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The south eastern states (NSW, Victoria and Tasmania) offer a range of diverse and rewarding opportunities for volunteers who are passionate about conservation. With a variety of landscapes and tasks, there's something for everyone, whether you're looking for a short-term commitment or a longer placement.

Each reserve has specific needs, and we aim to match volunteers to the right opportunities. Before applying, consider:

  • Your skills and experience
  • Your availability and desired placement length
  • The prerequisites for specific tasks.
Volunteer Platypus survey crew by the Murrumbidgee River.
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Volunteer Platypus survey crew by the Murrumbidgee River. Photo Yvonne Wiseby.

New South Wales reserves

Brogo | Scottsdale | Tarcutta Hills

These reserves provide an opportunity to work in picturesque settings, contributing to critical conservation projects. 

Prerequisites:

  • Most tasks require only a decent level of fitness and enthusiasm.
  • Certain roles may need skills such as flora/fauna identification, mechanical expertise, or chemical handling certification. 

Tasks in NSW include:

  • Weed management and revegetation (most frequent)
  • Flora and fauna surveys
  • Nursery work (propagation) on Scottsdale
  • General maintenance, repairs, and groundskeeping.

Placement lengths:

  • Typically range from a single day to a week.
  • Brogo offers 2-3 short volunteer placements a year.
  • Scottsdale offers volunteering almost every Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday. Tree planting weekends are usually offered in spring and autumn.
  • Tarcutta Hills offers one volunteer week most months, between Autumn and Spring. 

Victorian reserves

Bellair | Buckrabanyule | J.C. Griffin | John Douglas | Lawan | Nardoo Hills | The Round House | Sanstrom

Our Victorian properties are critical to restoring biodiversity and ensuring the free movement of species across the landscape. Placements typically range from 2-3 days, while caretaking assignments are around a month.

Autumn to spring is the most popular time, with a break in summer due to heat and fire risk.

Weed spraying volunteers.
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Weed spraying volunteers. Photo Craig Allen.

Tasks in Victoria can include:

  • Weed management (e.g. chemical control of wheel cactus)
  • Ecological monitoring (fauna, vegetation and bird surveys)
  • Fence removal
  • Tree planting of key species
  • Caretaking and infrastructure maintenance.
Reserve Manager Mike Bretz fixing a fence post.
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Reserve Manager Mike Bretz fixing a fence post.

Tasmanian reserves

Liffey Valley | Friendly Beaches | South Esk Pine

Tasmania’s reserves offer unique opportunities to contribute to conservation in breath taking natural settings.

Most activities occur in autumn to spring, with placements adjusted for weather conditions.

Liffey Valley reserves

Tasks include:

  • Track maintenance
  • Weed removal
  • Caretaking at Oura Oura (security, equipment maintenance, engaging with visitors)

Placement are mostly single-day working bees or caretaking roles that range from 6 weeks to 3 months.

Friendly Beaches and South Esk Pine reserves

Tasks include:

  • Bird and vegetation monitoring surveys
  • Revegetation activities.

Placements of 2-3 days are offered a few times a year.

How to apply as a conservation volunteer

Each placement has specific needs, and we aim to match volunteers to the right opportunities. Before submitting an expression of interest, consider:

  • Do your skills and experience match what the placements need?
  • Does your availability and desired placement length match what Bush Heritage can offer? 
Explore FAQs and submit an expression of interest 

Volunteer opportunities by region

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