Aussie Bush Conservation

The Project

Volunteers work in the Aussie bush undertaking environmental conservation work. This includes research assistance, wildlife and habitat monitoring and data input, construction of new animal enclosures and the general care and maintenance of the project. 

Volunteers spend their time on a stunning wetlands reserve which serves as the centre of this science-led, conservation initiative focusing on the preservation of wilderness, the conservation of wildlife and ecological communities, cultural heritage and community wellbeing. Volunteers experience diverse landscapes including dry savannahs, swampy wetlands and endless forests of eucalypts.

The Reserve is home to several endangered species and more than 200 bird species, therefore, ongoing habitat monitoring, conservation management and wildlife research is a key focus of this project. The project seeks to formalised processes for collecting medical & rehabilitation data on Northern Australia’s species, while scientifically recording, analysing and sharing data to support the first-line defence against diseases of Northern Australia’s species. Volunteers are on the front line of helping us combat the challenge head-on!

The reserve provides medical care to rescued wildlife, particularly threatened species, therefore, when animals are in care, volunteers assist in the care and rehabilitation and release of these wild animals. Large raptor and macropod pens, bird aviaries and small mammal enclosures complement rescue and rehabilitation efforts and volunteers to engage in daily activities caring for some of Australia’s most iconic wildlife species.  Please note: unless there are animals in care, this is not a core volunteer activity.

Two nights in Cairns are included before and after the trip giving volunteers the opportunity to spend some time in the city and see what it has to offer. 

The Location

The project is based on the edge of the Cape York wilderness on a Tropical Wetlands Reserve approximately one hour’s drive west of Cairns. Proudly inhabited by the Muluridji people, the location has become synonymous for the northern Australian way of life, extraordinary wildlife and landscapes, tropical fruit such as mangos and paw paws, and fabulous local coffee grown on small plantations.

Mareeba is famous for several stunning natural locations from the incredible Barron Falls, the fabulous Granite Gorge Nature Park, Kuranda Rainforest Village, Crystal Cascades, Davies Creek National Park, Emerald Falls, and Lambs Head range with incredible hiking opportunities. To the north is Mount Molloy and its wonderful historic pub, ancient landscapes with escarpments and vast cattle stations.

Close to Mareeba are the Atherton Tablelands with ancient volcanic crater lakes, and upland rainforest offering great spots to see the incredible tree kangaroo species in the wild. The area is a mix of rainforest, wetlands and savanna and is home to numerous birds and wildlife such as tree kangaroos and wallabies. The region encompasses the Waterfalls Circuit, a 17km loop that includes Millaa Millaa Falls, ranges, spectacular national parks and coffee plantations.

Our Volunteers

Volunteers are involved in applied conservation management and research activities on the main reserve under the supervision of the ranger. The placement offers a variety of wildlife management and rehabilitation skills, as well as experience in applying field conservation.

Other activities may involve assisting in animal and bird rehabilitation from the daily work of feeding and cleaning enclosures, grounds maintenance, conducting structured behavioural observations and data collection on various species undergoing rehabilitation, wildlife surveys and other work across the savanna and wetlands. 

Conditions Onsite

The main challenge is the heat and humidity In the Wet season, and it can be difficult for people if they are not used to it. 

Bring a Telstra sim card so you have access to the internet. 

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“.

After waking and making breakfast, volunteers complete their morning shift on the wetlands in a small boat completing native flora and fauna species identification and mapping. The afternoon is spent enjoying lunch and free time, then the afternoon shift begins.  

Volunteers can apply their skills and acumen to any number of roles, ranging from harvesting / collecting, studying / research and monitoring wildlife in their natural habitat, fieldwork in the wider reserve involving checking / setting camera traps, photo-point monitoring, species observations, data input, feeding and watering animals in care, the release of animals back into the wild, building pens and enclosures, cleaning of enclosures, providing enrichment, care and rehabilitation duties and vehicle and equipment maintenance.

Depending upon the number of animals on-site and the time of year, volunteers spend time at the rehabilitation facility which incorporates a large raptor aviary and macropod pen. At any one time there will be up to 40 animals in our care ranging from aquatic species to reptiles, possums, birds, gliders and mammals of various shapes and sizes. There is a focus on endangered species when they are admitted to the shelter.

A tour of the nature reserve in an open-topped vehicle is one of the highlights enabling plenty of photo opportunities.

While volunteers are at the project, they can engage in a variety of free-time activities including walking, hiking, star gazing, taking out the canoe & electric boat and enjoying the exceptional wildlife watching opportunities on offer. 

Before or after your placement, there is no shortage of free activities to enjoy in this vibrant part of Australia, so why not take time out to base yourself in Cairns and see the local sights. It is the perfect place for adrenaline junkies and thrill-seekers looking for an exciting and unique experience.