Wildlife Volunteering in Australia

GoEco is one of the world’s top volunteer organizations, with award-winning and ethical programs selected by sustainable travel experts. Since 2006, tens of thousands of volunteers have taken part in projects and internships worldwide, focusing on wildlife and marine conservation, education, and medical initiatives. GoEco operates in over 50 countries, providing unique cultural immersive experiences that aim to make a positive impact on the environment and society. The organization also offers internships and academic programs for students. GoEco provides safe and meaningful experiences while promoting sustainable travel and reducing carbon emissions.

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.

Find out why more and more people are choosing to become a Love Volunteer! Love Volunteers is the most affordable way to volunteer and help local communities in developing countries! Why are we cheaper than other organisations? Firstly, we are just a handful of passionate people working hard to help volunteers and local communities around the world. We don't have huge overheads - no company cars, no downtown office - we're just volunteers who knew we could do a better job. Secondly, we work with local organisations wherever we can to keep administration costs to a minimum and also to feed as much money and skills into the local communities where we operate. All of Love Volunteers partner organisations have been fully vetted to ensure that, not only does a genuine need for assistance exist, but that the environments that we place our volunteers are safe and of high quality. Choose from one or more of our 200+ amazing community-based programs in 37 developing countries around the world. Every program has been personally visited by one of our dedicated staff members and is regularly audited to ensure it meets our high standards in terms of safety, sustainability, and local impact.

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.

Make a meaningful impact while gaining international experience with Connect-123’s Human Rights internship program. With placements available in Barcelona, Buenos Aires, Cape Town, Dublin, and Sydney, you’ll have the chance to contribute to organizations working on some of today’s most pressing human rights challenges. Our network includes watchdog groups, nonprofits, advocacy organizations, lobby groups, and think tanks. Depending on your placement, you may help develop educational workshops for immigrants, conduct peer education training, monitor and evaluate community-based initiatives, research political or gender rights issues, or contribute to reports on human trafficking, child labor, and other critical topics. Each internship is tailored to your background and interests, giving you the opportunity to build practical skills, expand your global network, and contribute to work that truly makes a difference. With flexible start dates and customizable program lengths, your life-changing global internship begins on your schedule.

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.

Participate in the research at Australian universities or research laboratories in a variety of capacities relating to biology, from ecology and microbiology to biology and more. This Biological Research Internship from World Internships offers a great opportunity to enhance your background before entering the workforce or moving on to graduate studies. You will be able to gain exposure to aspects that may be unfamiliar to your studies at your university and compare and contrast research methods. Australia's natural landscape has been studied and examined for hundreds of years, but there is still so much to discover. From vast untouched regions to tourist-filled and population-dense beaches, Australia hosts some of the world's most fascinating environments and features. Help some of the world's most credible researchers learn more about Australia, all while building up your own portfolio and résumé. This program is also open to volunteers.

Spend meaningful time at Sippy Creek Wildlife Sanctuary in Australia, where you'll contribute to the preservation and rehabilitation of local wildlife. This volunteer program provides hands-on experience working with various species, including kangaroos, koalas, and native birds. Volunteers play a crucial role in ensuring the well-being of these animals while gaining valuable skills and knowledge about wildlife conservation. Located on the Sunshine Coast, this program is available year-round. You can choose a duration that fits your schedule, from two weeks to six months. This opportunity is open to everyone, whether you're a student, taking a gap year, or want to make a difference.

Join Fremantle Sea Rescue (FSR) to play an essential role in maritime safety. Volunteers are critical in responding to emergencies, conducting rescues, and promoting marine safety in the Swan and Canning Rivers, Rottnest Island, and beyond. Volunteers receive comprehensive training in seamanship, marine radio operations, and first aid. Advanced training courses are available after initial qualification. FSR offers wellness and mental health support services to volunteers. Social events are held throughout the year to enhance team spirit and engagement. Ideal Candidates: Passionate about maritime safety and community service. Reliable, responsible, and able to work in challenging conditions. Physically fit for deck crew roles. Good communication skills for radio operations and public engagement. Commit to three half days per month plus monthly training sessions. Volunteering with FSR provides a rewarding opportunity to contribute to maritime safety and gain valuable skills. Be part of a dedicated team making a significant impact in the community.

Animal Welfare League of South Australia Inc (AWL) offers a unique opportunity to make a real difference while experiencing Australia’s diverse natural beauty and vibrant communities. The AWL volunteer program allows you to contribute to various impactful projects across the country, from wildlife conservation to community support and environmental preservation. Whether you are assisting with the protection of endangered species, helping local communities, or participating in beach clean-ups, your efforts will have a lasting positive impact. This program is flexible, with start dates available throughout the year and durations ranging from a few weeks to several months. It is open to individuals aged 18 and over who are passionate about making a difference. Volunteering with AWL not only enhances your skills but also provides an immersive cultural experience, fostering connections with fellow volunteers and local residents.

Be a helping hand for the wildlife conservation in Western Australia by volunteering at our rehabilitation center near Perth, Western Australia. Here, we focus on caring for sick, injured, and orphaned native animals such as kangaroos, echidnas, bobtail lizards and amazing bird species like cockatoos, lorikeets and the Tawny frogmouth. During your four-week commitment, you'll engage in essential tasks like cleaning enclosures, preparing food, and assisting with medical treatments. With three shifts daily, you'll have ample opportunities to learn from experienced staff while immersing yourself in the daily operations of the center. Enjoy your private accommodation right on the grounds of the wildlife centre, set in the peaceful surroundings of a national park. Whether you're a dedicated wildlife lover or someone passionate about conservation, this experience offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the protection of Australia's wildlife. Join us in making a meaningful difference in the lives of these incredible animals.