By Kim Barnard

Exploring a different corner of the world on a holiday is something that’s guaranteed to leave you with lifelong memories. But spending some of your vacation time giving back will take the experience to a whole new level.

Queensland, boasting a beautiful, vast landscape, offers a range of unique volunteer experiences which allow you to put your skills to good use while also exploring the beautiful sights and experiences the region offers.

If you’re looking for ways to give while you’re away, this guide will help; it’s all about how to volunteer while on holiday.

Keep Australia Clean

Removing debris and litter from in and around the magical Whitsunday waters is a life-saving task that can be done with Eco Barge Clean Seas.

This not-for-profit organisation has removed over 200,000 kilograms of pollution from the Whitsunday region since 2009. Not only do they eliminate objects that harm marine life and damage their ecosystem, but they recycle and transform ocean plastics to reduce landfill entirely. Plus, they nurture sick and injured marine turtles back to prime health.

Founder, Libby Edge is dedicated to protecting and preserving the marine environment so generations to come can enjoy its beauty. Libby established Eco Barge Clean Seas after learning about the devastating effects that marine debris has on the residents of the sea.

To volunteer for one of their barge trips (as part of the Whitsunday Marine Debris Removal Program), head to their website and fill out your details. The barge, which holds up to 10 volunteers at a time, will take you to known impacted bays and beaches. Expect to pick up approximately 300 kilograms of debris during the trip!

Note: morning tea and lunch is provided.

Dig for Dinosaurs

The Australian Age of Dinosaurs is a museum in Winton, Queensland that not only displays the incredible animals of the past, but lets the public get up close and personal with them. It’s one of the few places in the world that offers this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Join the team in the Fossil Preparation Laboratory and spend the day prepping real dinosaur fossils for display. Prep-a-dino over two days, with a mate, for just $169 per person; this package includes a guided tour of the laboratory, collection room and dinosaur canyon. Plus, a one-year membership to the Australian Age of Dinosaurs society. If two days isn’t enough, why not opt for 10? After completing 10 days of preparation and training with the museum, you’ll become an Honorary Technician. This package, starting at $729, can be enjoyed over non-consecutive days.

Dive with Whales

If you’re a keen diver and want to meet dwarf minke whales, then sign yourself up for a volunteer experience with Mike Ball Dive Expeditions.

Not only will you be able to swim with these amazing animals in the Great Barrier Reef (it’s the only place in the world where you can), but you can contribute to research by collecting data on whale observations and sharing photos to the database.

Cairns is the departure point for these unforgettable scuba diving expeditions. Whether you choose the three-, four- or seven-day trip, you’ll have the time of your life witnessing the incredible biodiversity that lies in the incredible underwater world.

Check out this guide for other ways to help the Great Barrier Reef.

Have Some Turtle Time

When it’s turtle season (from November to March), the Mon Repos rockery near Bundaberg can always use an extra set of hands to help the newborn loggerheads reach their ocean home.

You don’t need any specific qualifications to take part in this very special experience, just a commitment to donate one night per week. As well as helping the rangers with visitor groups and turtle research, you might be called on to staff the entrance and souvenir shop, provide information to visitors and run the children’s activities.

Be a wildlife warrior

Head to Australia Zoo on the Sunshine Coast to help this conservation destination in its daily duties.

Volunteers learn new skills, gain an exclusive look into being a zookeeper, and meet some amazing animals and people. Choose from being a Keeper or a Customer Relations Volunteer; as a Keeper, your tasks will range from cleaning and maintenance, food preparation, animal observation, assisting keepers, and interacting with visitors at the daily Wildlife Warrior Colosseum Show. As a Customer Relations Volunteer, you’ll get to welcome visitors, answer people’s questions and help them navigate the zoo, and assist with guided tours, regular promotional events and children’s activities.

Live like a local

WWOOF is a worldwide movement bringing volunteers and organic farmers/growers together, to promote building a sustainable global community.

Travel around Australia living and learning on a host farm (for free!). For 4-to-6 hours a day you’ll be able to work on a functioning farm and perfect your organic practices.

Note: Before you become a WWOOFer, ensure your travel insurance is up to date as medical assistance in Australia can be very pricey.

Join a bush tribe

If you’re over 18, register as a volunteer with Bush Heritage Australia to be notified of roles going in the beautiful bushland.

Bush Heritage Australia is an independent not-for-profit organisation that buys and manages land, and partners with Aboriginal people to preserve our landscapes and irreplaceable native species.

As a volunteer, there’s a plethora of tasks you can work on. Reserve tasks range from caretaking, grounds and building maintenance, fencing, feral animal control, weed control, ecological monitoring and other ongoing land management activities. Office tasks include research, administration, fundraising, events and other important projects.

Click here to learn more. 

By Laura Walls

Home to 1625 species of fish, not to mention sea turtles, whales and dolphins, the Great Barrier Reef is a place wherethe best of Queensland marine life encounters are pretty much guaranteed.

With 2300km of coral reef stretching from Bundaberg all the way up to Cape York to explore, you might be wondering where to begin – or how much time you’ll need to see it all. The good news is that seeing the best of the reef doesn’t require a big-time commitment. If you’re looking to pack a lot into a short space of time, try this marine-life spotting mini-break on for size.

Meet the Great 8

Kicking off in Hervey Bay and wrapping up in Port Douglas, this five-day itinerary will take you on a journey of discovery in search of Queensland’s Great 8. A checklist of the reef’s rarest and most spectacular marine creatures, the Great 8 features whales, turtles, manta rays, clown fish, sharks, potato cod, Maori wrasse and the giant clam. Get ready to experience nature at her jaw-dropping best.

Day 1: Go in search of whales in Hervey Bay

From Brisbane, hop on a quick 50-minute flight or take the scenic three-and-a-half-hour drive north to arrive in Hervey Bay, Australia’s whale-watching capital. This laidback seaside town was recently crowned the world’s first whale heritage area and considered  – with good reason. Each year, more than 20,000 humpback whales and their newborn calves travel along Australia’s eastern coast on their annual migration. Hervey Bay’s warm, protected waters provide a natural nursery where mother whales teach their calves to socialise and play, making it a wildlife spotter’s dream. You’ll be able to spot them breaching and tail-slapping from the shore during whale watching season (July to October) – but for a more up-close experience, jump aboard a day tour with Tasman Venture. If the conditions are right, you may even be lucky enough to swim alongside them. (Queensland is one of just a handful of places worldwide where this is possible). Hervey Bay is known for its lively local dining scene, so wrap up your day with dinner at one of the town’s many restaurants and cafes.

Day 2:  Snorkel with giant turtles and potato cod at Lady Elliot Island

Your base for the next few days is Lady Elliot Island, a coral cay off the coast of Bundaberg in a conservation Green Zone. Home to sea turtles, manta rays and much more, it’s one of Queensland’s best locations for marine life encounters. From Hervey Bay, take the 40-minute scenic flight across the bay (a trip highlight in its own right) to arrive at the award-winning Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort. Travelling with kids? Don’t miss the resort’s Reef Rangers program. Budding conservationists will love learning all about Lady Elliot’s incredible marine ecosystem and the work being done to protect the reef. After lunch, grab your mask and snorkel and head for the island’s eastern lagoon. Be sure to check out the lagoon’s far-left corner: the favourite hangout place of an enormous potato cod. Next, head to the western side of the island. Explore coral ledges and underwater valleys as you swim among hawksbill and green turtles, as well as schools of shimmering fish. Tip: for even more turtle-spotting action, visit between November and April. This is nesting and hatching season when mama turtles lay their eggs and baby hatchlings scuttle down to the sea.

Day 3:  Meet manta rays and Maori wrasse on a scuba adventure

Today will see you tick two more iconic marine creatures off your list. First up: manta rays. Hop aboard a dive boat to the Anchor Bommie site, just a short distance off the island’s south-west coast, for the chance to swim alongside these gentle giants.  Marvel at their graceful movements as they cruise around and above you, using their enormous wings to glide effortlessly through the water. Next stop is Maori Wrasse Bommie, named after the family of giant Maori Wrasse that calls the area home. With their bright blue and yellow markings and impressive size, they’re impossible to miss. Famously friendly, Maori Wrasse rarely passes up the opportunity to say hello – so bring your waterproof camera for an underwater selfie.

Day 4: Get up close to sharks Townsville (without getting wet)

You’ll need to get an early start today, because it’s time to wave goodbye to Lady Elliot and set your sights on Townsville. From Bundaberg you can choose to fly (via Brisbane) or take the epic 1000km, 11 hour scenic drive up the coast.While in Townsville, don’t miss the chance to brush up on your reef knowledge at Reef HQ: the world’s largest living coral reef aquarium. Wander through the underwater reef tunnel to experience life under the waves without getting wet. (It’s perfect for little ones who haven’t mastered the art of snorkelling yet). Don’t miss the daily shark feeding show for the chance to see these sleek and efficient predators in action.

Day 5: Spot tiny clownfish and giant clams in Tropical North Queensland

Today’s final destination is Port Douglas: the gateway to exploring the Outer Reef.  Take the short flight to Cairns and continue on to Port Douglas by road (the journey takes around an hour). Alternatively, put your trip on pause and spend a day (or more) exploring Cairns and its surrounding beaches and reef. Keen to get back on the water? Check out the boat trip options at Sunlover Reef Tours. For expert insights into reef ecology, sign up to their Marine Biologist for a Day program. Your day includes a guided snorkel safari as well as a practical session on how to analyse coral health and look for signs of environmental impact. Combine it with their Astronomer for a Night tour and spend the night stargazing 50kms off the coast of Cairns. If you’re cruising on to Port Douglas, head to buzzing Macrossan Street on arrival to refuel (The Little Larder is a local favourite). Then, it’s time to explore the underwater world of the Outer Reef. Discover the weird and wonderful marine life that inhabit the bommies and coral cays of Agincourt Reef aboard Silversonic, Quicksilver Cruises’ high-speed dive catamaran. For the best chance of spotting giant clams, parrotfish and Maori Wrasse, head to The Point on the northern end of the reef. Continue north and west to reach the Three Sisters, where clownfish dart amongst the colourful sea anemones that double as their homes. Back on dry land, celebrate completing your bucket-list of Queensland marine life encounters with sunset drinks on the deck at the Tin Shed, Port Douglas.

By Hannah Statham

As a state with 6,973 km of coastline, it’s safe to say, we have no shortage of Queensland beaches for you to explore.

What our beaches share in common – sun, salt and sand – are also worlds apart in their differences. From the surf breaks of the Sunshine Coast, to the dining scene of the Gold Coast to island-hopping The Whitsundays, Queensland beaches offer more variety than an Allen’s party mix.

Get to know our most beautiful beaches with this guide to your next adventure.

1. Palm Cove, Cairns & Great Barrier Reef

The former crowned winner of ‘Australia’s cleanest beach’, Palm Cove lives up to its title.

Lined with towering palm trees and centuries-old paperbarks, this patch of coast, 20 minutes north of Cairns, brings Mediterranean vibes to Queensland’s tropical north. Don’t believe us? We’ve got 10 reasons why, here.

Toss down a towel, bob in Palm Cove’s calm water, before retreating to one of the cafes or restaurants along the esplanade for an apres-beach brunch.

While most of the cafes keep things relaxed, you’ll want to hop out of your swimmers for Nu Nu, the award-winning restaurant led by chef Nick Holloway which fuses Asian flavours with fresh local produce. Pineapple and turmeric curry of ginger braised pork, young coconut, Thai basil & crackle, anybody?

2. Cape Hillsborough, Mackay

Sunrise doesn’t get more iconic in Australia than the one caught at Cape Hillsborough National Park’s Casuarina Beach.

Every morning a mob of ‘roos and wallabies come out at dawn to fossick for seed pods and other delicious snacks that washed up the night before. It’s a natural performance you can set your watch to and seriously, you’ll want to because you need to get down to the beach before sunrise.

To find it, simply point your bonnet towards Mackay’s Hibiscus Coast, home to the second-largest national park in the region, Cape Hillsborough National Park.

Be mindful these are wild creatures who retreat when frightened. For the enjoyment of other guests, we remind all beachgoers to keep a distance and save selfies for domesticated pets at home.

Tip: If Cape Hillsborough Nature Tourist Park is full, reserve a campsite at Smalley’s Beach which features in this beach camping list.

3. Nudey Beach, Fitzroy Island

Don’t worry, you won’t need to get your kit off to visit Nudey Beach on Fitzroy Island. The name is nothing but false advertising, unless its reference to nudes points to its raw, rugged and natural appeal.

To get there, join Fitzroy Island Fast Cat for either a day trip or overnight adventure to this island paradise.

Once you’re island side, to find this beach, make the short trek through the rainforest, past the huge granite boulders and coastal woodlands.

Swimmers and snorkelling gear are essential elements for exploring this beach, whose fringing reef is just a fins-flip from the shore.

After seeing turtles in the wild, pay a visit to Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre (on the island) to learn what goes into the recovery of sick and injured turtles. For more information about how to save our turtle-friends, float over here.

4. Noosa Main Beach, Sunshine Coast

It’s not just us who think Noosa Main Beach is one of the most beautiful Queensland beaches. Noosa records over 2.36 million visitors each year, all lured to its triple threat of beach, national park and a dining scene that makes playing here pure bliss.

Being one of the only north-facing beaches on the east coast of Australia, tranquil conditions are almost always the surf report here.

When you’re done with sun, sand and saltwater for the day, you can retreat to the famous boutiques of Hastings Street or wine and dine at one of Noosa’s award-winning restaurants like Noosa Beach House, Sails, or Locale.

Sure Noosa can be done in a day trip. But really, if you want to pick up the relaxed vibes, this coastal town puts down, check into Noosa for at least 48 hours.

5. Burleigh Heads, Gold Coast

When a destination has 57km of beach, it’s hard to stand out, but Burleigh Heads sure does a good job of making its mark on the Gold Coast.

Nestled between the north and laid-back vibes of the south, the beach at Burleigh Heads offers the best of both worlds: protected waters at the main beach and world-class surf breaks around the headlands.

The view is a perfect 10 too, with panoramas out to the skyscrapers lining the coast from Broadbeach to Surfers Paradise.

When you’re tired of seeing it from towel-level, Burleigh delivers a bar and dining scene including big names like Rick Shores, Labart and Burleigh Pavilion, each with even bigger reputations for good food, wines and views.

Like where this is going? Why not spend 48 hours beaching it in Burleigh with this guide?

6. Radical Bay, Magnetic Island

Magnetic by name, magnetic by nature – and you’ll see what we’re talking about with a visit to Radical Bay, one of the 23 bays and beaches of Magnetic Island.

Few Queensland beaches look like ‘Maggie’ with its hoop-pine and boulder-strewn headlands, sky-high coconut palms and fringing reefs.

Be sure to pack or hire snorkelling equipment for your Maggie visit. This island 13.9km off the shore of Townsville even has a self-guided snorkel trail which starts at Nelly Bay.

It’s perfect for beginners, with the first site starting 100 metres off the beach, building up to the remains of a shipwreck, the SS Moltke, and part of a World War II fighter plane. Swing over to this post to find out why it’s one of the best snorkel spots in Queensland.

For more information about this island, which, rumour has it, stopped James Cook in his tracks, check out:

• Why Magnetic Island is perfect for kids
• These things to do on Maggie
• How to spend 48 hours on this island paradise

7. Rainbow Beach, Sunshine Coast

It wasn’t actual rainbows that gave this stretch of beach on the northern end of the Sunshine Coast its name. Rather, the coloured sand cliffs which reach over 200 metres high, made up of over 72 different colours of sand that add the rainbow to this beach.

Geology tells a story of winds weathering the cliffs, but Aboriginal legend offers a much more exciting account. Yiningie, the spirit of the Gods, who often took the form of a rainbow, crashed into the cliffs and his spirit coloured these sands after a fight.

The best way to see the rainbow is by car, tackling the Great Beach Drive which runs from Noosa to Rainbow Beach.

The sand landforms don’t stop here. Visit the Carlo Sand Blow – a desert sand mass covering over 15 hectares offers 360-degree views over Rainbow Beach stretching out to Double Island Point and Tin Can Bay.

8. Mon Repos Beach, Bundaberg

Every one of Queensland’s beaches might be magical, but not all promise the magic of life.

You’d be right to think of Mon Repos beach as a turtle obstetrics unit. Each year from November to late March, Mon Repos Beach turns into a scene straight out of an Attenborough documentary when thousands of teeny tiny loggerhead turtles hatch and make their way to the water.

9. Punsand Bay Beach, Cape York

Few beaches in Queensland can lay claim to being able to watch the sun set AND rise from the same beach, but Punsand Bay does.

To find it, you’ll have to drive Cape York to (almost) the northern most point of Australia, at least to the point the Coral Sea is to your left and Arafura Sea to your right.

If you find yourself one of the fortunate few (50,000-70,000, year) who make the pilgrimage to the tip, make sure you do Punsand Bay right. That is, watching the sun go down with a pizza and a beer from the café on site.

Thinking of tackling Cape York this year? Check out:

• Your ultimate Cape York itinerary
• Everything you need to know for a trip to the tip

10. Tangalooma Beach, Brisbane

Not many cities have a beach just 75 minutes from its capital, but Brisbane has Tangalooma and when you see it for the first time, you’d be right to think the water looks like Bora Bora. Expect bright, crystal clear water and golden sand on Moreton Island’s east side.

Getting there is as easy as jumping aboard the Tangalooma Island Resort Ferry or travelling with your own wheels aboard the vehicle ferry, MICAT.

Suffer beach boredom? Tangalooma Island Resort will bust it.

The Tangalooma Island Resort activity desk will hook you up with snorkelling, ATV quad bikes and kayaking to name a few different beach adventures, so you won’t be stuck on a towel, struggling to get through a book.

11. Mooloolaba Main Beach, Sunshine Coast

If you’re looking for a beach holiday where you can see your holiday apartment from the beach, check into a hotel along the esplanade of Mooloolaba Main Beach.

Once you’ve had your dose of vitamin sea, make like the other visitors to this Sunshine Coast hotspot who can be found wining and dining along the beachfront.

It’s not just us who think this beach is worthy of a mention on this list, Moolooalaba Main Beach was recently nominated in TripAdvisor’s Top Ten Australian Beaches.

12. Cylinder Beach, North Stradbroke Island

The second largest sand island in the world, North Stradbroke Island needs no introduction if you’ve read any of these posts (48 hours on North Stradbroke Island and a local’s guide to North Stradbroke Island).

It’s home to sun, sand and surf, but importantly a campground that makes this beach so much more than a day trip destination.

You’ll find it nestled between Cylinder and Home Beach Headlands, which makes it relatively protected when the weather is right.

Even though parts of Stradbroke Island are pet-friendly, Cylinder Beach is not one of them, so leave pooch at home for this beach trip.

13. Whitehaven Beach, The Whitsundays

Last but not least, Australia’s best beach, as voted by you (and us!) – Whitehaven Beach.

Consistently crowned and listed in TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards, Whitehaven Beach remains an international crowd pleaser.

You can experience it for yourself in a day or overnight for as little as the cost of your permit fee.

For more information click here