This unique placement opportunity is not offered anywhere else and gives volunteers to truly make a difference to marine conservation. Based in the world’s largest coral reef, the Island Reef Research and Conservation project offers volunteers the opportunity to participate in valued conservation activities and environmental research endeavours.
Volunteers work in collaboration with various oceanographic organisations to research the ecosystem, monitor and survey the reef, and help clean up beaches of marine debris.
Work sites are based across two distinct islands, 45-minutes from the Port of Cairns.
The program gives participants the freedom to explore Far North East Queensland with free afternoons, evenings and weekends, traveling to an iconic location that is under serious threat from coral bleaching, pollution, mining, overfishing and climate change among other factors.
Oceans 2 Earth Volunteers aim to ensure each volunteer walks away with a tangible sense of fulfilment from participating in our once in a lifetime program, being impassioned and empowered to protect our precious planet.
Location – Explore
the Heart of the Great Barrier Reef
Your marine conservation journey
takes you to Far North Queensland, a region renowned for its breathtaking
tropical landscapes, rich biodiversity, and world-famous coral reefs. Based
in Cairns, a vibrant coastal city, you’ll have direct access to the
Great Barrier Reef, the largest and most spectacular living structure on
Earth.
The
Great Barrier Reef – A Natural Wonder
Stretching 2,300 kilometres, the Great Barrier
Reef is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed ecosystem that can be seen
from space. This natural masterpiece is home to an astonishing diversity of
marine life, including:
- 🌿 600 species of coral
– Soft and hard corals creating vibrant underwater cities.
- 🐠 1,625 species of fish
– From tiny reef fish to majestic groupers and parrotfish.
- 🦈 133 species of sharks and
rays – Including reef sharks, hammerheads, and manta rays.
- 🐢 6 of the world’s 7 marine
turtle species – Including the ancient green sea turtle.
- 🐳 30+ species of whales and
dolphins – Humpbacks, dwarf minke whales, and more.
Cairns
– The Gateway to Adventure
Nestled between the reef
and lush tropical rainforests, Cairns is a bustling eco-tourism hub.
It’s the perfect base for marine conservation, offering a warm,
welcoming climate year-round and easy access to pristine islands, coral
atolls, and protected marine zones.
Beyond the reef, the
surrounding landscapes include the Atherton Tablelands, ancient Daintree
Rainforest, and stunning coastal mangroves, supporting unique wildlife
and playing a crucial role in reef sustainability.
A
Conservation Hotspot
This dynamic region isn’t just
a tourist paradise—it’s a critical area for marine research and protection.
The reef faces challenges from climate change, pollution, and coral
bleaching, making your contribution as a volunteer vital in
safeguarding this fragile ecosystem for future generations.
With its
blend of natural beauty, biodiversity, and cutting-edge marine research,
Cairns is the ultimate location for a once-in-a-lifetime conservation
experience. Get ready to study, explore, and make a real impact in one
of the world’s most precious ecosystems! 🌊✨
Please Note* The second instalment of your project fees is due within 1 week after you paid the deposit on Volunteer World. This is a total of $495 AUD and comes off your balance. The balance is due 90 days prior to travel. For all further information about the fees, please scroll down to the section "Program Fees“.
