This volunteer project is based on Brampton Island, part of the WhitSundays and home to the world famous Great Barrier Reef. Volunteers will sail by catamaran from Mackay to Brampton Island where you will set up camp on a tropical beach, your home for the next 2 weeks. You will be a part of small team of volunteers assisting the Natural Resource Managers return Brampton Island National Park to its natural state. The majority of the work includes eradicating invasive vegetation, collecting and analysing marine debris and conducting surveys and health checks on the coral reef. In your free time you will have the opportunity to snorkel the reef, explore the island and enjoy the local wildlife; koalas, kangaroos, possums, goannas and more.
How this program makes a difference:
As the island is relatively small, the conservation work performed by the volunteers has a direct and lasting impact on the island’s plants and animals. Volunteers will clean up marine debris which will prevent many populations (particularly turtles) from either swallowing, ingesting or entangling themselves in the rubbish. Volunteers will also assist with the removal of invasive weeds which helps regenerate the island back to its natural state by allowing native flora to grow. Data collection of coral, seagrass and marine life will provide ongoing information to the Natural Resource Managers helping them to gauge the impact of pollution prevention strategies on the marine ecosystems of the island. Similarly turtle, dolphin and birds of prey data collection will assist researchers with species, population and distribution patterns.
Highlights:
•Sail to and from a secluded tropical island in the Great Barrier Reef on a catamaran
•Camp on the beach right by the water
•See the direct result of your conservation efforts
•Learn about native wildlife such as turtles, kangaroos, possums, manta rays and birds of prey
•Enjoy a sunset hike to Point Lookout where you may spot kangaroos and koalas
•Snorkel the reef at high tide
•Witness the wonderful corals and stunning marine life found on the islands’ reef, and explore the white sandy beaches, forest plants and rocky headlands
•Learn about marine environments from our experienced staff.
Qualifications/Experience Required:
No special training or qualifications are required as you will receive training in the field.
Application Process Involves: Online application plus application assessment.
Dates: Please visit our website for upcoming start dates.
Cost: Please see website for details.
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