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Volunteer in Australia with IVHQ

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 146,000 travelers, IVHQ is the best volunteer organization in Australia.

Highlights:
  • Marine Conservation project available year-round
  • Program Fees from $1045 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 $1045
Volunteer from 1 - 3 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 $1045

  • Duration: 1 - 3 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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Chelsea Morgan
12 Feb 2025

At first I was nervous but from the moment I met the other volunteers, I felt so connected to them and the program. The activities we did changed my life. It was the best week I had ever had. The local team was phenomenal and inspiring.

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Charlotte Ellis
12 Feb 2025

I gained a lot socially, and more confidence talking to people. I also gained more knowledge about marine issues, indigenous culture, and how we can help the reef. I would give the advice to jump at all the opportunities offered and immerse yourself in the volunteering as much as you can.

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Robert Slevin
10 Feb 2025

IVHQ provided invaluable assistance in my planning and travel.

The local team was great - friendly, informative, caring, competent, helpful, fun, awesome!

I met great people, got to view the Barrier Reef up close and learned a great deal about conservation. This was an unforgettable, rewarding and life-changing experience. I plan to work with IVHQ again this year (maybe on a couple of trips). I highly recommend them.

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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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To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.

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