Australia YHA Wildlife Volunteer – Magnetic Island, Queensland[]
Wildlife Volunteer Programme[]
Bungalow Bay Koala Village is offering a once in a lifetime “Australian Willdife Experience” during your travels in Australia. Our small and intimate wildlife sanctuary is giving you the chance to work side by side with our two full time park rangers.
You will be in the action with crocodiles, snakes, koalas and most importantly you will be working within an eco-resort with its very own boutique wildlife park. The park encourages visitors to learn all about the habitats and unique Aussie animals of ‘North Queensland”.
Magnetic Island is the ideal place to experience this three or four week introduction to Australian wildlife with ranger Tony and Nat whilst still having the creature comforts of staying in Australia’s Best Backpacker Accommodation as voted at the 2007 Australian Tourism Awards.
The Volunteer Programme[]
Magnetic Island, affectionately knows by the locals as ‘Maggie’ is characterised by its stunning natural beauty. Located just 8km from the shore of Townsville in Queensland, it is a popular destination for visitors and locals alike. More than two thirds of the island is National Park, and with over 20kms of walking tracks it is a bushwalkers and nature lover’s paradise being home to Australia’s largest colony of koalas. Other inhabitants include rock wallabies, gulls, sand pipers, osprey and white-bellied sea eagles.
As a volunteer, you will be working within an eco-resort with its very own boutique wildlife park. The park encourages visitors to learn all about the habitats and unique Aussie animals of ‘Maggie’. You will work alongside rangers and your duties may include some or all of the following activities;
- Cleaning the sanctuary in the morning
- Replenishing food for all animals, including eucalypts branches for koalas
- Helping out with wildlife handling tours including snakes, juvenile crocodiles, koalas and blue tongue lizards!
- Assisting with the use of camera equipment during koala photos
- Helping out three mornings per week with the ‘champagne bush tucker breakfasts’ in the koala sanctuary (a chance for visitors to learn about and taste aboriginal fare whilst meeting the parks inhabitants)
- Visiting other resorts on the island to market the sanctuary
- General maintenance duties of the sanctuary ground and surrounds. For example raking the koala sanctuary, weeding the eucalypts plantation and cleaning the breakfast area.
This programme offers a very personal experience. You will be working closely with two other rangers and up to one other volunteer. Living and working within the eco-resort will allow you to get to know other staff members and like-minded eco-guests staying at the resort and you can also get involved with other activities offered at the resort, such as coconut bowling, trivia nights and bushwalks.
Programme Support[]
During your time as a volunteer you will work alongside the experienced rangers within the park. They will be on hand to guide you through your role, ensuring you get the most out of our your experience.
Accommodation & Meals[]
Upon your arrival into Townville you will be accommodated in a private room in a hostel. For the duration of your volunteer programme on Magnetic Island you will stay in a private A-frame bungalow with shared bathroom facilities at the eco-resort.
Dinner is included each evening which will be taken in the resort restaurant and includes a glass of house wine or beer. You will need to arrange your own breakfast and lunch and there is a supermarket nearby where you can buy supplies. Alternatively you may choose to use the resort restaurant, or nearby beachfront cafes.
Age Limit:[]
The participants on this programme may be of a broad age range. Minimum age 25 years, maximum age decided on potential participants’ health.
Getting There[]
You will need to arrange transport to Townsville, the main gateway to Magnetic Island. You will spend one night in Townsville and the following day, catch a ferry to Magnetic Island. Upon arrival you will then hop on a bus, which stops directly outside the park. The staff at the hostel in Townsville will assist you with directions to the ferry terminal and we will ensure you have all the details you need for your journey to the park.
Start Dates[]
Any Monday (arriving into Townsville on Sunday the day before).