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.

Newcastle’s vibrant creativity is evident everywhere, from a thriving live arts scene to an ever-growing offering for gourmands. Those with a hunger for new and exciting experiences should put Newcastle on their radar.

When it comes to consuming the culture of a city, digesting it (in the literal sense) is an appropriate place to start. But it’s not just a world-class wining and dining scene that’s on the menu (not to mention all the new restaurants in Newcastle ). Newcastle – just two hours north of Sydney – offers the perfect blend of arts, culture and culinary experiences that make it a prime destination for an extended escape. The city’s creative future looks even brighter with the reopening of the highly anticipated Newcastle Art Gallery on the horizon.

aerial of Nobbys beach in newcastle nsw — Newcastle offers the perfect coastal setting for the arts and delicious eats. (Image: City of Newcastle)

Given Newcastle’s compact size – many venues are within easy walking distance or a quick drive away – you can immerse yourself fully. From decadent patisseries to fine diners and casual coastal eats, here’s a fresh taste of Newcastle: where to eat, drink and soak up the coastal city’s good vibes.

1. Pastry cafes in Newcastle

pastries next to a pastry box from crumb cafe in newcastle — Lean into Newcastle’s pastry renaissance at Crumb. (Image: Jemma Donkin)

Pastry is having a moment, with a quietly booming scene led by CRUMB, the brand-new pastry cafe in Lambton led by legendary Gareth Williams (of Covered in Crumbs, EXP) and Ben Richardson (Autumn Rooms). Gareth describes his style of food as ‘creative chaos’. Enjoy that abstract artisanal approach over a savoury chorizo, bechamel, cheddar and poppy pastry, or a layered mortadella and pesto mayo croissant sandwich.

Meanwhile, Leibe European Pastries, Pekárna, Union St Pastry and Praise Joe also have their own flair and loyal followings. While Liebe European Pastries is famed for layered German pastries such as Franzbrötchen, Pekárna’s signatures (like cardamom pastries) are tethered to Czech traditions.

Head a few blocks west to Wickham, where Union St Pastry is the pinnacle for lovers of European-style viennoiseries, such as croissants and Danishes. A getaway to Newcastle also looks pretty fabulous with a mega brownie or chicken little toastie from Praise Joe .

2. Destination dining

Blanca resuarant in newcastle nsw — Step inside Mediterranean-inspired eatery, Blanca. (Image: Destination NSW)

Life looks pretty peachy from a table at the breezy Mediterranean-inspired eatery Blanca , which would not be out of place in Mykonos – when it swooped into the Honeysuckle Precinct a few years ago, it caused heads to swivel. Say yasou to mezedes of crudo di mare and sheftalia and grilled Abrolhos Islands’ octopus.

One may also fantasise about being back in Europe – specifically the 10th arrondissement in Paris – at Frenchie , the oh-so-French bistro that offers Euro-chic elegance with an inventive Australian flair. Indulge in the Date Night set menu, available every Thursday.

Peregrin is another stand-out. Listen to the sound of the ocean from the rooftop terrace, and order a Summertime Sour during aperitivo hour. Followed by the yellowfin tuna with pickled cucumber and market fish. And brand new on the scene is Papalote – a joint venture from the incredibly talented owners of Humbug and Flotilla serving up tasty Mexican classics.

3. Casual coastal cafes and kiosks

people swimming at Newcastle Ocean Baths — Follow Newcastle’s coastline for stunning views and tasty eats. (Image: David Diehm)

What better way to soak in Newcastle’s legendary coastline and stunning beaches than by visiting its casual coastal eateries while on the Bathers Way?

Enjoy hot chips and scallops on the sand at Swell Kiosk Bar Beach . Or a housemade sausage roll after a morning surf at Newcastle Beach, thanks to Southy Canteen , which is open from 6am.

Bring your furry travel companion to Sunnyboy Kiosk for a piccolo and puppuccino with views out to Dixon Park Beach. Try light eats, like acai bowls, or more substantial meals like nasi goreng at Blue Door in Merewether. Do a few lazy laps at Merewether Ocean Baths (the largest in the southern hemisphere) before tucking into swordfish skewers and salad at Merewether Surfhouse .

You can also watch the ocean compose a bit of magic from your perch at The Kiosk Newcastle Beach , where a matcha latte looks even better with the beach fresco.

Pause between eats to take in the iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths and Bogey Hole – perfect for a digestive swim or scenic picnic spot.

4. Hatted restaurants in Newcastle

couple eating at Flotilla newcastle — Flotilla serves up delicious meals. (Image: Destination NSW)

In recent years, Newcastle’s restaurant scene has evolved to include venues that have elevated the city’s reputation for culinary excellence. In addition to its cafes and kiosks, there’s now an exciting wave of hatted favourites putting Newcastle on the map.

Humbug is the epitome of Novocastrian dining; the mafaldine with brisket and beef cheek braised in Pedro Ximenez is emblematic of what the owners aim for here. Flotilla neatly knits the Newcastle wining and dining scene together, with young gun Josh Thurston showcasing the art of cooking proteins and produce over fire.

Bistro Penny is another sophisticated, hatted dining destination in Newcastle. Order the barbecued king prawns swimming in a saffron broth and the oxheart tomato salad.

5. Newcastle nightlife

Bartholomew's small bar in newcastle nsw — Stop by Bartholomew’s for a drink. (Image: Destination NSW)

As the sun dips in the west, so the city of Newcastle’s nightlife springs to life. Maru Hi-Fi is the next-gen small bar that’s redefining a night out in Newy – the sleek space serves great cocktails and embraces Newcastle’s alt attitude. Next door, Jams Karaoke & Bar is also bringing the vibes.

If a small bar in a grand old building is more your style, check out Roxanne , Bar Mellow and Bartholomew’s .

Start planning your Newcastle culinary coastal getaway this summer at visitnewcastle.com.au.

Why ‘Voluntourism’ should be a ‘staycation’