Volunteer in Australia

Most Affordable – PMGY’s volunteer abroad programs are designed to be accessible to everyone passionate about making a difference. With low fees and high-impact projects, you can create meaningful change without breaking the bank.

Best Support – From the moment you join PMGY, our dedicated international and local team provide extensive, round-the-clock support to guide and assist you through every step of your incredible PMGY adventure.

Safety Prioritised – Safety is PMGY’s number one priority! We’ve taken every precaution to ensure our gap year programs are as secure and well-structured as possible, giving you peace of mind while volunteering abroad.

Extraordinary Experiences – PMGY gives you the chance to immerse yourself in incredible cultural and travel experiences fully. Create unforgettable memories while making a difference in communities around the world.

Friendships for Life – Your PMGY journey doesn’t just end with unforgettable experiences—it’s also about forming life-long friendships with fellow volunteers from across the globe. Prepare to meet like-minded individuals and make connections that last a lifetime.

Marine Conservation Volunteers

As a marine and conservation volunteer in Australia, you will have the chance to work alongside dedicated specialists who protect one of the most remarkable ocean environments on the planet. This unique experience allows you to learn about reef ecology, assist with the study of marine species, and take part in practical conservation tasks across tropical North Queensland. You will be working within one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world, where every survey and observation helps build a clearer picture of reef health. PMGY’s Australia program offers a rare opportunity to support meaningful ocean protection while learning from experienced marine educators and researchers. If you feel energised by the idea of exploring the reef, connecting with marine life, and contributing to a project that leaves a tangible impact, this Australia marine and conservation experience will stay with you long after your time on the coast.

Background to the Marine Conservation Program

Australia is home to some of the richest marine environments on Earth, including the world famous Great Barrier Reef. This vast ecosystem supports an incredible range of species, many of which are now facing growing pressure from climate change, pollution, and habitat degradation. Coral bleaching events have increased in frequency, turtle populations face mounting threats from plastics and coastal development, and changes in ocean temperature continue to reshape the balance of life beneath the surface. These challenges highlight the urgent need for focused research and committed conservation work.

From colourful reef fish to graceful sea turtles, the marine life found along Australia’s tropical coast plays an essential role in the health of the wider ocean environment. Yet rising sea temperatures, declining water quality, and the spread of invasive species are placing immense strain on these delicate habitats. Plastics and discarded fishing gear also cause injury and disruption to a range of marine species, while coastal pollution continues to affect the surrounding waters and reefs.

Many conservation efforts in the region rely on accurate data, regular monitoring, and active community engagement. Volunteers on this program help gather information that underpins long term protection, including coral health surveys, turtle behaviour studies, and shoreline pollution assessments. Tasks can include collecting samples, recording observations, cleaning beaches, assisting with data entry, and supporting educational initiatives that encourage responsible marine stewardship.

Plastic waste remains a significant concern in tropical North Queensland. Even remote islands can accumulate debris carried by tides and storms. By joining the PMGY marine and conservation project, participants play a direct part in reducing this impact through hands on cleanups while also contributing important findings to ongoing research into ocean plastics.

Taking part in marine conservation in Australia offers a rare opportunity to support essential protection work in one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world. At the same time, you can enjoy the natural beauty of tropical islands, coral reefs, and rainforest landscapes, creating an experience that is both rewarding and deeply grounding.

Marine Conservation Volunteer Placement

Marine and Conservation Australia Program – As a volunteer in tropical North Queensland, you will support a project dedicated to protecting the Great Barrier Reef and the marine life that depends on it. This program places strong focus on coral health, turtle behaviour studies, and shoreline conservation, all carried out within one of the most diverse marine ecosystems in the world. Guided by experienced marine educators, you will take part in daily activities that strengthen ongoing research and help safeguard these fragile environments for the future.

From your first week onward, you will gain a strong understanding of marine conservation. This includes learning how to identify coral species, monitor signs of bleaching, observe turtle movements, record water conditions, and collect data that contributes to long term ecological studies. All training is practical and takes place in the water or along island shorelines, giving you real experience while allowing you to contribute to meaningful protection work.

Your Volunteer Role & Typical Marine Conservation Day

As a PMGY Australia marine and conservation volunteer, you will spend your days exploring tropical coastlines and reefs while supporting key research that helps protect the Great Barrier Reef. Your time on the program involves snorkel based surveys, shoreline conservation, and hands on fieldwork alongside experienced marine educators. Volunteers usually take part in activities from Monday to Friday, with schedules shaped by tides, weather, and the needs of the research team. On beach cleanup days, sessions may finish earlier due to the strong heat and lack of shade. Each morning, you will travel to the project site by minibus, usually taking around thirty to forty minutes depending on the location of the day’s conservation work.

Your day begins with an early walk from the hostel to the port for the morning ferry (included in your program fee) to the islands which takes around forty five minutes. Volunteer activities start at nine, followed by a midday break to eat and unwind. The afternoon is spent on ocean surveys or conservation tasks, after which you return to Cairns on the late ferry and arrive back in the city by early evening.

Your typical responsibilities as a marine and conservation volunteer in Australia will include:

• Conducting snorkel surveys to monitor coral health
• Observing turtle behaviour and noting key sightings
• Recording water conditions and changes within reef systems
• Cleaning beaches and removing plastic debris and fishing waste
• Assisting with coral species identification and reef observations
• Gathering data for ongoing marine research projects
• Supporting shoreline assessments and reporting collected items
• Helping prepare equipment for daily conservation tasks
• Taking part in educational discussions led by marine staff
• Recording findings for later analysis
• Assisting with reflections and group review sessions

Australia Wildlife Volunteers

As a wildlife volunteer in Australia, you will join a dedicated team that cares for native species in one of the most remarkable natural settings on the planet. This experience places you inside a respected wildlife park in Tropical North Queensland where you will learn from keepers, support the care of iconic animals, and help maintain the wellbeing of creatures that call the park home. Each task you complete, from food preparation to habitat support, contributes to the smooth running of the centre and the comfort of the animals in its care. The setting in Port Douglas offers an inspiring mix of coastal beauty and lush rainforest, giving you the chance to understand Australia’s natural heritage while enjoying life in a warm and welcoming community. With guidance from experienced staff, you can take part in practical duties that help the park, meet visitors, join guided tours, and learn more about the species that make this region special. If you feel energised by the idea of working with native animals, supporting conservation efforts, and becoming part of a friendly team, this Australia wildlife experience is something you will carry with you long after your time in the tropics.

Background to the Wildlife Program

Australia is home to an extraordinary range of native species, many of which depend on protected spaces for their continued wellbeing. In Tropical North Queensland, changing weather patterns, habitat loss, road traffic, and human expansion all place added pressure on animals that were once sheltered by dense forests and stable ecosystems. Koalas rely on healthy eucalyptus supplies, birdlife depends on safe nesting areas, and many smaller mammals need stable habitats to avoid injury or displacement. These pressures highlight the growing need for focused care, responsible park management, and ongoing conservation support.

From tree dwelling marsupials to colourful birdlife, the species found in this region play an important role in the balance of the wider environment. Yet shifting climates, reduced food sources, invasive plants, and increasing urban activity can disrupt the conditions they need. Injured and orphaned animals often require specialist attention, and the upkeep of enclosures and natural spaces is essential to their comfort. Litter, land clearing, and human interference also create risks for wildlife both inside and outside protected parks.

Many conservation efforts in the area rely on practical work, attentive monitoring, and support from volunteers. Participants on this program assist with tasks that contribute to long term care, such as food preparation, enclosure maintenance, plant collection, and record keeping under supervision. Volunteers may also help with greeting visitors, joining guided tours, and supporting activities that promote understanding of Australia’s wildlife and the challenges it faces.

Waste and debris remain concerns in parts of Tropical North Queensland, as they can affect both habitats and the animals that move through them. By joining the PMGY wildlife project, volunteers play an active part in maintaining a clean and safe environment while also learning about the methods used to care for species in a structured conservation setting.

Taking part in wildlife conservation in Australia offers a special chance to support essential work that protects native animals. At the same time, you can enjoy the natural beauty of Port Douglas with its beaches, forest trails, and warm community feel, creating an experience that is rewarding and grounding.

Wildlife Volunteer Placement

Australia Wildlife Conservation Program – As a volunteer in Tropical North Queensland, you will support a project dedicated to the care and protection of native species that live within one of the region’s most respected wildlife parks. Set within Port Douglas, this program focuses on daily animal care, habitat upkeep, and practical conservation tasks that help maintain the wellbeing of more than one hundred Australian species. Guided by experienced wildlife keepers, you will take part in hands on work that supports long term care and strengthens the environments these animals rely upon.

From your first week onward, you will build a strong understanding of wildlife management. This includes preparing food for animals, maintaining enclosures, collecting plant material for koalas, assisting with record keeping under supervision, and helping ensure the park remains a clean and safe space for both animals and visitors. Training is entirely practical and takes place within the park’s recreated ecosystems, giving you real experience while allowing you to contribute to meaningful conservation work.

Your Volunteer Role & Typical Wildlife Day

As a PMGY Australia wildlife volunteer, you will spend your days supporting the daily care of native animals inside one of Queensland’s most respected wildlife parks. Your time on the program involves hands on conservation tasks, enclosure maintenance, animal feeding, and opportunities to learn directly from experienced wildlife keepers. Volunteers usually take part in activities from Monday to Friday, with routines shaped by the needs of the animals and the operations of the park. Each morning begins on site in Port Douglas, where you will join the team for a full day of structured conservation work.

Your day starts at seven thirty, followed by a clear outline of the tasks planned for the morning. Duties often include preparing food for animals, cleaning habitats, collecting fresh leaf material for koalas and tree kangaroos, and assisting with upkeep across the park’s recreated ecosystems. A midday break allows time to rest and eat before continuing with afternoon responsibilities. Your workday finishes at three, giving you the chance to enjoy the coastal setting or explore the local area.

Your typical responsibilities as a wildlife volunteer in Australia will include:

• Preparing food for a range of native species
• Cleaning and maintaining animal enclosures and habitat spaces
• Raking habitats and supporting daily upkeep across the park
• Collecting and distributing eucalyptus leaves for koalas and tree kangaroos
• Assisting with regulated animal handling under guidance
• Monitoring and recording animal behaviour and wellbeing
• Providing enrichment activities to support natural behaviours
• Supporting offsite education presentations with staff
• Greeting visitors and sharing insight into the wildlife park
• Assisting with displays, exhibits, and general park presentation
• Joining special events or projects when required

Flights

After confirming your place on a PMGY volunteer program, we strongly advise that you book your flights as early as possible. This will help ensure that you get the lowest airfare. You can choose to book your flights independently or we can help you with arranging them.

To join our Australia volunteer program, you should book your flights to Cairns International Airport on your start date. The airport code is CNS. Volunteers in Australia can arrive at any time on their designated program start date.

Travel Insurance

Importantly, having an appropriate travel insurance policy during your time abroad is essential. Therefore, it is mandatory for all of our international volunteers to be appropriately covered across all of their trip dates. This includes your travel to and from the host country, as well as any onward travel. Although PMGY does everything to ensure your trip is safe, inevitably things can go wrong. Therefore, having a travel insurance policy in place helps you effectively deal with any problems you may encounter during your time away.

We have partnered up with Howden Insurance to create an affordable and comprehensive optional policy. This has been designed with our international volunteers in mind, to cover our participants for all of their travel essentials. The policy is available to anyone across the globe, up to the age of 65 years. The document will cover you for your time on any PMGY destination. You can purchase PMGY Travel Insurance during your online application or you can contact us directly to arrange it.

Our International Team works tirelessly to provide extensive support leading up to your volunteer or gap year trip. From our online chat service to email support and telephone conversations, we’re always ready to assist. All international volunteers with PMGY receive a comprehensive Volunteer Handbook, which serves as your ultimate guide for planning your volunteer trip abroad. This detailed handbook includes everything from visa guidance to suggested packing lists, ensuring you’re well-prepared for your adventure.

We also have dedicated Facebook groups for each of our volunteer destinations. These groups are a fantastic resource where you can connect with our international and local team, as well as past, present, and future volunteers. They provide a valuable platform for sharing experiences, asking questions, and staying updated with community news year after year.

Sometimes, it’s hard to imagine yourself volunteering abroad without having been there yet. To help manage expectations and give you a clear picture of what to expect, we offer a variety of engaging and informative videos on our PMGY YouTube Channel. These clips offer a visual insight into life as a PMGY volunteer. In addition, don’t miss our webinars, which run on selected Tuesdays at 4pm UK time. Our International Team provides invaluable advice in these sessions, tailored to help you prepare for your trip.

Each webinar is designed with a specific focus. Our Pre-Departure Webinar covers all the essentials you need to know before joining us abroad. The Program Preparation Webinar is project-specific, offering detailed advice and insights about your placement. Finally, our Safety Webinar provides top tips for managing your safety and wellbeing while volunteering abroad. For those simply curious about PMGY, we also run an Introductory Webinar. This session introduces our organisation, background, goals, and the volunteer and gap year travel opportunities we offer overseas.

Our Australia volunteer program is based in Cairns and Port Douglas, located in tropical North Queensland. Surrounded by the Great Barrier Reef and the ancient Daintree Rainforest, the area offers a relaxed coastal feel alongside easy access to world class marine life, rainforest experiences, and outdoor activities, making it a life-changing location to live and volunteer.

PMGY’s volunteer opportunities in Australia are delivered by our dedicated and highly experienced in-country local team. Every team member is fully vetted by our International Team, ensuring that your experience is both safe and rewarding. Our local community network provides the structure and support you need to make the most of your time on a volunteer abroad program with PMGY. From arranging your accommodation and meals to coordinating airport pick-up, in-country orientation, and 24/7 emergency support, our team ensures that every detail is covered, leaving you free to focus on making a difference during your volunteer experience in Australia.

Your arrival in Australia will be a strict arrival day, and your orientation for your volunteer program in Australia will take place the following day. This day is designed to help you settle in, understand life in Australia, and prepare for your upcoming volunteer experience.

The morning session will focus on essential information, including an introduction to Australian culture and important health and safety guidelines. Our local team will also provide a detailed briefing on your volunteer project, outlining what is expected of you and what you can expect in return.

Later in the day, you will head into town town for a guided tour. Our team will show you where to find everything you may need during your stay, including the nearest shops, ATMs, and bus stops. You will also have the opportunity to set up a local SIM card and enjoy some lunch in town.

The evening is yours to relax, catch up on rest, and get to know your fellow volunteers before starting your volunteer work in Australia the following day.

Cairns

Please make sure you arrive into Cairns International Airport (CNS) on Sunday.

Day 1 – Arrival

G’Day! Upon arrival at Cairns International Airport, a PMGY team member will be there to greet you with a sign. You will then travel to the Volunteer House in Cairns or Port Douglas, a journey of around 30-60 minutes, depending on your project. Once at the Volunteer House, you will have time to relax, meet fellow participants, and begin to take in your first glimpses of Australia.

If you arrive early in the morning and feel refreshed, you may have the chance to begin your orientation in the afternoon. Otherwise, the local team will help you settle in and arrange anything you may need on your first day.

Day 2 – Orientation

Your orientation for your volunteer program in Australia will take place the day after you arrive. This day is designed to help you settle in, understand life in Australia, and prepare for your upcoming volunteer experience.

The morning session will focus on essential information, including an introduction to Australian culture and important health and safety guidelines. Our local team will also provide a detailed briefing on your volunteer project, outlining what is expected of you and what you can expect in return.

Later in the day, you will head into town for a guided tour. Our team will show you where to find everything you may need during your stay, including the nearest shops, ATMs, and bus stops. You will also have the opportunity to set up a local SIM card and enjoy some lunch in town.

The evening is yours to relax, catch up on rest, and get to know your fellow volunteers before starting your volunteer work in Australia.

Days 3-6 – Volunteering Begins

Today marks your first day of volunteering. The local team will accompany you to your project placement to ensure you receive a comprehensive introduction, meet the project staff, and understand your daily role.

As the week progresses, your confidence will grow, and you will begin to settle into your role and build connections with the local community. The local team is always just a phone call away and happy to assist with anything you may need.

Days 7-8 – Weekend!

After a rewarding week of volunteering, the weekend is yours to explore Australia. Whether you are looking for a relaxing break, an adventure, or a cultural experience, Australia has something for everyone.

Our team encourages volunteers to explore Australia’s amazing sites and will be happy to help you plan your trip. 

There are many exciting weekend options to choose from. You could arrange a diving course and explore the diversity of the ocean. Alternatively, you may wish to relax by the beach.

If you have extra time before or after your placement, you may also want to join another project in the area or explore local islands.

The Following Weeks

Your next weeks will follow a similar pattern, as you will be volunteering from Monday to Friday. Weekends will be free to travel. Time will fly, so make sure you make the most of it. The local team is there to support you throughout your stay, whether you need help planning a trip, have lost your phone, or simply want someone to talk to.

Last Day 

Today marks your final day of your volunteer program in Australia. If you are heading home, the local team can help arrange your airport drop-off. Please note that this is not included in your Program Fee. 

Port Douglas

Please make sure you arrive into Cairns International Airport (CNS) on Monday.

Day 1 – Arrival

You should arrive into Cairns Airport, airport code CNS, on your scheduled arrival date. As accommodation check-in opens from 2pm, we recommend booking a flight that arrives in Cairns after midday, where possible.

Airport pickup is arranged via a shared shuttle service operating between Cairns Airport and Cairns City Centre. 

Once you arrive at the airport, you will be collected by the shuttle provider and transferred to downtown Cairns. The journey time typically ranges from 15 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

The shuttle service will drop you directly outside Gilligan’s Hotel & Resort, making arrival simple and convenient after your flight into Cairns.

The rest of the day is free for you to relax, settle in, and recover from your journey. If you arrive earlier than the recommended check in time, you are welcome to spend some time exploring the city. There are plenty of cafés, restaurants, and shops nearby where you can grab something to eat or enjoy a coffee while waiting for check in to open.

Day 2 – Orientation

After your overnight stay in Cairns, the team will transfer you early on Tuesday morning to Port Douglas, where your volunteer program begins. The journey typically takes around 1 hour, depending on traffic. It is important that you are ready and on time for this transfer, as if you miss it you will need to arrange your own transport to Port Douglas at your own expense, most likely by Uber.

On arrival, you will take part in your welcome and orientation, where you will be introduced to the team, receive your work roster, and be issued with your volunteer t-shirts. After orientation, you will be transferred to your accommodation in Port Douglas to check in and settle in.

Days 3-5 – Project Work

Wednesday is the first full day of your volunteer placement. After breakfast, you will travel with your group to the wildlife centre, where you will spend the coming weeks supporting the daily care of rescued native animals.

As a volunteer, you will help the coordinators with feeding routines, enclosure cleaning, food preparation, enrichment activities, and general animal wellbeing. The centre cares for a range of species that may have been injured or orphaned, and your support allows the team to focus on rehabilitation and ongoing care. You will always have guidance from experienced staff who will show you how each task is carried out safely and responsibly.

You will learn about the stories of the animals in care, gain insight into conservation work across Far North Queensland, and take part in activities that keep the centre running. It is practical work that offers a close connection to Australia’s wildlife and the challenges faced by rescue facilities.

Breakfast will be provided at your accommodation in Port Douglas, with lunch served at your project on work days. Evenings are a chance to relax, explore the local area, or spend time with your group. Social activities may be available and are optional, with some requiring a small additional cost.

Daily transport to and from your placement is also included. You will be picked up from the accommodation at 7:00am each morning and collected from your project at approximately 3:30pm. The accommodation is around 1km from the project site, so the journey time is very short.

Outside of the project, Port Douglas is very walkable, relaxed, and easy to get around without needing much organised transport in your free time. The beach is just 200 metres from the accommodation, with plenty of shops, cafés, and other amenities all within easy walking distance.

Days 6-7 – Days Off!

Your days off are your opportunity to explore Port Douglas and its surrounding areas. This gives you time to visit coastal spots, enjoy nearby walking tracks, or simply rest before the next week of volunteering.

The Following Weeks

Additional weeks follow a similar structure, with volunteering taking place five days per week and your days off varying across the week. Activities may rotate between different sites and project focuses. The schedule may change depending on weather, research needs, and conservation priorities. Your local team remains available throughout to provide guidance, support, and advice during your stay.

Last Days 

Your volunteer schedule finishes on the final Friday of the program. This will be your last night staying at the accommodation in Port Douglas. On Saturday morning, your transfer back to Cairns is arranged, where two nights of accommodation at Gilligan’s Hotel and Resort are included as part of your program. 

This time is designed for you to relax, explore Cairns one last time, and enjoy the surrounding area, as all official program duties have now finished. If you prefer to fly home late on Saturday or at any point on Sunday, this is also possible. However, most participants choose to make use of the included accommodation in the city for rest and free time, before flying home on Monday, with check out from the accommodation at 10am.

Once back at Gilligan’s Hotel & Resort in Cairns, your return airport transfer is not included in your Program Fee.

Many participants choose to use a ridesharing app for their return journey, as plans often change during the final days of the program. Costs will depend on your method of transport and final destination, and can often be shared if travelling with other participants on the program.

For many first-time travellers, heading abroad can feel both exciting and daunting. At PMGY, we take every precaution to make our volunteer projects in Australia as safe as possible. While no experience can ever be 100% risk-free, our robust safety measures provide peace of mind for both volunteers and their families.

Every program has been personally inspected and approved by a PMGY director. We’ve lived in the Volunteer House, experienced the orientation, and worked on the projects ourselves. Through frequent visits and daily communications, we’ve built strong, trusting relationships with our local team, ensuring that all programs meet our high standards.

In the unlikely event of an issue, volunteers have access to several layers of support:

• PMGY Local Team
• Project Staff
• PMGY International Team

Our programs are continually monitored to evaluate volunteer experiences and ensure high standards. We rely on volunteer feedback to make ongoing improvements to improve volunteer opportunities in Australia. Safety and security are regularly assessed, and participants are encouraged to raise concerns with our local or International Teams, allowing us to resolve issues promptly and effectively.

Pre-Departure and In-Country Guidance

To ensure you’re fully prepared, PMGY provides comprehensive pre-departure guidance and an in-depth safety briefing during your orientation. Our local team cover all the essentials, including project introductions, emergency procedures, tips for using local transport, and cultural differences. Volunteers also receive a full list of important contact numbers, ensuring you always know who to reach out to.

General Safety Tips

While our local team work hard to ensure your safety, we encourage volunteers to follow these general tips for an even more secure experience:

• Be modest with jewellery worn in public.
• Avoid drinking tap water.
• Stay vigilant in crowds or near beggars; distractions may be used to target you.
• Be discreet when handling money in public.
• Plan your journeys carefully, especially at night, and know your destination in advance.
• Use only reputable transport providers; recommendations will be provided during your orientation.
• Stay in groups at night and avoid walking alone in dark or isolated areas.
• Keep valuables safe, especially when heading out of the accommodation.
• Be cautious of traffic, always looking left and right before crossing roads.
• Never accept food or drinks from strangers.

By following these guidelines and the advice provided by our in-country teams, you’ll be able to enjoy a safe, enriching, and memorable experience at your volunteer project in Australia.

The tropical far north of Australia offers warm conditions for most of the year, though the weather shifts noticeably between the coastal areas and the inland tablelands. Along the coast, the air feels warm and humid, while higher inland areas are cooler, especially once the sun goes down. The warmest months generally fall between December and March, and the period from June to October brings cooler and more pleasant temperatures.

This region has two main seasons, one wet and one dry. The wet season usually runs from December to April, bringing heavy showers, sudden downpours, and impressive thunderstorms. Trails and forest paths can become muddy during this time, so sturdy footwear is important and light coloured clothing is best avoided. During the dry season, which stretches from May to November, the weather is much calmer and clearer, although dust can be an issue in more open areas.

Inland towns on the elevated plateau enjoy cooler and drier conditions thanks to the higher altitude. Daytime temperatures often sit around 25 degrees Celsius, but evenings can feel quite cool. June and July can be especially crisp, so packing a few warm layers is a sensible idea.

Cairns

Accommodation – Hostel

During your time on the Australia marine conservation program, you will stay in a comfortable and modern hostel located in central Cairns. Accommodation is typically at Little Drifter, although this may change depending on availability. 

The hostel offers a range of shared facilities designed for comfort and downtime. These include a large outdoor recreation deck, a communal kitchen where you can prepare your own meals, laundry facilities, and a welcoming lounge area with privacy cubicles and a pool table. The hostel also runs regular evening activities, providing a great opportunity to socialise and meet like-minded travellers. A supermarket is located directly opposite the hostel, making it easy to pick up essentials, while the surrounding area is home to a wide selection of cafes and restaurants.

Cairns is a friendly coastal city with a warm climate and an attractive waterfront area. In your free time, you can relax at the lagoon pool, explore local markets, spend time with other volunteers, or take a short walk along the esplanade. The city is also a popular gateway to snorkelling trips, rainforest experiences, and island visits, giving you plenty of options for weekend activities.

Throughout your stay, you will have regular access to marine educators and program staff who are there to support you and guide you through the experience. This combination of comfortable accommodation, a sociable atmosphere, and close proximity to both the ocean and the city makes Cairns an excellent base for your conservation work and your time off project.

Meals

Lunch is included on weekdays during your time on the Australia marine conservation program. These lunches are provided on project days and give volunteers a simple and convenient way to refuel between conservation activities. Breakfasts and dinners are not included, so volunteers typically prepare their own meals in the communal kitchen at the hostel or pick up something from the many nearby cafes and restaurants.

The hostel is in a central part of Cairns with a supermarket directly across the street, making it easy to buy groceries and snacks. A range of affordable eateries and take away options are also within walking distance, giving you plenty of choice whether you prefer cooking your own meals or trying the local food scene. Volunteers often enjoy going out together once or twice a week, especially in the evenings when the city has a lively and relaxed atmosphere.

Since lunches are only provided Monday to Friday, you should plan a small budget for other meals as well as weekend food. The communal kitchen is fully equipped with basics such as fridges, cooking hobs, and storage shelves, so preparing your own meals is straightforward. There is no set meal plan available at the hostel, but the combination of nearby shops, shared cooking spaces, and accessible dining options gives volunteers plenty of flexibility throughout their stay in Cairns.

* Our team will do their best to cater for dietary requirements, but this cannot always be guaranteed. Volunteers may need to purchase additional ingredients at their own expense. Please note any dietary requirements in your application and re-iterate them to the local team on arrival. For major concerns, contact the PMGY International Team before confirming your place on the program.

Port Douglas

Accommodation – Volunteer House

During your time on the Australia wildlife program, you will stay in comfortable shared volunteer housing in Port Douglas, only a short walk from the beach. The accommodation has a relaxed and friendly atmosphere where volunteers live together in same gender dorm style rooms, making it easy to get to know the people you will be working with each day. The houses are designed to offer a blend of comfort and community, giving you a calm place to return to after mornings spent caring for animals and maintaining habitats.

Each house has three bedrooms with bunk beds and air conditioning, two bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, a private laundry, and a shared living area with a sofa, a TV, and board games. Outside, you will find an undercover space for relaxing, as well as access to a private pool where volunteers often cool off in the afternoon heat. Free Wi-Fi is available across the property, and the beach is only a few minutes away on foot, making it easy to enjoy Port Douglas in your downtime.

Port Douglas itself is a welcoming coastal town known for its palm lined streets, calm beaches, and easy access to the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. During your free time, you can stroll along Four Mile Beach, visit the Sunday markets, explore local cafes, or take short trips to Mossman Gorge and nearby lookouts. The atmosphere of the town is peaceful yet social, creating an ideal balance between relaxation and adventure.

Meals

Breakfast and lunch are included on your rostered work days during the Australia wildlife program. These meals are provided at the project and give volunteers a convenient way to stay fuelled throughout the morning and early afternoon. Dinner is not included, so volunteers usually prepare their own evening meals in the shared kitchen at the accommodation or pick up something from nearby cafes and restaurants. Volunteers will have access to drinking water at both the accommodation and the volunteer project.

Your volunteer housing in Port Douglas is close to local shops, with supermarkets and small stores within walking distance. This makes it simple to purchase ingredients for dinners, snacks, and weekend meals. The kitchen in each house is fully equipped, allowing volunteers to cook together or prepare meals independently. Many choose to enjoy relaxed group dinners or visit local eateries on occasional evenings.

Since only breakfast and lunch are provided on work days, you should plan a small budget for dinners and all weekend meals. The flexibility of having your own kitchen, combined with easy access to shops and dining options in town, ensures you can settle into a routine that suits your preferences while enjoying the laid back food scene in Port Douglas.

* Our team will do their best to cater for dietary requirements, but this cannot always be guaranteed. Volunteers may need to purchase additional ingredients at their own expense. Please note any dietary requirements in your application and re-iterate them to the local team on arrival. For major concerns, contact the PMGY International Team before confirming your place on the program.

On the Australia volunteer program, the cost of your project transport is included in your Program Fee. 

PMGY welcomes volunteers of all nationalities and backgrounds. The minimum age to join the program is 18, and there is no upper age limit. All volunteers need to have a good level of English, although it does not need to be your first language. 

All participants must provide a clean criminal background check before volunteering abroad with us. No formal experience or qualifications are required—just lots of energy, enthusiasm, and a willingness to prepare!

To confirm your place on a PMGY program, you need to pay a Registration Fee. The remaining Program Fee is due no less than 60 days before your program start date.

For more information on how to join one of our volunteer opportunities abroad, please visit our Application Process.