Why ‘Voluntourism’ should be a ‘staycation’

Ryan Auberson-Walsh Ryan Auberson-Walsh
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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.

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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.

 

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Ryan Auberson-Walsh

Ryan Auberson-Walsh

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This geological wonder is hiding in the heart of Victoria

    Michael Turtle Michael Turtle
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    Mythical, historical and most of all, spectacularly beautiful, Buchan Caves demands you take your time – and a tour. 

    In the pools of water, so still they could be mirrors, the reflections of the stalactites make these limestone towers seem even taller. Almost 400 million years ago, an underground river carved through the rock to create the Buchan Caves. Now, artworks created by dripping water adorn these subterranean galleries: stalactites hanging from the ceiling, pillars connecting some to the ground, even curtain-like wave formations clinging to the stone.

    Caves House
    Visit the caves for the day or stay onsite in the campground or at the self-contained Caves House. (Image: Ben Savage)

    “This is called the Fairy Cave because it’s full of fairy dust,” a guide tells visitors as they enter a cavern glittering with “calcite that’s solidified into thousands of tiny little diamond shapes”.  Buchan Caves is Victoria’s largest cave system, but Fairy Cave is a highlight and, along with nearby Royal Cave, is accessible only by tour. Naturally cold, naturally dark, these caverns deep below the surface light up as the local experts tell their stories. 

    couple walking in cave
    You’ll need to book a guided tour to see the caves. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    Among the hundreds of caves, some can be easily accessed from the surface. For instance, a casual stroll along the FJ Wilson Interpreted Walk, as kangaroos watch on from beneath acacia trees, leads into the 400-metre-long Federal Cave and its natural steps of white limestone. A slightly longer track, the Granite Pools Walk heads through soaring forest down into moss-covered gullies where the calls of lyrebirds trill through the leaves. 

    A quick history lesson on Buchan Caves 

    Buchan Caves
    Buchan Caves are a must-visit attraction in Gippsland. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    Among the geology and the nature are millennia of history. This part of East Gippsland connects the high country to the coast and was long a place of refuge for the local Gunaikurnai people on seasonal migrations to the mountains. Archaeological studies show humans lived here up to 18,000 years ago, with artefacts such as small stone tools found around the site. But not too far into the caverns – oh no! The Gunaikurnai didn’t dare venture deep into the dark at Buchan Caves, telling stories they were inhabited by gnome-like nyols (small grey-skinned creatures that could steal memories). 

    Buchan Caves Hotel
    The Buchan Caves Hotel was rebuilt after burning down in 2014. (Image: Jess Shapiro)

    By the early 1900s, more people had started to hear about these incredible caves and so the Moon family set up home at the site and started to run tours below ground for intrepid visitors. More than a century later, their historic residence is available as accommodation, with the three-bedroom house sleeping up to eight people and now equipped with modern amenities the Moons could only have dreamt of. 

    But whether you stay overnight or just spend the day here, it’s worth taking your time to explore more than just the main caves, to get a deeper understanding of one of Victoria’s fascinating geological attractions.