Wildlife Conservation in the Australian Bush - a
seriously rewarding placement for nature lovers. Work in two remarkable sanctuaries
where you'll assist in taking care of a variety of different types of
animals that need your help - in one of the most beautiful parts of
Australia!
Are you interested in
contributing your time and skills to help the environment, working with others
who share your love of nature and broadening your life experiences? If you are then
this project is for you!
We've got a great opportunity for you to enjoy the
incredibly scenic Western
Australian environment
and the chance to volunteer with an organisation
dedicated to the conservation of Australia’s threatened wildlife and ecosystems.
You will experience two very remarkable sanctuaries, located about 1 hour
east of Perth. The sanctuaries themselves cover approximately 2,275 ha
(5,620 acres) and are home to an abundant array of plant species and
wildlife, including many unique mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians.
Download and print additional
information on this project (coming soon)
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Threatened wildlife at the sanctuaries includes at least 15 species, for
example:
Black-flanked Rock-wallaby
Woylie (Brush-tailed Bettong)
Quenda
Tammar Wallaby
Numbat
Quokka
On-ground conservation programs are well established at the sanctuaries so
you will be making
significant
environmental contributions. For example, helping with large-scale, practical conservation programs to provide a
more secure future for threatened animals and their habitats, seed
collection, planting, fencing, weeding and fauna surveys.
Australia is home to more biodiversity than any other developed nation on
Earth. In fact Australia is one of the six most biodiverse nations on the planet
- over 80% of its mammals, flowering plants and reptiles are only found in
Australia! The flora and fauna is so unique you’ll continually be amazed.
YOUR
WORK AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
You may find the work
challenging but it is truly rewarding. The range of activities you may
undertake includes;
Visitors programs - An educational visitor program is well established
at one of the sanctuaries and volunteers may assist with the evening
spotlighting tour.
Any
other work related to the ongoing conservation project, for example,
tree planting, fencing or walking trail construction
Hours
can vary depending on the work which needs to be done, the time of year,
season etc. You will generally work 5 days a week, usually with early
starts. Days may include weekends but you will have two days off a week.
Please be aware that you will not have hands on contact with animals on this
project as they are living in wild conditions within the sanctuary. This
project will suit someone with a love of wildlife and an appreciation of
nature.
Please note that the
work that you'll be involved in depends on what is available at the time of
your placement.
ACCOMMODATION AND LOCATION:
Your project is located
approximately 1 hour's drive from Perth, Western Australia. Your accommodation
is based on one of the sanctuaries – so you can fall asleep at night
listening to the wonderful bush noises! You will have
access to toilets and hot showers.
This project requires you to
live and volunteer in quite a remote area and you must therefore be aware
that nightly entertainment isn’t always close at hand. You should be willing and
capable of spending a lot of time in the Bush, and be able to cope with
basic amenties. On your days off it
can be arranged that you are driven to the nearest town so you can catch a
bus into Perth for sightseeing.
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.
ARRIVAL: YOUR INTRODUCTION TO THE COUNTRY
When you arrive you will be welcomed at the airport by Jenny
our Australian Manager and she will take you to your accommodation. During
your first few days Jenny will give you an induction so that you can learn
about the country and its culture, as well as useful information like how to
use the transport system etc.
During the
first few days of your stay you will also receive an induction at the
sanctuaries. As part
of your induction you will participate in a two hour guided walk along bush
tracks at dusk - a very special experience as many of the animals you will
see cannot readily be seen in a national park. You are likely to see a
number of nocturnal animals including Woylies, Tammar Wallabies, & Quenda
(Southern Brown Bandicoots).
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!
Jenny Ashworth, Travellers Australia Manager and long-time
friend of our UK Team!
NOTES ABOUT YOUR PROJECT:
Volunteers must be at least 20 years
of age.
Volunteers must have an international
drivers licence.
Volunteers must stay for a minimum of
a month.
You must be
physically fit to join this project.
You need to have a good command of the English language to work on this project.
Using the
equipment may require training; therefore you need to display initiative and
persistence.
It would be
of benefit if you had a first aid certificate.
On the weekends
(or other days off if working on weekend), you will stay at a backpackers in
Perth City, which will allow you to do plenty of sightseeing.
Self-reliance and independence are highly
appreciated in all our destinations and will help you to make the most of
this wonderful opportunity!
TRAVEL:
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 Ltd., ATOL No. 6856. (Read more about Murray Rogers Travel Ltd.)
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.
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 country!
You will fly into Perth where
you'll be met by Jenny Ashworth,
our local organiser. From the airport you'll be taken to your accommodation.
Several days later, once you have settled in and recovered from the flight, you
will be introduced to your staff on your project.
To read aboutSupport
& Backup we provide,
please click here.
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.
PRICES:
To see the Prices of this project and all
our other projects in Australia, please
click here
Prices
include
Food & accommodation while on your project,
2 T-shirts, if required
for your project
All support and backup
during your programme
Meeting you at the
nearest airport, where appropriate, but exclude international travel.