Why 'Voluntourism' should be a 'staycation'

For eco-warriors and people-lovers, Australia is the perfect land for blending travel and volunteering. Words by Ryan Auberson-Walsh

‘Voluntourism’ has emerged as a new age reward for the everyday adventurer, but for Australians there has been an international focus, specifically on Asia-Pacific and African countries, for a number of years.

But for those who wish to lend a hand a little closer to home, the sparse Australian landscape doles out a number of volunteer opportunities at a range of prices, blending some of the country’s most spectacular environments with the satisfaction of giving back to Mother Earth. From aiding turtles to mentoring young indigenous kids during the school holidays, Australian Traveller offers you 9 noteworthy voluntourism programs established Australia-wide.

1. Ningaloo Turtle Program , WA

For the sake of assisting some of the cutest creatures in the sea, a $1300 fee will mean you can become a ‘Turtle Tracker’ and help out these marine reptiles through community education and data collection.

2. NPY Women’s Council, NT

The Ngaanyatjarra Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Women’s Council, or NPYWC for short, has since 2011 partnered with VOICE to run a number of successful youth programs. A four-week placement will set you back around $1950.

3. Arnhem Land Marine Debris Project, NT

Basically an all-year Clean Up Australia Day, this rubbish clearing project is a brilliant chance to help the environment of the Cobourg Peninsula, only costing $700 for five days.

4. Brookfield Conservation Park, SA

Somewhat spoilt for choice, two volunteer programs are run out of Brookfield – a two day Wombat Weekend for $80, or conducting wildlife surveys over a five-day period for $520.

5. ECOCEAN , WA

Here’s a chance to help monitor the migratory patterns of the biggest fish in the sea – the whale shark. Volunteers assist with computer-related data entry, graphic design and administration. Go on and lend a hand to the gentle giants.

6. West Arnhem Shire Council, NT

Working with aboriginal youth first hand, voluntourists can help mentor indigenous kids in sport, art and music activities over a six-week period. It’s run between June 16 and July 28 for $2550.

7. Frontier Ethical Conservation Experience, Australia-wide

With the goal of assisting Australia’s unique biodiversity, volunteers can undertake activities in a number of cities that include tree planting, habitat restoration and environmental monitoring.

8. Milparinka Visiting Volunteer Program , NSW

As rural towns go, Milparinka in NSW’s corner country is definitely on the tiny side (situated around 300 kilometres north of Broken Hill). Volunteers help to boost local tourism through various admin roles, with a chance to explore the sparse surrounding wilderness.

9. Mt Theo Program, NT

It’s time to reflect on the best of our childhood holiday memories and keep Mt Theo’s youth occupied when school’s out through sport, bush trips, art and craft, discos and the odd humble BBQ. The ten-week community visit costs $2950.

Adventure and refined Luxury combine at the stunning Rangelands Outback Camp.

Iconic Australian red dirt, ancient rocky landscapes and bursts of greenery and wildflowers all make the small town of Winton, and its surrounds, a sight to behold. Escape the ordinary and unwind in the Queensland outback, where ancient landscapes and off-grid luxury await at Rangelands Outback Camp.

cosy seats in Rangelands Outback Camp — Unwind in the ancient outback.

About Rangelands Outback Camp

Unforgettable 360-degree views of this 95-million-year-old land await at Rangelands; bathed in style and positioned on top of a jump-up (or mesa), your tented camp seamlessly blends into its outback setting.

Set on the 53,935-square-kilometre Rangelands Station – a working cattle property – the abundant wildlife are your only neighbours; kangaroos, echidnas, eagles and other birdlife all call Rangelands home.

Bathed in style, your tented camp seamlessly blends into its outback setting. Indulge with carefully curated menus, personalised service and supersized luxury tents that guarantee a private experience. This exclusive camp only has a maximum of 12 guests at a time.

Here, the aim is pampering. From tasty menus to supersized tents with all the creature comforts, to a range of guided tours around the property and beyond.

Guests are transferred from Winton or Longreach by a dedicated Rangelands driver.

aerial shot of Rangelands Outback Camp tent — Soak in 360-degree views.

Rangelands Outback Camp tours

Join small-group tours and enjoy exclusive access to the ancient Rangelands Rifts with your Rangelands hosts. These incredible rock formations were formed by millions of years of erosion, leaving dramatic channels through the rock. Or explore the surrounds with Rangeland’s touring partner, Red Dirt Tours .

Get sunset birds-eye views over dramatic mesa country in a helicopter, from Queensland’s own Three Sisters to Corey’s Range, stopping at the best lookouts along the way.

Get up close and personal with this rugged land on four wheels, with expert drivers and guides leading guests through famous Bladensburg National Park, visiting Gondwana Stars Observatory and more.

The Winton area is famous for its boulder opals (the second-rarest opal in the world, after black opals), and a stop at the mining community of Opalton sheds a fascinating light on the unique fossicking method used to find them.

A trip to dinosaur country is a must, as this is the place that ramped up Australia’s dino contribution after a fossilised footprint was found in 1962; after more exploration, the discovery of 3300 footprints made it clear this was the world’s only evidence of a dinosaur stampede. Those same footprints are still on display today at Lark Quarry Conservation Park , a 90-minute drive from Winton. Also check out Australia’s largest collection of Australian Dinosaur fossils Australian Age of Dinosaurs, just 30 minutes from Winton. Here, join a tour through a working laboratory, dinosaur canyon and more.

A twice-daily transfer into downtown Winton is offered to guests, where they can explore the Royal Outdoor Theatre, opal shops, Waltzing Matilda Centre and more.

tour being led through Rangeland rifts — Have an exclusive adventure through the Rangeland Rifts. (Image: TEQ)

Sleeping in luxury

After a day of exploring, return to your tranquil tent for a blissful open shower and uninterrupted views from your private deck.

Designed to integrate guests into the surrounding nature, each tent feels like its own private haven. While being off-grid in the outback (in fact, each tent is powered by its own solar panels, with the added support of a backup generator), guests can also luxuriate in comfortable amenities like air conditioning, a supremely comfortable king-size bed and stylish designer touches.

Guests can stroll to the open-air Sunset Deck for breathtaking panoramic views, or to the main lounge and dining tent, where books, on-demand coffee and drinks make it the perfect place to relax after a day in the outback.

inside Rangelands Outback Camp bedroom — Enjoy plenty of space inside, and stunning views outside.

Rangelands Outback Camp dining

As the sun starts to dip below the horizon, gather for drinks and canapés on the expansive Sunset Deck, watching the sun drench the landscape in pinks and oranges as it sinks below the horizon.

Later, head to The Mahal lounge area and dining tent where mealtime magic happens. Savour a gourmet meal made fresh by Rangeland’s onsite chef. The meals use local produce to elevate classic outback dishes, and don’t worry, dietary requirements are happily accommodated.

Enjoy an open bar filled with an expansive hand-selected list of wines and premium beers, with wine pairings offered by Rangelands hosts come dinner time.

Discover more and book your luxurious stay at rangelandscamp.com.

Why ‘Voluntourism’ should be a ‘staycation’