The Volunteer Programme
After meeting your team leader at the office in Sydney you will be taken to the Capital Country (ACT) region where your volunteer experience begins. You will spend five days here working on habitat rehabilitation projects undertaking activities such as seed collection, tree planting and weed removal, in significant natural areas throughout the Capital Country. You will also have some free days to explore the local sights. At the end of this section of the programme you will travel by boat over to Montague Island where you will spend Friday and Saturday exploring the island and learning about its environmental, historical and cultural significance, assisting with conservation activities aimed at protecting the local seabird population and of course spend time relaxing and having fun!
The island is one of the most important breeding areas along the NSW coast for seabirds, particularly Little Penguins. Three species of Shearwaters, as well as Silver Gulls and Crested Terns also nest in spring and summer. Soaring Sea Eagles and other birds of prey are regular visitors counted amongst the 90+ bird species recorded on or over the island. During the annual migration of Humpback Whales in spring and early winter, the island provides the perfect vantage point for observing their acrobatics.
Conservation Activities that you may take part in include:
-
Manual removal of the sea spurge weed from several bays on the island to assist with habitat restoration
- Selectively weeding areas for the penguin habitat improvement programme. There are over 30,000 shearwaters, crested terns and little penguins nest that breed on the Island, making it one of the most significant seabird areas on the east coast of NSW. Research studies indicate that the presence and continued spread of kikuyu (an invasive weed that spreads across nearly 40% of the southern section of the island) represents the single greatest threat to seabirds on Montague Island. In particular Kikuyu grass reduces seabird nesting and breeding areas and, increases sea bird mortality rates.
- Planting seedlings for the penguin habitat improvement programme
- Land bird surveys (mostly in spring/summer months)
- Assisting with bird counts (mostly September - February)
- Locating and marking penguin nest sites (seasonal Sept - March)
- Penguin census
- Assisting with seabird habitat restoration or research projects
- Evening research counts of the penguins as they come ashore (seasonal September - March)
- Heritage restoration activities of the buildings on site.
The activities that you will undertake while on the island will be dependant upon factors such as weather, fitness and skill levels, group interest, researcher availability, and the particular phase of any work program being undertaken on the island at the time of your trip.
Programme Cost Includes
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Accommodation as per itinerary
- Project related transport in Australia
- Team Leader for conservation activities and programme coordination, and National Parks and Wildlife Service Guide for Montague Island portion of programme
- Australian Wildlife Guide and Certificate
Programme Cost Excludes
- All flights and airline charges
- Personal travel insurance for the duration of your placement, which should cover you for repatriation
- Visa
- Meals not included in the itinerary
- All items of a personal nature, such as gifts, clothing (work and other)
- Laundry and medical expenses
- Any excursions over and above your planned itinerary
Prices & Durations
Australia Island Conservation - 11 days £849
