The Project

The Tasmanian Wildlife & Penguin Refuge is a haven for sick, injured, displaced and orphaned animals and marine life. Animals are rescued or brought into the sanctuary and receive medical care before being returned to the wild. Animals include a variety of animals and marine life such as wallabies, pademelons, echidnas, wombats, penguins, sugar gliders and even Tasmanian devils!

 The objective of the shelter is to release as many animals back into the wild as possible, therefore, when animals are rescued or brought into the sanctuary, they receive medical care and recover before being returned to their natural habitat.  Care encompasses bottle feeding babies, exercising animals, administering medication and providing a nurturing environment as many very young joeys respond to cuddles like all babies. The animals are dehumanised before release.

The shelter also raises baby Tasmanian devils, although these animals are under the direction of the Government’s Save the Tasmanian Devil Program (STDP), which is the official response to the threat of extinction of the Tasmanian devil due to Devil Facial Tumour Disease (DFTD).

Fiordland Crested Penguins and Little Blue Penguins are most likely in care from December to April but this changes every year due to the climate changing. They also take into care unwanted, preloved companion and aviary birds and rehome them.

Volunteer contributions go towards animal care & husbandry, the day to day running of the shelter and the upgrading of the facilities.

Wildlife Release Program

Wildlife is released into the wild when ready in a variety of places as per the suitability of the species, Bennetts wallabys, Tasmanian Pademelons and Eastern Grey Kangaroos are released from onsite. Tasmanian Devils are vet checked and a biopsy performed to determine their genetic suitability, then mostly released at the site of capture by government project staff.

The Location

Bicheno is located 185kms North-East of Hobart, in Tasmania. With only a population of 950 people, it never has any shortage of people due to the appeal that is has to tourists. It is one of the East Coasts most popular holiday destinations due to the stunning coastal scenery and unique activities on offer, and aside from swimming, foreshore walks and beachcombing, Bicheno offers fantastic wildlife experiences. Bicheno is a fishing town, therefore there is an array of fresh seafood available as well as an abundance of great restaurants and cafes. Just a short drive away are vineyards, National Parks, beaches and nature watching including the penguin parade as they waddle up the beach to their burrows, a favourite activity for tourists. 

The Surrounding Area

Tasmania, an isolated island state off Australia’s south coast, is known for its vast, rugged wilderness areas which are largely protected within parks and reserves, and its fine foods and cuisines, especially high-quality cheeses, wines and chocolate. Tassie is also home to the breweries of some of Australia's most respected modern beer brands such as Cascade and Boags.

Hobart is the capital of Australia's island state of Tasmania and sits on the River Derwent. At its fashionable Salamanca Place, old sandstone warehouses house galleries and cafes and markets bustle on a weekend. Nearby is Battery Point, a historic district with narrow lanes and colonial-era cottages. Battery Point was settled in the earliest days of Hobart Town in the early 1800’s, and has retained the winding streets, colonial architecture and historical ambiance that make it one of the most fascinating historic precincts in all of Australia. The city's backdrop is 1,270m-high Mount Wellington, with sweeping views, plus hiking and cycling trails.

What to Bring

• Long trousers
• Long sleeve shirts
• Trainers with good tread on them for general work
• Gumboots or hiking / work boots
• Mosquito spray
• Sunhat

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“.