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Volunteer in Australia

Volunteer in Australia

Help protect the Great Barrier Reef on International Volunteer HQ’s unique Australia volunteer abroad program. Our Marine Conservation project in Australia gives volunteers the opportunity to learn about threatened marine life and help preserve the world’s largest coral reef. Volunteer work in Australia takes place on two islands, located 45 minutes from Cairns, Queensland. With affordable Program Fees and top rated volunteer projects trusted by over 135,000 travelers, IVHQ is the best volunteer organization in Australia.

Highlights:
  • Marine Conservation project available year-round
  • Program Fees from CA$1474 for 1 week
  • Includes orientation, accommodation, weekday lunches and 24/7 in-country support
  • Accommodation in a dormitory-style hostel in Cairns - the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef

  • Projects based on two islands in the Great Barrier Reef, located 45 minutes from Cairns by boat

Apply For Free

Key information

Fully hosted experience from CA$1474
Volunteer from 1 - 4 weeks
Ages 18+
Based in the Great Barrier Reef
Projects align with UN Sustainable Development Goals
Impact driven projects run by locals
B Corporation certified organization
Snorkel with turtles & sea life

Volunteer opportunities in Australia

Conserves the environment

4-6 hours volunteering per day

Program Fees from CA$1474

  • Duration: 1 - 4 weeks
  • Programs start the first Monday of the month
  • Based at the awe-inspiring Great Barrier Reef
  • Volunteers aged 18+

Help to conserve the incredible Great Barrier Reef, spending time in the water and collecting data for oceanographic organizations.

What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience

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Georgia Conde
07 Feb 2024

I feel grateful and satisfied about what I did and learned everyday. I learnt a lot about the marine life, aboriginal culture and it made me grow as a person.

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Corynne Sarrett
24 Jan 2024

Everyone I met and everything I was able to do to support the marine conservation efforts of the Great Barrier Reef was incredible. I absolutely love the team! I feel so motivated to keep supporting the cause and keeping the reef as safe as possible.

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Isabella Peralta
16 Jan 2024

Through my experience I feel I gained more knowledge about the underlying issue of climate change and how it not only effects the earth but the indigenous people that rely off it. I gained many amazing memories and friendships, that I couldn’t be more grateful for!

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Grace Tidy
19 Dec 2023

Gained more knowledge about myself, the indigenous people and way of life in Australia. Learnt about corals and met some cool people!

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Sophie Kenney
13 Jul 2023

Volunteering through IVHQ, and with the local Australia team was the best decision I have made. This experience challenged me and pushed me out of my comfort zone, which allowed me to grow so much as a person and gain so many skills! Volunteering is such a great way to travel and save money, whilst also being able to learn from locals about the culture and environment you are in. IVHQ has high standards regarding the ethicality of projects and meets UN goals which was something I really looked for to start off my volunteering journey.

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Jenna Cej
27 Jun 2023

The checklist provided on my IVHQ account provided structure and clear direction, which helped me prepare for the trip. The local team was absolutely fantastic. They were caring, helpful, and extremely knowledgeable; I always felt safe and welcome.

Expanding my worldview and giving me the opportunity to see firsthand and to understand how I can positively or negatively influence the world around me in various ways, to varying degrees, had the biggest impact on me. Volunteering abroad will push you out of your comfort zone, but in doing so it will show you how magnificently expansive the world is beyond that bubble.

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To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.

Check what's required to visit Australia

Other volunteer destinations in Pacific

How to get started

Pick a destination + project and apply for free
Meet your personal volunteer travel expert
Pay the Registration Fee to secure your place and upgrade your MyIVHQ account
Get ready to volunteer abroad, we’ll support you every step of the way!