How to volunteer your way to a holiday in Queensland

Removing debris and litter from in and around the magical Whitsunday waters is a life-saving task that can be done with Eco Barge Clean Seas.

This not-for-profit organisation has removed over 200,000 kilograms of pollution from the Whitsunday region since 2009. Not only do they eliminate objects that harm marine life and damage their ecosystem, but they recycle and transform ocean plastics to reduce landfill entirely. Plus, they nurture sick and injured marine turtles back to prime health.

Founder, Libby Edge is dedicated to protecting and preserving the marine environment so generations to come can enjoy its beauty. Libby established Eco Barge Clean Seas after learning about the devastating effects that marine debris has on the residents of the sea.

To volunteer for one of their barge trips (as part of the Whitsunday Marine Debris Removal Program), head to their website and fill out your details. The barge, which holds up to 10 volunteers at a time, will take you to known impacted bays and beaches. Expect to pick up approximately 300 kilograms of debris during the trip! Note: morning tea and lunch is provided.

Connect with Indigenous Culture

When it’s turtle season (from November to March), the Mon Repos rockery near Bundaberg can always use an extra set of hands to help the newborn loggerheads reach their ocean home.

You don’t need any specific qualifications to take part in this very special experience, just a commitment to donate one night per week. As well as helping the rangers with visitor groups and turtle research, you might be called on to staff the entrance and souvenir shop, provide information to visitors and run the children’s activities.

Over on Wilson Island, the locals have four fins and spend their days swimming the waters of the Great Barrier Reef. Visit during nesting and hatching season and you could witness the wonder of turtles laying their eggs, or baby hatchlings emerging from their nests to scurry to the water.

Be a wildlife warrior

Head to Australia Zoo on the Sunshine Coast to help this conservation destination in its daily duties.

Volunteers learn new skills, gain an exclusive look into being a zookeeper, and meet some amazing animals and people. Choose from being a Keeper or a Customer Relations Volunteer; as a Keeper, your tasks will range from cleaning and maintenance, food preparation, animal observation, assisting keepers, and interacting with visitors at the daily Wildlife Warrior Colosseum Show. As a Customer Relations Volunteer, you’ll get to welcome visitors, answer people’s questions and help them navigate the zoo, and assist with guided tours, regular promotional events and children’s activities.

Alternatively, over on the Gold Coast is Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, which is a not-for-profit organisation and reinvests all proceeds back into wildlife and conservation programs. Here can join in as a valued volunteer - whether it be assisting wildlife keepers in the Sanctuary, liaising with guests, or preparing blankets ready to house injured wildlife bought in from the public. Choose between both short term and ongoing volunteering options.

Join a bush tribe

If you’re over 18, register as a volunteer with Bush Heritage Australia to be notified of roles going in the beautiful bushland.

Bush Heritage Australia is an independent not-for-profit organisation that buys and manages land, and partners with Aboriginal people to preserve our landscapes and irreplaceable native species.

As a volunteer, there are a plethora of tasks you can work on. Reserve tasks range from caretaking, grounds and building maintenance, fencing, feral animal control, weed control, ecological monitoring and other ongoing land management activities. Office tasks include research, administration, fundraising, events and other important projects.

Live like a local