Volunteer Programs in Australia

At International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), we unite people from over 96 countries who want to make a meaningful difference while exploring the world. With 300+ projects in 40+ destinations, IVHQ offers the widest selection of volunteer programs globally—from Teaching and Childcare to Wildlife Conservation, Medical Outreach, and Environmental Sustainability. Since 2007, IVHQ has supported over 147,000 volunteers on life-changing journeys. We specialize in fully-hosted volunteer trips that are safe, affordable, and accessible—starting from just $20 per day. Your experience includes airport pick-up, accommodation, meals, and round-the-clock support from our local teams. With flexible booking options and no change fees, planning your volunteer adventure has never been easier. Our programs run year-round and are available for 1 to 24 weeks across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Pacific, South and Central America, North America, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. Volunteering with IVHQ is about more than giving back—it’s about growing, learning, and building genuine global connections.

This Gapforce program is an action-packed, six-week tour combining travel and adventure with volunteering on Australia's famed East Coast. Your journey begins in the awesome city of Sydney before heading north to Brisbane via the legendary Byron Bay. You will spend two weeks volunteering on an environmental conservation project, a great way to give back to this amazing country, before continuing north into Queensland. Sailing on the Whitsunday islands, 4x4 jeep rides on Fraser Island, and snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef are just some of the highlights. Your epic adventure ends with a week in Cape Tribulation, a stunning paradise where the reef meets the rainforest.

Experiencing the Great Barrier Reef is a bucket list item for many. Combine with marine conservation activities, and you have a volunteering program like no other! This amazing dive (or snorkel) program allows budding marine conservation volunteers to learn or improve their skills through a well-renowned dive operator while participating in a credible reef monitoring program. With a high commitment to environmental protection and sustainability, this unique dive program falls under the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority’s monitoring program, “Eye on the Reef”, and is designed for volunteers interested in scuba diving, marine conservation, and spending time in this incredible marine park. From learning to dive, advancing your dive skills, or participating as a snorkeler, all volunteers will spend time with reef experts to monitor the reef and its marine inhabitants for the Marine Park’s conservation program. Volunteers will find this to be an amazing learning and conservation experience. For those with a passion for marine conservation, this program promises to deliver a life-changing experience.

Looking for an international internship that will set you apart—and give you the skills, experience, and confidence to thrive in your career? Connect-123 designs fully customized programs that match your background and goals, offering hands-on experience in some of the world’s most exciting cities: Barcelona, Buenos Aires, Cape Town, Dublin, and Sydney. Whether you’re a student, recent graduate, or experienced professional, our programs span dozens of fields including business, finance, medicine, public health, journalism, marketing, human rights, law, sustainability, education, and more. You’ll gain meaningful, career-related experience while also exploring life in a new culture. We take care of the details so you can focus on making the most of your time abroad. From the moment you apply, our team helps guide you through the process, secure your placement, and prepare you for your new adventure. With flexible start dates and customizable program lengths, your life-changing internship begins on your schedule.

Looking to apply your talent and expertise to a good cause? Find a program that matches your interests and skills through Volunteer World! We are the largest volunteer abroad comparison platform around the globe, enabling you to seek and compare offers from major travel agencies as well as smaller grassroots NGOs and local specialists in more than 80 countries. All these with just one click! Find projects in wildlife, teaching, community development, and several other areas. Simply choose your desired destination and desired travel date, and our search engine will compare the best volunteer abroad programs on your behalf. Whether you wish to gain experience at a wildlife sanctuary in South Africa or teach English at a monastery in Nepal, we've got you covered. Volunteer World guarantees a quick and easy application. We will guide you through this process, as well as help plan your next meaningful trip. We provide free access to quality-checked projects and flexible options. And if anything goes wrong, we've got your back with our qualified support team and our refund guarantee.

This program goes beyond ordinary high school travel programs and build cross-cultural community service summer trips perfectly geared to your interests and curiosities. Whether you’re looking to contribute to authentic service projects, experience exhilarating adventure, or develop your language skills, GoBeyond will immerse you in a new culture where you can make a meaningful difference while on the journey of a lifetime. Our high school community service summer programs proudly serve in many under-resourced communities and environments throughout the world. Explore our journeys in the British Virgin Islands, Costa Rica, Galapagos & Ecuador, Peru, Iceland, Spain, China, Thailand, India, Sri Lanka, and Australia. Beyond experiencing the adventure of a lifetime and creating lasting memories, we believe our community service summer trips enable lasting positive change in the world. For over forty years, we’ve been transforming communities, environments, and students’ lives through meaningful, collaborative adventures and service that develop skills and a more sophisticated worldly outlook—ultimately shaping the person you become.

Fly across the International Dateline and arrive in the Land Down Under! Our journey to Australia and New Zealand is a TFT favorite, combining adventure with cultural exploration and major travel destinations with little-known gems. In New Zealand, we will experience the country’s famed natural beauty and enjoy a boat cruise on picture-perfect Milford Sound in the mountains. During the cruise, we will watch for penguins, seals, and even dolphins! We will also take an exhilarating ride on the world’s fastest jet boat, zooming through rock canyons. To cap off our time in New Zealand, we will enjoy a traditional Maori ceremony and even have the chance to learn the dance and participate! After New Zealand, we’ll hop on a short flight for the ultimate Australian experience. Here, we will enjoy the best of Australia’s wildlife while completing service work with local organizations dedicated to protecting the country’s unique and diverse wildlife and natural habitat. Projects include working at a rehabilitation center where we will help care for injured and orphaned tree-kangaroos and reintroduce them back into the wild, and visiting an endangered ecosystem.

Experience an unforgettable 10-week Gap Year Semester through New Zealand and Australia, two of the world’s most amazing travel destinations. This Pacific Discovery program is designed for students taking a gap year, seeking an alternative study abroad, or looking to combine travel with purpose. Journey across dramatic landscapes, from the fjords of New Zealand to the tropical reefs of Australia. Hike, surf, snorkel, and dive while building global perspective through hands-on conservation and meaningful service learning. Learn directly from Māori and Indigenous Australian communities through authentic cultural exchange. Along the way, develop real-world skills in leadership, teamwork, and sustainability with the option to earn U.S. college credit. With experienced instructors by your side, you’ll gain clarity, confidence, and lifelong friendships while exploring two iconic destinations for adventure and growth. Whether you’re preparing for college, building your resume, or redefining your education through travel, this immersive journey will leave you inspired and ready for what’s next. Inquire today to start your New Zealand & Australia Semester with Pacific Discovery.

Through World Internships, we offer flexible customized internships (volunteers are also welcome) in a variety of fields in the "Land Down Under". Realize your dream of living and working in beautiful Australia while enjoying exceptional support and group activities that will engage you with both your fellow international interns and the locals. Sydney and Melbourne are fantastic locations for students, recent graduates, and pre-professionals to explore their fields and add an international perspective to their resumes. The high creative energy in Sydney and Melbourne makes them the perfect places for internships in advertising, architecture, graphic design, interior design, and journalism, while their popularity as cities make them ideal for those involved with event management, hospitality, travel, and tourism. Sydney, Australia’s oldest and largest city, boasts the world-famous Sydney Opera House, stunning harbors, and beautiful beaches. Melbourne is the country’s art center where you can check out the cultural hub of Federation Square, attend one of the many music and film festivals, or spend a day at one of Port Phillip’s many beaches.

Journey through the South Pacific on an immersive adventure that spans Fiji’s coral-rich waters, New Zealand’s alpine landscapes, and Australia’s rugged Outback and iconic reefs. Begin in a coastal Fijian village, where you experience island traditions, explore waterfalls, and snorkel alongside local dive experts. Ski New Zealand’s Southern Alps, join a welcoming Kiwi homestay, and then sail through Australia’s Whitsunday Islands as part of a working crew. Cap it off with time in Sydney and epic hikes around Uluru and Kata Tjuta.

Travel to Australia to provide hands-on assistance to rangers and staff at a local wildlife conservation park caring for unique creatures such as koalas and kangaroos. You will also help with projects around the park, including planting trees and ensuring the animals’ areas are kept clean and tidy. Over ten days, we’ll experience the unique array of wildlife Australia is famous for. We will learn from rangers and conservation experts about the prominent issues facing these animals and the measures taken to protect them. Spend time volunteering with a leading wildlife conservation park, taking on various hands-on projects with the park’s native species. Along the way, bask in the natural beauty of Australia’s Gold Coast - an area blessed with miles of pristine beaches and crystal blue waters. Take a sunset cruise along the waterways, head deep into the rainforest on the hunt for waterfalls, enjoy a traditional Aboriginal celebration, and spend an afternoon at a koala conservation center. Take a quick flight to the Great Barrier Reef and enjoy a full day of adventure and snorkeling excursion on a catamaran.

Treasure close encounters with kangaroos, koalas, and many exotic animals as you journey through Australia. Our programs give numerous hands-on experiences, including caring for animals at the Australia Zoo, snorkeling amid coral reefs, and trying Aboriginal practices like throwing boomerangs. Our current program offerings include: Service and Adventure Down Under: You will enjoy Australia’s Sunshine Coast as you surf, look for koalas on the coastline, learn about Aboriginal culture, and tour the Australia Zoo. Wrap up the program with a snorkel cruise amid shipwrecks and coral reefs. Animal Conservation: You will learn about animal care at the Australia Zoo and a wildlife rehabilitation center. Kayak to search for dolphins and whales and enjoy other must-do adventures for animal lovers.

Join us for a transformative 21-day cultural immersion in Australia and Fiji. We start in Fiji with a warm welcome ceremony, engaging in hands-on cooking classes to explore the diverse flavors of Fijian cuisine. Our community service focuses on a meaningful meal program that empowers Fijian women and fosters connections through shared meals. Traveling to Viti Levu's scenic highlands, we immerse ourselves in traditional island life by participating in bamboo raft building and local farming activities. On Taveuni, we embrace “island time” with snorkeling, kayaking, and preparing traditional meals while learning local customs. Next, we head to Australia, beginning in Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Here, we earn our SCUBA certification and experience breathtaking underwater biodiversity while staying on a liveaboard boat. Our adventure includes community service at a wildlife refuge, where we care for iconic Australian animals. We’ll also delve into Aboriginal culture in the Daintree Rainforest, learning traditional practices and the connection between the land and its people.

The Discipleship Training School (DTS) at YWAM Toowoomba is a transformative five-month journey designed to help you know God more deeply and make Him known in Australia and the nations. Set in the beautiful landscapes of Southeast Queensland, our campus provides the perfect environment for growth, reflection, and community. This program blends classroom learning, small group activities, personal reflection, practical service, and daily community living. You won’t just sit and listen—you’ll actively engage in a rhythm of life that combines biblical teaching with hands-on application. The DTS is divided into two key phases: Lecture Phase (3 months): During this time, you’ll receive teaching from experienced international speakers on topics such as hearing God’s voice, the character and nature of God, identity in Christ, the power of prayer, relationships, missions, and much more. Outreach Phase (2 months): After being equipped and prepared, you’ll put your learning into action on a cross-cultural mission trip. Join us in Toowoomba and be part of a movement that is equipping young people to impact the nations with the love of Jesus.

Join VMR Southport as a volunteer and become part of a dedicated team that provides critical marine rescue services. Volunteers can engage in various roles, including radio operation, rescue vessel crew, and administrative duties. This is an excellent opportunity to gain valuable skills, meet new people, and contribute to community safety. Responsibilities: Operate VMR Base and Gold Coast Seaway Tower radios Crew rescue vessels during emergency responses Assist with administrative tasks and operational logistics By volunteering, you get free training recognized under National systems, develop skills in radio operation and marine rescue, contribute to the safety of the Gold Coast boating community, and join a supportive and engaged volunteer network. Make a meaningful impact by volunteering with VMR Southport. Join us in providing vital rescue services and enhancing marine safety. Join our team today!

Animal Aid offers a fantastic opportunity to volunteer in India, helping to rescue and care for injured, sick, and abandoned animals. This program not only allows you to make a significant impact on the lives of animals in need but also gives you a chance to experience the vibrant culture of India firsthand. Volunteers work alongside experienced veterinarians and staff, providing essential care to animals, including dogs, cows, donkeys, and cats. This program is open year-round, with flexible start dates to accommodate various schedules. Whether you can stay for a few weeks or a few months, your efforts will be invaluable to the team. In addition to hands-on animal care, volunteers may also assist with community education programs aimed at promoting animal welfare and humane treatment practices. Your time and dedication will help ensure that more animals receive the care they desperately need.

Peninsula Animal Aid, located in Redcliffe, Queensland, offers a unique opportunity for animal lovers to make a significant impact in the lives of homeless animals. As a volunteer, you will be part of a dedicated team committed to the welfare and rehabilitation of cats and dogs. Volunteering at Peninsula Animal Aid allows you to develop a deeper understanding of animal care, enhance your skills in animal handling, and contribute to the well-being of animals in need. Volunteers can participate in various activities, including feeding and cleaning, socializing with the animals, and assisting with adoption events. The program offers flexible scheduling, allowing you to volunteer according to your availability, whether it's a few hours a week or more. This is a great opportunity to meet like-minded individuals and make a real difference in the community while gaining valuable experience in animal care.

Save-A-Dog invites you to be part of their dedicated team working to rescue and rehabilitate dogs in need. Located in Australia, this volunteer program offers a fulfilling opportunity to contribute directly to animal welfare. You will be involved in various tasks ranging from dog walking and feeding to assisting with adoption processes. This hands-on experience is perfect for animal lovers who want to make a tangible difference in the lives of abandoned and neglected dogs. Volunteers are crucial in providing daily care and companionship to the dogs, ensuring they are healthy, happy, and ready for their forever homes. The program runs year-round, offering flexibility to fit your schedule, whether you can commit to a few hours a week or more. This is a unique chance to work closely with animals, develop new skills, and join a community of like-minded individuals passionate about animal rescue.