Australia: Beachside Wildlife Adventure – Volunteer Vacations

The Experience

Australia is unlike anywhere else on earth. Incredible wildlife, sunny skies, lush coastal forests and a sparkling Pacific coastline only scratches the surface of what this country has to offer. We’ll base ourselves in the natural beauty of Australia’s Gold Coast, an area blessed with miles of pristine beaches and crystal blue waters. Take a sunset cruise along the waterways, head deep into the rainforest on the hunt for waterfalls & kangaroos, enjoy a traditional Aboriginal celebration and spend an afternoon at a koala conservation center. Head out to North Stradbroke Island, the world’s second largest sand island, for two days of wildlife sighting and exploration.

A Behind-the-Scenes Wildlife Experience

Spend several afternoons with a leading wildlife conservation park participating first-hand in the center’s mission to protect Australia’s vulnerable species. This is a level of access that very few have the opportunity to experience.

Our Impact

Over the course of the trip, lend a hand and go behind-the-scenes at a local wildlife conservation park on the Gold Coast. Help the rangers care for the park’s wallabies, koalas and kangaroos as well as improve the park’s infrastructure, plant trees and get a behind the scenes perspective on these curious creatures. We’ll also learn from local rangers and conservation experts about the threats facing Australia’s magnificent indigenous wildlife, and the measures being taken to protect these unique creatures.

Where You’ll Stay

During our time on the Gold Coast, we’ll be based at spacious beachside apartments surrounded by nature. All apartments have air-conditioning and are completely self-contained with fully equipped kitchens, laundry, balconies and double or single occupancy rooms. There is an pool for the kids to play in and plenty of sunshine to relax under.

We’ll also spend two nights in charming seaside bungalows (with resident koalas) during our expedition to North Stradbroke Island. Take in stunning views of the bay and possibly spot dolphins just off the bungalow’s pier!

Itinerary Overview

Arrive to the sea and sand of Australia’s Gold Coast and unwind in your accommodation just steps from the beach. Spend the first days getting acquainted with area, enjoy a traditional Aboriginal ceremony, and cruise along the Gold Coast waterways. You will also get the rare opportunity to spend time learning about wildlife and getting hands-on with the rangers.

End the trip with two nights in seaside bungalows on North Stradbroke Island, the second largest sand island in the world. Learn to throw the boomerang and try the didgeridoo, spot kangaroos and koalas in the wild, take a kayak out into the calm sea and scout for dolphins along the island’s white sand beaches.

Your Expert Local Guides

Discover Corps’ expert family of guides around the world are by your side throughout the journey.

Sharon & Manny

Sharon and Manny are a wealth of knowledge for everything Australia. Both originally from the not-so-sunny island of England, Sharon & Manny settled in the Australian sunshine several decades ago. They can not only show you the best places to eat and experience the laid back lifestyle that Australians are known for, but have almost a second sense of finding kangaroos, wallabies and koalas in the wild.

Optional post-trip extensions

Discover Corps’ post-trip extensions allow you to extend your experience beyond the core itinerary and explore unique corners of the destination.

Sydney (3 Days/2 Nights)

Venture the iconic Australia city of Sydney to experience the Opera House, the Harbor Bridge, Bondi Beach & Sydney Harbor.

Traveler’s Journal

Watching kangaroos bounce along and koalas thriving in their native habitat was an experience I’ll never forget. My children were amazed not only by the wildlife, but by the different sides of Australia that we saw. On the one hand, you have the fascinating culture of the indigenous Aboriginal groups and on the other the laid-back beach culture that Australia is famous for.

Deborah H.

Bethesda, MD

Dates and Prices

Our trips are inclusive of all activities, lodging, transport and most meals to make your experience hassle-free.

$3,995 Adult

$3,695 Child

Double Occupancy Price. Children’s pricing applies to travelers 16 years old and younger sharing a room with an adult
Single Room Supplement (single room in shared enclosed apartment) = $700.
Note: Even if you opted not to pay the SRS, if we are unable to find a suitable roommate for you then you will be required to pay the SRS at a later time

What’s Included:

9 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 8 dinners (1 free evening)
Transportation in private vehicles
7 nights lodging in beachfront apartment on the Gold Coast
2 nights lodging in North Stradbroke Island
Volunteer project at wildlife conservation park
All scheduled activities and excursions
Discover Corps Guide there to inform and educate you
$50,000 emergency medical evacuation insurance
Discover Corps pre-departure booklet
24-hour Discover Corps emergency hotline

What’s Not Included:

Tips for Discover Corps guide and driver
International Airfare
Australia Visa
$150 domestic flight supplement

Dates

Our intimate, small-group departures consist of like-minded travelers. Don’t see a date that works? Let us know and we’ll make it happen.

2022 Dates

July 17-26, 2022 (Call Us for Info)

August 7-16, 2022 (Call Us for Info)

November 20-29, 2022 (Call Us for Info)

2023 Dates (Call Us for Info)

Want to learn more?

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Alumni & Family Discounts, Monthly Payment Plans, and More

Repeat travelers and groups are eligible for discounts. Looking for a payment plan to help manage your trip? Learn more here.

Customized Private Trips

Let us create a custom trip for your group. Learn more about custom group travel.

Australia – Beachside Wildlife Adventure