YOU, A 'ROO & AUSTRALIA ZOO
Isolated from other land masses for millions of years, Australia’s unique mammals and reptiles are found nowhere else on the planet. You’re probably familiar with kangaroos and koalas, but have you ever seen Tasmanian devils, echidnas or wombats? How much do you know about Australia’s marsupials? If you’ve ever wanted to get involved with Australia’s unusual wildlife, then this is the program for you!
Crikey!
The Rustic Pathways base house in Australia is set on 50 acres of bush and rainforest in the Glasshouse Mountains of the Sunshine Coast. Just down the road is Steve Irwin’s famous Australia Zoo, where people from all over the world come to see the home of the Crocodile Hunter and get up close with Australia’s animals. On this program, you’ll spend four days volunteering at the zoo, learning all you can about animals from Australia and around the world.
Wildlife Conservation
Worldwide, thousands of animal species are endangered or on the brink of extinction. Destruction of habitats, clearing of forests, poaching, and illegal trade are just a few of the issues threatening wildlife. Australia Zoo believes that if you can make people love animals, then they will become active in protecting them. By becoming a part of their team, you will contribute to the zoo’s education and conservation mission. Throughout the trip you’ll focus on learning about wildlife conservation issues, organizations that are working to protect wildlife, and what you can do to help.
Part of the Team
Expect to be involved in a range of volunteer tasks while helping your zoo keeper. Depending on your interests, you’ll be placed in different zones around the zoo, such as with the native mammals, birds, or even primates and big cats! Put on your uniform and spend the days working one-on-one with the zoo staff, going behind the scenes and learning what happens back stage. Mornings often start by cleaning animal enclosures, and in the afternoons your tasks will change daily – you may prepare food one day and help with maintenance the next. You’ll work hard and have a truly unique reward – walking with dingoes and cuddling koalas is something you’ll never forget. For anyone with a passion for animals who’s willing to get their hands dirty, this is an experience you won’t find anywhere else!
Add Some Adventure…
When you’re not volunteering at the zoo, you’ll be out exploring all this region has to offer. Visit beautiful waterfalls, walk through ancient rainforest, and hike in the Glasshouse Mountains. Or if you prefer, take a walk down the esplanade of a cosmopolitan beach town and have a coffee with the locals before soaking up some afternoon rays on a pristine beach. Then in the evenings, head out to local restaurants or eat home-cooked meals before chilling out at the base house and trying the famous Aussie tim-tam slam.
Theme Parks and the Gold Coast
Further south along the coast is another famous holiday destination, Australia’s Gold Coast. Home to Surfer’s Paradise and numerous other famous surf breaks, this region also hosts Australia’s best theme parks. You’ll spend a day at a park, such as Sea World, Dreamworld, or Wet ‘n’ Wild, where the latest rides are guaranteed to get your heart pumping. Scream while riding the heart-stopping thrill rides, and then wind down by checking out the other attractions. You’ll finish off the day with some time on the coast before cruising the Brisbane River at night and having dinner out in the city.
New in 2010, this program links well with our other trips in Australia, Fiji and New Zealand. Whether you stay for a week or connect a few trips, you’ll go home in love with Australia and remember your experiences forever.
For more information about this program, please contact us at australia@rusticpathways.com.
