanctuary and habitat, and animals within it. (AEF, AWC, Banrock, Walkabout)

Scientific Research projects take place in a variety of locations, but the primary goal of the project is to undertake tasks related to a designated research study. Primary tasks may be directly related to the study and include animal and plant surveys, monitoring, experimental set-up, and other data collection. Tasks may also be indirectly related to the research goals of the organization and include weeding, planting, and operation of educational facilities. (DSE, AUSTROP, Koonamore)

Outdoor Education projects are located on privately-owned land which has been designated as an outdoor education facility. The goal of these projects is to foster in visitors an understanding and appreciation of nature and conservation. Primary tasks vary and can include weeding, planting, building, trail maintenance, and property maintenance. (Wild Mountains, The Crossing, YET)

CONSERVATION HOST ORGANIZATIONS

• Australian Ecosystems Foundation Inc.
• Australian Landscape Trust (ALT)
• Australian Tropical Research Foundation (AUSTROP)
• Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC)
• Banrock Station Conservation Volunteers Australia (CVA)
• The Crossing Land Educational Center
• Department of Sustainability & Environment (DSE)
• Phillip Island Nature Park
• Tasmanian Land Conservancy (TLC)
• University of Adelaide (School of Earth & Environmental Science, Koonamore Research Station)
• Walkabout Wildlife Park
• Wild Mountains Trust
• Wimmera Catchment Management Authority (WCMA)
• MT Tomah Botanic Garden
• Youth Enterprise Trust (YET)

WEEKS 3 & 4 Adventure Tour

Day 1: Arrive in Sydney: Return to Sydney from your Conservation Work Project for orientation. Unwind with a free night out in Sydney.

Day 2: Sydney: Free Day to explore the best of Sydney including Darling Harbor, The historical Rocks area, the Royal Botanical Gardens, Sydney Opera House and much more. Take an evening sunset cruise on Sydney Harbor to see the city light up by night.

Day 3: Blue Mountains: Today you visit Featherdale Wildlife Park to see up close Australia's unique wildlife including Kangaroos, Koalas, Wombats and more! You then drive two hours west of Sydney to the breathtaking Blue Mountains. Here you may enjoy the ultimate rush of rappelling down 180ft sandstone cliffs. Tonight you drive overnight to Byron Bay.

Day 4: Byron Bay (Surf Lessons): Today you experience the friendly and eclectic culture of beautiful Byron Bay. Explore the town, try surfing on the best learning waves in Australia or hike to Cape Byron (Australia's eastern most point)

Day 5: Byron Bay (Free Day): Today is a free day to enjoy the beautiful town of Byron Bay and practice your new surfing skills! Some of the options available are sea kayaking, skydiving, horse riding, hang gliding, snorkeling, diving or you may choose to walk to the most easterly point of Australia and Byron Bay lighthouse, a great spot for whale watching!

Day 6: Byron Bay to Fraser Island (Lake Wabby): Get ready to discover the amazing Fraser Island - the largest sand island in the world. You'll arrive on Fraser in the afternoon and swim in one of the many freshwater lakes before settling into our accommodations.

Day 7: Fraser Island (Indian Head Tour): Enjoy the diversity and natural beauty of Fraser Island as you explore spectacular surf beaches and stunning cliffs of colored sand; a full day tour of the best of Fraser Island.

Day 8: Fraser Island to Airlie Beach (Lake Birrabeen): Before departing for Airlie Beach in the afternoon, you have time to go hiking through rainforest and swimming in another of Fraser's beautiful freshwater lakes.

Day 9: Airlie Beach (Ocean Rafting): Experience what is known as the whitest sand in the world at Whitehaven Beach. On this Ocean Rafting adventure participants will also go snorkeling and take a guided walk on Whitsunday Island.

Day 10: Airlie Beach to Cairns: You continue north to the city of Cairns, gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, and the adrenaline capital of Australia.

Day 11: Cairns (Reef Teach & Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park): Today you will visit 'Reef Teach', an educational workshop on the Great Barrier Reef to prepare you for your snorkeling trip tomorrow. You spend the afternoon visiting Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park where you will learn about the history, art, dance and way of life of Australia's indigenous people. A free night to continue exploring Cairns.

Day 12: Cairns (Great Barrier Reef): Explore the largest coral reef in the world, the Great Barrier Reef. You will visit two stunning reefs where you can snorkel or as an option try scuba diving with some of the best coral and marine life in the world. Take the option to spend a night onboard the Kangaroo Explorer** to take advantage of an extra day diving and snorkeling. (**) Limited positions available.

Day 13: Cairns (Free Day): Options include spending an extra day on the Great Barrier Reef, skydiving, bungee jumping or exploring other areas in or around Cairns including Cape Tribulation where two World Heritage areas meet: the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef.

Day 14: Tully River: Depart for the Tully River to white water raft grade III and IV rapids through pristine tropical rainforest in yet another World Heritage area, the Wet Tropics!

Day 15: Your trip finishes in Cairns.