Australia - Australian Conservation Experience

This project offers a fun and friendly opportunity to contribute, in a practical way, to the conservation of the unique Australian environment. Help restore the region's ecology back to its natural, native state!

Program Highlights:

• Explore rainforests, waterfalls, coastal and mountain regions
• Work with a team for the conservation of wetlands, coastal sand dunes and woodlands 
• See unique Australian wildlife up-close, such as koalas, kangaroos, emus and more
• Discover the Twelve Apostles, London Arch and Loch Ard Gorge
• Visit the famous surfing location of Bells Beach

Itinerary:

Arrival Day, Sunday: Arrive at Melbourne Airport (MEL). Volunteers are encouraged arrive on Sunday for Monday's early start. Sunday night accommodations are not included in program price. It is recommended for volunteers to book these accommodations in Melbourne. 

Day 1, Monday: Meet the local team at Docklands Ferry Terminal in Melbourne where you'll take a ferry across bustling Port Phillip Bay.  With luck you’ll catch a glimpse of dolphins or whales (in winter) and take in the distant granite peaks of the You Yang mountains. Upon arrival you’ll begin your conservation activities on the foreshore and Ramsar-listed Swan Bay Wetlands, helping with habitat restoration and marine debris collection. With luck you’ll see a sea eagle and other wildlife throughout the afternoon. Overnight in Queenscliff, Portarlington or Barwan Heads.

Day 2, Tuesday: Volunteers will begin their conservation activities by helping with coastal sand dune rehabilitation at scenic Barwon Heads. This site enjoys fantastic views of the Southern Ocean and the many bluffs and lighthouses along the coastline.  In the afternoon volunteers will start the trip along the famous Great Ocean Road: sites to see include the Eastern View (Memorial) Arch, iconic surfing destination Bells Beach, Split Point Lighthouse and Aireys Inlet. Finally, volunteers will settle into their overnight accommodation in the picturesque township of Lorne. 

Day 3, Wednesday: Start with a visit to Erskine Falls, then discover the lighthouses, rainforests and koalas of Otway National Park. Volunteers then visit the famous Twelve Apostles, London Bridge and Loch Ard Gorge along the Shipwreck Coast. Keep a lookout for migrating whales between June and September. At twilight you’ll visit Tower Hill and take an Aboriginal cultural tour to learn about bush tucker, Aboriginal lifestyles and native wildlife.  Learn how to throw a boomerang, and as night closes in you’ll hopefully see emus, kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas and a range of birdlife. You will end your action-packed day by overnighting in the town of Warrnambool, at the very end of the Great Ocean Road.  

Day 4, Thursday: Volunteers will stay within the vicinity of Warrnambool and support the conservation efforts of the local Basalt to Bay Landcare network. Get ready for a full day of volunteering on seasonal environmental activities such as tree planting, pest plant control and flora and fauna surveys in rare and special places. Tonight, you’ll return to the accommodation in Warrnambool and get better acquainted with the historic buildings and attractive streetscapes of this friendly regional coastal town. 

Day 5, Friday: For the final day, travel inland and east towards Melbourne via the volcanic western plains where you’ll volunteer at the wildlife haven of Serendip Sanctuary. Our activities will focus on invasive weed control, native vegetation and animal habitat management. The sanctuary provides opportunities for close encounters with wildlife such as emus and eastern grey kangaroos, along with a variety of birdlife such as brolgas, whistling kites and spoonbills. Lastly, we’ll drive to the dramatic granite peaks of You Yangs National Park for a nature walk, before returning to city life in Melbourne. Volunteers will depart on this day. Weekend accommodations are not included in the one-week price.


Please note: Schedule is subject to change.


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