In the last 200 years, Australia has lost many of its iconic species and has one of the worst mammal extinction rates in the world. As a volunteer, you have the opportunity to work alongside local Australian organizations that have collaborated with ISV to develop hands-on conservation Volunteer Projects. Your efforts will help to protect and restore the unique and fragile Australian landscapes that provide habitat for Australia's threatened flora and fauna. As projects focus on habitat restoration, you may find yourself working in a wildlife sanctuary, doing scientific research or an outdoor education project.
ISV has projects spread across the continent. By volunteering with ISV in Australia, you could find yourself assisting in any of these areas:
Projects are spread across the continent of Australia (except Western Australia) and are continuously updated, according to the changing needs of our host organizations.
Each project runs for two weeks and is operated in partnership with well-established conservation organizations including, not-for-profits, government and non-government organizations (NGOs), private industries, and local grassroots groups. Projects are based in various locations, from the remote outback to Australian suburbs. Each volunteer team will be supervised and directed by professional staff from the host organization and will be accompanied by an ISV project leader. The volunteer team will consist of around 8 - 10 people, depending on the project.
Please note: certain projects only operate on specific program dates.
No prior experience or expertise in environmental areas is needed in order to participate. Accommodations vary with projects, ranging from volunteer houses, dormitory style accommodations to research stations. Meals (3 per day) will be provided during the volunteer project.
ABC News AU recently covered a local volunteer event that involved planting 2,000 trees.
You will travel throughout Australia's beautiful East Coast between Sydney and Cairns, exploring the World Heritage Areas of the Blue Mountains, Fraser Island- the world's largest sand island, the Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics areas. In addition, you will also travel to primary rainforests, wild rivers, pristine beaches and experience the cultural attractions of Sydney and Cairns.
Participate in activities such as:
- Snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef
- White Water rafting on the Tully River
- Discovering Fraser Island, the largest sand island in the world
- Visiting a traditional Aboriginal cultural center
- Ocean Rafting to the famous Whitehaven Beach in the Whitsunday Islands
- Surfing at the eastern most point of Australia, Byron Bay
- Rappelling down sandstone cliffs in the Blue Mountains
- Visiting an Australian Wildlife Park
- Sunset Cruise on Sydney Harbor
- Experiencing the true Aussie night life of Sydney and Cairns
Note: See ISV's Tour Itinerary (below) which specifies the Program's Included Activities and those provided in the ISV Optional Activity Package.
Adventure Tour Locations
“This trip changed my perspective on life. I got to do everything I would never do at home…water rafting, surfing, skydiving and snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef. I will remember this for the rest of my life.”
Megan DeRamus – University of Alabama
Adventure Tour Itinerary: Sydney to Cairns (Northbound)
Note: Depending on your departure date and allocated volunteer project, you may participate on the Cairns to Sydney (Southbound) tour itinerary which operates in the opposite direction with minor variations.
Day 1 – Arrive in Sydney: Return to Sydney from your Conservation Volunteer Project. Unwind with a free night out in Sydney (host of the 2000 Olympic Games).
Day 2 – Sydney (Free Day / Harbor Cruise): Free Day to explore the best of Sydney including Darling Harbor, the historical rocks area, the Royal Botanical Gardens, Sydney Opera House, beautiful beaches and much more. You may want to visit the Sydney Tower or Sydney Aquarium and in the evening take a sunset cocktail cruise in one of the most famous harbors in the world (ISV Optional Activity Package).
Day 3 – *Blue Mountains (Wildlife Park / Rappelling): Today we drive 40 miles west of Sydney to the breathtaking Blue Mountains. On the way, we stop at Featherdale Wildlife Park (ISV Included Activity) to see Australia’s unique wildlife such as kangaroos and koalas. In the Blue Mountains, we will get to see the famous “Three Sisters” rock formations, and in the afternoon test your courage by rappelling (ISV Optional Activity Package). The scenic sandstone cliffs and gorges of the Blue Mountains are an excellent rappelling location for beginners and experts alike! After dinner, we will take an overnight trip to Byron Bay.
Day 4 – Byron Bay (Surf Lessons): Today we experience the friendly and eclectic culture of beautiful Byron Bay. Learn to surf at the beautiful Byron Bay Beach (ISV Optional Activity Package), and you might be lucky enough to see dolphins or migrating whales. Explore the town or hike to Cape Byron (Australia's eastern most point).
Day 5 – Byron Bay (Free Day): Today is a free day to enjoy the beautiful town of Byron Bay and practice your new surfing skills! You may want to relax at the beach, explore the town, trek to the lighthouse at Cape Byron (Australia's eastern most point) for views of the Pacific Ocean or take part in a number of additional activities available.
Day 6 – Byron Bay to*Fraser Island (Lake Wabby): Get ready to discover the amazing Fraser Island - the largest sand island in the world. Discover the diversity and natural beauty as you explore spectacular surf beaches and stunning cliffs of colored sands.
Day 7 – *Fraser Island (Indian Head Tour): Today we will discover the best of Fraser Island on the Indian Head Full-Day Tour (ISV Included Activity). We will cruise along the amazing 75-mile beach to swim in Eli Creek, see the famous Maheno shipwreck and climb to the top of Indian Head for magnificent views of the surrounding sand below, beaches and the Pacific Ocean.
Day 8 – *Fraser Island to Airlie Beach (Lake Wabby & Birrabeen): Today we continue to experience the amazing scenery and wildlife (e.g. dingoes) of Fraser Island. This morning you will have the option to trek over sand dunes and swim in the beautiful emerald-green Lake Wabby (ISV Optional Activity Package), the deepest of Fraser Islands lakes. Tonight, we leave for the backpacker town of Airlie Beach, gateway to the Whitsunday Islands.
Day 9 – Airlie Beach (Ocean Rafting): Airlie Beach is the perfect place to soak up the sun and the warm tropical weather! Today you’ll have the option to go Ocean Rafting (ISV Optional Activity Package), to Whitehaven Beach. Experience what is known as the whitest sand in the world at Whitehaven Beach. On this Ocean Rafting adventure, participants will also go snorkeling and take a guided walk on Whitsunday Island. This evening, enjoy the nightlife of this lively town filled with international travelers.
Day 10 – Airlie Beach to Cairns: We continue north to the city of Cairns, gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, and the adrenaline capital of Australia.
Day 11 – Cairns (Reef Teach & Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park): In the morning, we will visit Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park (ISV Included Activity) where we will learn about the history, art, dance and way of life of Australia's indigenous people. This afternoon we will visit "Reef Teach" (ISV Included Activity), a fun information session on the Great Barrier Reef, which will prepare you for your snorkeling trip tomorrow.
Day 12 – Cairns (*Great Barrier Reef): We spend the day on the Great Barrier Reef for a full day of snorkeling at two different reefs (ISV Included Activity). There’s also the opportunity to scuba dive at an additional cost (even if you have never been scuba diving before!) Here you will explore the diversity of marine life from the largest reef of living coral in the world. Some participants will take the option to spend the day and night onboard another vessel called “Kangaroo Explorer”** and take advantage of an extra day of diving and snorkeling.
Day 13 – Cairns (Free Day): A free day to explore the many attractions in Cairns & surrounding areas. Options available include spending an extra day on the Great Barrier Reef, skydiving, bungee jumping or exploring other areas in or around Cairns including Cape Tribulation where two World Heritage areas meet: the *Daintree Rainforest and the * Great Barrier Reef.. Those participants who opted to spend the night on the “Kangaroo Explorer” (see above) will return this afternoon.
Day 14: – Tully River: Depart for the Tully River to white water raft grade III and IV rapids (ISV Included Activity) through pristine tropical rainforest in yet another World Heritage area, the *Wet Tropics!
Day 15: – Depart for home, Fiji, or stay on in Australia: Early morning domestic flight to Brisbane followed by an international departure. The ISV Adventure Ends!
Note: (*) Represents World Heritage listed areas. (**) Limited positions available
Accommodations: All accommodations have been carefully selected for their comfort and ideal locations. Accommodations range from nice tourist class hotels to youth hostels (dormitory style).
Meals: Most meals are provided by ISV. Meals during times of sightseeing will be the responsibility of participants. ISV also stays in many accommodations with kitchen facilities to allow students to prepare some of their own meals.
Activities: ISV includes a minimum of five activities to make your experience unforgettable. Activities are subject to change but may include activities such as snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef, white water rafting the Tully River, Featherdale Wildlife Park, full day trip exploring Fraser Island and the Tjabukai Aboriginal Cultural Park.
Volunteer Project: ISV will send you the project overview for your assigned volunteer project along with your ISV Participant Travel Manual approximately 30 days prior to departure.
Disclaimer: Exact dates, itineraries, accommodations and included activities will be given to participants in the ISV Participant Travel Manual approximately 30 days prior to departure. ISV reserves the right to change the ISV tour itinerary, accommodations and activities without notice. Any and all changes are within the discretion of ISV, Inc.
Optional Activity Package (OAP)
Nature Sanctuary: Make a difference to Australia's wildlife!
Habitat Restoration: Volunteer in unique Australian landscapes!
Scientific Research: Collect data to make a difference!
Outdoor Education: Help educate and inspire others!
