WILDLIFE PARK TOURISM WORK EXPERIENCE INTERNSHIP IN PERTH
Walk with Kangaroos and Koalas!
Interact with native animals in a natural habitat, whilst learning all
about Australian wildlife within a professional tourism work experience
internship. An opportunity to soak up
the real Aussie experience!
If you do any
placement in Perth, an Indigenous
(Aborigine) Heritage tour
in Kings Park, Perth's No. 1 tourist
attraction, is included
in your itinerary, free of charge!
►SUMMARY
FACTFILE
Start Dates
All year round - you choose your
start and finish dates!
Duration
From 8
weeks to 1 year, subject to visa restrictions
Requirements
No qualifications or
experience required. You should be fluent in English and over 18
years old. You should be adaptable, enthusiastic and
have initiative.
Price
From
£2,295 for 8 weeks, ranging to £2,995 for 12 weeks.
Full Price List
What's included
►Accommodation
►Food (excluding
lunch)
►Meeting you at the Airport
►Transfer to your accommodation
►Full
pre-departure support
►Local in-country team support and backup
►24-hr emergency
support.
What's not included
Flights, Insurance,
Cost of Visas (if a visa is required, but we'll provide necessary documents and
assistance). Transport to and
from your project, Return transfer to the airport.
Who can do this Project?
All projects are
open to all nationalities.
You need to be aged between 18 and 70+
PROJECT OVERVIEW Situated one hour from Perth, with 2000 animals, birds and
reptiles living in walk through enclosures, This Wildlife Park offers opportunities for interactive
people-and-animal contact. Assisted by wildlife professionals, this
family-run (non Government funded) business will enable you to have a
very up-close and personal relationship with over 200 species of
indigenous and worldwide animals, as well as gain invaluable experience
in Wildlife Tourism.
You will be trained as a wildlife park assistant, helping and
educating the daily visitors and working as part of a dynamic team at
the forefront of wildlife tourism.
WHAT YOU'LL GAIN FROM DOING THIS PROJECT:
An exciting, never-to-be-forgotten adventure into
Australia and you'll learn about the Aborigine culture that makes
this country so fascinating!
You'll learn a lot from experts in your field
about how they work in a culture that is very different to what
you're used to.
New skills, more confidence, a greater understanding
of a different culture, invaluable personal and professional
development.
An entry on your CV or résumé that will put you head
and shoulders above most others in the job market
And best of all ... an unforgettable experience!
WORK CONTENT:
This is a primarily a tourism project. It is not an
animal care or research project, but a wonderful opportunity to learn about
Australian wildlife from the expert staff at Caversham. Your work will be
based outside in the park interacting with people, surrounded by the
animals.
Your role as a volunteer will focus on looking after the visitor at the
centre, talking to them about the animals, helping them with various tasks
from taking photos to exploring the park. You will also assist in the up
keep of the park. Looking after the animals is done by full time staff at
the park and so animal contact may be minimal for you at first, however with
time and commitment the activities you will get involved in will expand.
“I feel privileged to be a valued part of an
amazing park. I’m very proud to be a small part of its daily success!”
Jools
What will you do?
Look after the park
visitors and make sure they have a great day at the park
Provide information and
answer questions
Display animals at
interactive shows
Present and/or help out at
animal talks
Help with directions and
map reading
Assist with photo
opportunities
Supervise groups of
visitors
Take guided tours around the park
What you will get out of the project?
Incredible training in wildlife and tourism
Feel like you’re making a difference
Build self confidence
Meet new people who have similar interests
An opportunity to educate yourself and others
Learn and develop new & exciting skills
Build a network of employment contacts & workplace
skills
Be actively involved in a
dynamic, hard working team
Work with Australia’s fantastic wildlife!
"I love meeting so many different people and going home at the end of the
day with a smile on my face"
Marianne
Your Training:
On your arrival you will undergo a thorough 4 day training program where you
will learn about the different areas of the park, including the Kangaroo and
Koala sections. You will train alongside other volunteers and staff as part
of a team in small group workshops. The training is intensive and you will
learn a lot about these animals and about wildlife tourism in operation.
Emphasis is also placed on building genuine friendships within the team. You will cover the following:
Australian (and other) wildlife
Health and Safety
Public Relations
Working with Tourists
Effective Communication
Supervision
Presentation Skills
You will also become familiar with the park, get taken on a guided
tour, get to know the team and meet all of the animals
It’s great fun! All training documentation is provided.
For longer term volunteers (12 weeks+) there is further ongoing training
available for those who want to expand their knowledge, skills &
responsibility during their placement.
"It’s an honour to be able to volunteer at such a
great place. My time is precious; but I am always more than happy to give it
to the team at Caversham"
John
What animals
might you spend your time with?
Koalas, Kangaroos, Wombats, Tasmanian Devils, Echidnas, Dingoes, Emus,
Wallabies, Cassowaries, Crocodiles, Possums, Bettongs, Pottoroos, Flying
Foxes, Turtles, Sugar Gliders, Owls, Camels, Swans, Birds of Prey, Llamas,
Buffalo, Cattle, Deer, Donkeys & Ponies, Pythons & Lizards, Cockatoos &
Parrots, Sheep & Goats, Rabbits & Guinea Pigs, Chooks & Ducks, and many
more…
Working hours:
Flexible days: 4-7 days a week (your choice)!
Flexible hours: between 8.30am - 5.30pm
The park is open every day of the year.
Dates and
Duration:
Volunteers should, ideally, be able to commit to at least 12 weeks (although
a minimum of 8 weeks will be considered, depending on the situation).
This project is ongoing throughout the year.
.
OPTIONAL ADD-ONS
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
ABOUT THE WILDLIFE
PARK:
“I am on a
high every time I go home and can’t wait for next week!” Mandy
The park has a truly wonderful atmosphere and the
family and staff are extremely friendly, welcoming and passionate about what
they do! It is a great place to spend some time and enjoy such enthusiasm
for wildlife.
The Wildlife Park is a privately owned, family run animal viewing centre.
Starting in 1988 on 2 acres, it housed just a small collection of animals
and birds. Today it spans 4300 hectares and, set amidst authentic Aussie
parkland and bush land, it is based in a Government operated Conservation
and Recreation Reserve featuring around 200 species. The 2000 animals, birds
and reptiles live happily in a walk-through or walk-in environment, bringing
people and animals closer than usual. The park is now the premiere
development of its kind in WA, attracting coach loads of visitors from all
over the world!
The Wildlife Park regularly exchanges animals and birds with other parks and
zoos to add to it's population and for breeding purposes. The park has
successfully bred its own Tasmanian Devils, Wombats, Grass Owls, Koalas and
Cassowaries.
“I’ve done things at the park that I
never had dreamed I could have done or achieved, and I’m determined to
continue facing new challenges thanks to your support” Sue
Visitors to the park are assisted by wildlife professionals dedicated to
exceptional service ensuring that visitors receive the best opportunities
for animal contact, photographs and information. The park is very well
known for its interaction opportunities, including a variety of shows, talks
and rides.
Housing the largest private collection of native animals in Western
Australia, the park is proud to display the following animals: Koalas,
Kangaroos, Wombats, Dingoes, Emus, Cassowary’s, Tasmanian Devils, Echidnas,
Quokkas, Sugar Gliders, Wallabies, Possums, Quoll, Bettongs, Potoroos, Owls,
Kookaburras, Swans and many more native species. The park displays many
different species of birds and several species of reptiles. Introduced
animals also call Caversham home, such as Monkeys, Llamas, Ostrich, Deer and
Buffalo. And don’t forget the interactive farmyard, Molly’s Farm! Here
visitors can meet sheep, goats, cows, ponies, donkeys, pigs, rabbits, guinea
pigs and poultry.
The park is divided into 6 sections. Four of these sections are areas of
Australia; the wildlife and vegetation in that section are from that area of
Australia – North East, South East, South West and North. Running through
the middle of the park is the Walk-Through Kangaroo section.
Approximately 40% of the park’s visitors come to the park on a coach tour.
The Wildlife Park works closely with several tour companies, accommodating
any size group and any length of time tours. The park also welcomes a
variety of community organisations and of course local Perth residents. The
average amount of time taken to walk through the park is about 3 hours, but
many groups stay all day, bonding with the animals!
As a private, family run business, no assistance is received from the
Government, and so the is thankful to the visitors for their assistance in
caring for Australia’s unique wildlife. With continued visitor support, the
Wildlife Park endeavors to provide a world-class facility for all to enjoy,
now and in the future.
ACCOMMODATION: YOUR
ARRIVAL AND INTRODUCTION TO THE COUNTRY
You'll have the opportunity to relax
on the beautiful beaches of Perth. Jenny Ashworth, Travellers Australia Manager and long-time
friend of our UK Team!
Your accommodation is located in the CBD (Central Business District) of Perth, Western
Australia. Therefore you are very central, close to the main train station
and shopping district.
You'll live in a centrally
located lodge that is
friendly and relaxing, making it ideal for long term stays. You'll have your
own room, but will share a bathroom with others on your floor. There is an
excellent kitchen and storage area for cooking meals and plenty of space to
relax.
Entertainment at your accommodation includes a pool table, cheap internet
access, arcade machines and cable TV (Foxtel), to name a few. But with all
the sunshine Perth has – you’ll be out and about enjoying the many outdoor
activities! You are literally a stroll from the Swan River and free CBD
transport. Trains and buses are also only a few minutes away to take you to
Fremantle, King’s Park or to the many other ‘things to do’! T
The city centre
boasts great shopping, restaurants and pubs or head over to Northbridge for
more pubs, nightclubs and multicultural cuisine. You'll get to work via bus,
which stops outside your accommodation.
Perth was built on the
banks of the magnificent Swan River over 150 years ago and is now a city
rich in culture and filled with theatres, art galleries and museums.
The city is modern and vibrant - a fun, friendly and 'laid back' place, with
clear skies and a sunny climate. Western Australia is locally known as the
'state of excitement!'
Some of its more famous attractions include
Kings Park, Scarborough Beach, Fremantle and the Swan River.
Fremantle (or as the local’s call it, ‘Freo’) is the city’s port and is
rich in history. At weekends you will find
markets,
entertainment and plenty of alfresco style cafes to laze in.
Perth has
restaurants to suit all tastes - the most popular cuisine is of course the
great Australian BBQ. Barbeque facilities are abundant in local parks - take
your own food and cook up a feast, Australian style!
For meals in local
restaurants, a trip to Perth's inner city centre is well worth the effort -
it bustles with activity and offers a range of choices of restaurants.
WHAT IS REQUIRED OF YOU: As with all our
destinations, the Australian Culture and heritage must be borne in mind. Self-reliance
and independence are highly appreciated in all our destinations and will
help you to make the most of this wonderful opportunity!
Once you have applied for a placement, we will send you detailed information
about Australia, as well as an equally detailed Safety Guide - both of these
will help to make your stay in Australia one that you will never forget!
TRAVEL, VISAS, plus SUPPORT & BACKUP:
You will fly into Perth where
you'll be met by Jenny,
our local organiser, or another member of staff. From the airport you'll be taken to your accommodation.
During the first few days of your stay you
will also receive an induction at your place of work.
Several days later, once you have settled in and recovered from the flight, you
will begin working at your project.
You have the option to arrange your
own flights or we can assist you with your flight arrangements. If you would
like us to do this for you, we will liaise with you regarding available flights
and dates to suit you. All arrangements for your flight bookings/payments will
be fulfilled by Murray Rogers Travel Limited, ATOL No. 6856.
Where possible, we arrange for two or more people to travel on the
same flight and we will let you have the names and telephone numbers of other
volunteers on your flight, so that you can chat to each other or even meet up
before leaving for your placement.
VISAS:
We will liaise with you about
specific requirements, if any, and make the Visa process very easy.
Where possible, all flights we arrange for you have changeable return tickets because many of our
volunteers choose to extend their stay once they are in their destination
country.
Changeable return tickets enable you to do so, within the limits of your visa
and the level of your air ticket,
of course. If you choose to book your own flights, you should endeavour to get
a changeable ticket.
To read about the excellentSupport
& Backup we provide before you leave and during
your programme,
please click here.
We can also arrange your flight
dates
to give you additional time at the end of your project for travelling around and sightseeing - this is a
fascinating and wondrous country!