Channel your passion for wildlife during this program designed for animal lovers interested in zoology, ecology, conservation, or veterinary science. Enjoy the ultimate backstage pass to Australia Zoo, one of the world’s most respected animal conservation centres. After orientation, help prepare food and enrichment for wildlife, watch keepers present guest talks, and assist with interactive animal enclosures. Volunteer alongside keepers perform a variety of tasks like gardening, mulching, pond scrubbing, raking, and poop scooping—it’s all part of the experience! Meet some of the majestic creatures that call Australia home and return home knowing what it’s really like to care for wildlife at a zoo.
Then, use your skills to support an incredible woman who is caring for many of the animals affected by our recent bushfires. You will contribute to specially designed projects at her wildlife rehabilitation centre. This program is an unequalled backstage pass to experience wildlife conservation in Australia.
Today you will meet your Rustic Pathways program leaders and your fellow group members at Brisbane Airport. You will then travel to your accommodation in the Glass House Mountains and settle in, and join the group for an orientation discussion about the week ahead, expectations for your adventure, and an introduction to the projects you’ll undertake with native wildlife.
Overnight: Glass House Mountains Base
Today you will be heading to the world famous Australia Zoo, where you’ll take a private guided tour with one of the Zoo staff. Then, learn all about the role of zoos and global conservation initiatives! The main focus of these two days will be learning about the work that Australia Zoo is doing to rescue, protect and rehabilitate wildlife in the midst of the Australian bushfires. You will visit the Wildlife Hospital and hear first hand from the zoo keepers and veterinarians who have been working with the animals affected.
Overnight: Glass House Mountains Base
Today we will head to one of Australia’s most famous stretches of sand, Noosa Heads. Spend the morning learning to surf with a local surf school and soak up the sun on the golden beaches. This afternoon we will head out onto the water for a jet boat ride. Get your adrenaline pumping as we speed across the waves on this high speed adventure.
Overnight: Glass House Mountains Base
Over the next three days we will be spending time on one of our Foundation projects at the Wildlife Rescue, Rehabilitation and Education Association (WRREA) near Toowoomba. WRREA is run by a local woman who founded the centre to rescue and release local injured wildlife. During your time here you will have an incredible opportunity to learn first-hand about the animals that WRREA rescues and the rehabilitation process. You will help to feed the animals, clean enclosures and assist with maintenance projects. The animals that the association cares for include joeys, kangaroos and echidnas.
On the final night, head out to dinner with your group and celebrate your experience together!
Overnight: Camping, Toowoomba
Every trip comes to an end and today will be full of farewells as you say goodbye to new friends. Connect to a different Summer Sessions program for another week with Rustic, or make your way home. Wherever you go next, we hope you’re taking unforgettable memories with you!