The 9 Best Volunteering Experiences in Australia

Australia is nicknamed ‘The Lucky Country’, but there are plenty of people who need a hand, and many terrific not-for-profit organisations who require volunteers to help them out. Here are nine great opportunities to make a difference across Australia.
Orange Sky Laundry
More than 100,000 Australians are homeless, and Orange Sky gives them both a regular laundry and shower service, as well as a positive and supportive environment to connect with other people — something that’s invaluable to a group of people too often ignored and rejected by the rest of the community. The service operates in 22 locations across Australia and is always looking for volunteers to commit to a weekly or fortnightly shift full of clean clothes and warm conversation.

Destinations Unlocked:
Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture tripCentralAmerica
1. Guatemala
An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.CentralAmerica
2. Belize
A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.CentralAmerica
3. Mexico
An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.SouthAmerica
1. Ecuador
A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.SouthAmerica
2. Peru
An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.Europe
1. Italy
The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.Europe
2. Scotland
Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.Europe
3. Portugal
A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.Asia
1. South Korea
Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.Asia
2. Thailand
From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.Asia
3. Sri Lanka
A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great priceAfrica
1. Morocco
An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!Africa
2. Egypt
From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.Koala Hospital
This Port Macquarie institution is the world’s first hospital devoted solely to the rehabilitation of koalas, and you can help these furry little fellas by joining the hundreds of volunteers — the Koala Hospital runs volunteering programs for both locals and international guests. And if you’re interested in protecting even more of Australia’s abundant great outdoors, Conservation Volunteers Australia has linked hundreds of thousands of volunteers with important projects since 1982.

Friends with Dignity
Domestic violence in Australia is at epidemic levels, with at least one in six women experiencing violence at the hands of a partner at some point of her life, and a rising (although still dramatically under-reported) number of incidents being called in to police. Friends with Dignity is an organisation that assists victims with rebuilding their lives, and there are a number of hands-on volunteer roles available at the Queensland-based organisation.
AIME Mentoring
Originally known as the Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience before it expanded overseas, AIME provides mentors to help students bridge the gap between high school and university. More than 15,000 Indigenous high schoolers and 5,000 uni students have been through the program, and you can add your name to the list by volunteering as a mentor.
Asylum Seeker Resource Centre
The UN has slammed the Australian government’s illegal offshore detention of refugees as “inhuman”, and this Melbourne-based organisation is doing everything it can to support people seeking asylum in the country. Attend an ASRC Information Evening to learn about how you can help volunteer, campaign, advocate and fund-raise for the organisation, and keep an eye on their website to apply for positions as they become available.

The Women’s Library
Since 1992, Newtown Library in Sydney’s inner-west has housed a safe space and literary resource room for women, run entirely by a team of dedicated volunteers. TWL curates a collection of more than 25,000 books and pamphlets, and also provides a meeting place for a number of lesbian and feminist groups. Join TWL as a member for $5 then offer your help in your field of expertise.
National Aboriginal Sporting Chance Academy
Life expectancy for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community is about a decade lower than Australia’s non-Indigenous population, but NASCA aims to close that gap. The 100% Indigenous-governed organisation used sport to build the confidence of young Aboriginal people, and requires volunteers to deliver its programs across Australia every year, as well as undergo extended placements in remote Northern Territory communities.

The Welcome Dinner Project
This feel-good project welcomes newly arrived Australians — refugees, immigrants, international students — to the country by introducing them to a table full of locals via a potluck dinner. The concept is the brainchild of joiningthedots — a not-for-profit that aims to build positive connections within the community — and you can help by hosting a dinner at your place, or by lending a hand as a facilitator.
Mind Australia
One in every five Australians fights a battle with mental illness, and Mind Australia is one of the country’s leading providers of community-managed specialist mental health services. You don’t need any professional mental health experience to lend them a hand — Mind just looks for compassionate volunteers in every state and territory to help individuals and families living with mental ill-health.
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!


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