Volunteer, work and travel in
Australia

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local communities, individuals and families

162 Countries

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Low cost travel

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Volunteer and work in Australia - low cost travel abroad - Workaway!

Here at Workaway you will find 500+ hosts and organisations for volunteer work in Australia.
Low cost travel without having to pay expensive agency fees.


Travel to regions in Australia

  • Capital Territory  (7)
  • New South Wales  (500+)

    Sydney, Newcastle, Wollongong, Albury, Nowra, Coffs Harbour, Wagga Wagga, Port Macquarie, Orange, Tamworth

  • Northern Territories  (36)
  • Queensland  (440)

    Brisbane, Gold Coast, Cairns, Townsville, Toowoomba, Mackay, Rockhampton, Sunshine Coast, Bundaberg, Caloundra

  • South Australia  (86)

    Adelaide, Mount Gambier, Whyalla, Gawler, Murray Bridge, Port Lincoln, Port Pirie, Port Augusta, Victor Harbor, Berri

  • Tasmania  (118)

    Launceston, Hobart, Burnie, Devonport, Kingston, Smithton, Scottsdale, Queenstown, Oatlands, Bicheno

  • Victoria  (295)

    Melbourne, Cranbourne, Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo, Shepparton, Mildura, Warrnambool, Melton, Sunbury

  • Western Australia  (137)

    Perth, Mandurah, Kalgoorlie, Geraldton, Bunbury, Albany, Kwinana, Karratha, Broome, Roebourne

Last minute volunteer opportunities

Here you will find 22 last minute opportunities for volunteering in Australia from Hosts that have indicated that they require help immediately.

Latest from our community in Australia


Feedback from Workaway members

There are 8509 reviews for 500+ Hosts and organizations in Australia.
500+ Hosts in Australia were rated at least 4.9/5!

Thank you for an amazing experience Anne and Bob!

I visited Anne and Robert for my first workaway and spent two weeks at their farm. From day one I f...

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I had a very wholesome time with Emily and 5yr old Riley. Some days were peaceful, with only the birds and the goannas for company. Others were spent ...

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Staying at this accommodation was an absolute delight! The host family was incredibly kind and welcoming. The girls were not only super friendly but a...

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My stay at Vita's was a special first Workaway experience. I did some gardening for a few days and worked on carpentry projects for a couple of days. ...

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Staying with Susanne in the blue mountains has been absolutely precious! She is such an inspirational woman and so kind and funny. Tashi, the dog, was...

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Registering as a Host

Registering as a host with workaway.info is completely free of charge.

Workaway.info has been set up to promote and encourage exchange and learning. Hosts on Workaway should be interested in cultural exchange and sharing experiences. They should be able to provide a welcoming friendly environment for visitors as well as offering accommodation and food.

Register to be a host

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See who's around and send them a direct message. Chat, meet up and connect with like-minded people
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Connect with fellow travellers
Find travel buddies with common plans and interests. Connect profiles to visit hosts and explore your destination together!

Popular Hosts and organizations in Australia

Boat (11)

NGO (6)

Hostel (4)

Australia

From the surfing to sunshine, snakes to Sydney Opera House - there’s nowhere quite like Australia! With a landmass of approximately 7.7 million square kilometres, it's the sixth-largest country globally and a paradise for nature enthusiasts. You could spend years here and barely scratch the surface.

Visitors flock to Australia for a myriad of reasons. The country offers unparalleled outdoor experiences, from snorkelling in the Great Barrier Reef to hiking in the breathtaking Blue Mountains. Its cosmopolitan cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane boast world-class dining, vibrant cultural scenes, and world famous architecture like the Sydney Opera House.

The wildlife in Australia is both a blessing and a curse. It’s the reason many people want to visit but also the reason many people want to stay away! On the one hand you have the unique opportunity to witness cute kangaroos, koalas and wombats in the wild. On the other hand, there are some of the world’s most deadly snakes, spiders and crocodiles who call the country home. The country's oceans host a mesmerising array of marine life, including the Great Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world's largest coral reef system.

Although the snakes and spiders may put you off, the wonderful weather will entice you back. Australia's seasons are opposite to those in the Northern Hemisphere due to its position south of the equator. This means summer is from November to February and winter from June to August. The climate varies widely across the country from tropical in the north to temperate in the south. Its diverse landscapes encompass stunning beaches, the rugged Outback, ancient rainforests, and vibrant cities.

If you crave the laid-back Aussie lifestyle, there’s no better way to immerse yourself than a cultural exchange with Workaway. Alongside the opportunities for cultural exchange, the country offers Indigenous experiences, a popular Working Holiday Visa Scheme and a vibrant van life culture.

Overall, Australia feels like several countries in one, offering something for every traveller, whether seeking adventure, relaxation, cultural immersion, or natural wonders. Are you ready for an Aussie adventure?


Working Holiday Visa Australia

While we’re here to encourage volunteering in Australia, if you want to top up your adventure fund too it's worth looking into their Working Holiday Visa. The Working Holiday Visa program allows young adults from eligible countries to work and travel in Australia for up to 12 months (or 24 months for some countries).

Applicants must be between 18 and 30 years old (35 for some countries), meet health and character requirements, and have sufficient funds for their stay. This visa permits travellers to work for up to 6 months with a single employer and engage in short-term study.

The Visa costs around £330 so although quite expensive, it's a great opportunity for cultural exchange, gaining work experience, and exploring Australia's diverse landscapes.

Learn more about the Australia WHV here.


Van life in Australia

In a country so vast and diverse, it's no surprise that van life in Australia is a big deal with both locals and tourists. Imagine waking up to the sound of waves crashing on a pristine coastline, then driving through red deserts, lush rainforests, and vibrant cities - all before bed time!

It’s no secret Australia is an expensive country, so many people choose vanlife to save on traditional accommodation. It also means you have your own kitchen on wheels to save on food costs. Why not find a travel buddy to split fuel costs and driving time? Or better yet, did you know many of our hosts accept volunteers with campervans? If you fancy mixing volunteering with vanlife, tick the “accepts campervans” box on the accommodation filter when searching on the host list!


Highlights of Australia by State

Australia is divided into six states and two territories. Each state and territory offers diverse attractions, climates, and experiences, catering to a wide range of interests and travel styles. Here's a rundown of each with highlights, top destinations, climate, and things to do:

New South Wales (NSW)

Climate

Varied, with coastal regions experiencing mild winters and warm summers. Inland areas can get quite hot in summer and cold in winter.

  • Summer average temperatures: Range from 18.6 - 25.8°C (65.5 - 78.4°F)
  • Winter average temperatures: Range from 8.8 - 17°C (47.8 - 62.6°F)

Highlights

  • Sydney: Visit the iconic Opera House & Harbour Bridge as well as the famous Bondi beach.
  • Blue Mountains: A highlight for any hiker, expect bushwalks, waterfalls and Echo Point Viewpoint to see the famous Three Sisters rock formation.
  • Byron Bay: A haven for backpackers thanks to the bohemian vibe. Byron Bay is world famous for surfing as well as the chance to witness humpback whales migrating between June and November.
  • Wine Regions: For those travelling through their tastebuds NSW offers some of the best wine regions in the world including Hunter Valley and the Mudgee Region. Here you can enjoy (and volunteer!) on vineyards as well as indulge in delicious gourmet food.
  • Newcastle: Australia's second oldest city, boasting beautiful beaches, street art, iconic ocean baths, cool cafés and more.

Victoria

Climate

Offers a variable climate with four distinct seasons - sometimes all four in one day! One fun fact you may not expect is that you can find snow in the Winter months in Victoria, generally from June to August. Head for Mount Buller, Mount Hotham or Falls Creek in particular. These locations offer not only opportunities for skiing and snowboarding but also breathtaking winter scenery.

  • Summer average temperatures: Range from 14 - 25.3°C (57.2 - 77.5°F)
  • Winter average temperatures: Range from 6.5 - 14.2°C (43.7 - 57.6°F)

Highlights

  • Melbourne: As Victoria's capital city, Melbourne is known for its cultural diversity, vibrant arts scene,iconic laneways, museums, and renowned restaurants.
  • Great Ocean Road: One of the most beautiful road trips in the world! It offers breathtaking views of the rugged coastline, including the famous Twelve Apostles rock formations, lush rainforests, and beautiful beaches.
  • Yarra Valley: Famous for its wineries, cellar doors, and picturesque landscapes. Enjoy wine tasting, gourmet food, and hot air balloon rides.
  • Phillip Island: Ideal for wildlife enthusiasts, visitors can witness adorable little penguins returning to shore at sunset. It's also home to koalas and seals.
  • Wilson's Promontory: Australia's southernmost point offers spectacular seaside scenery, hiking trails, pristine beaches, and diverse wildlife, including wombats and emus.

Queensland

Climate

Queensland is one of the warmer regions in Australia, with an average annual maximum temperature of 29°C (84.2°F) and 62 percent humidity. Expect hot, humid summers and mild, dry winters. Flooding and thunderstorms are common during the rainy season which is December to March.

  • Summer average temperatures: Range from 23.6 - 31.4°C (74.5 - 88.5°F)
  • Winter average temperatures: Range from 17.5 - 26°C (63.5 - 78.8°F) and there is low rainfall (this makes it peak tourist season during these months)

Highlights

  • Cairns: Considered the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns is a tropical paradise with access to reef tours, lush rainforests, and the nearby Kuranda Scenic Railway. It’s also a popular spot with backpackers and a great place to volunteer in hostels or enjoy the vibrant nightlife.
  • The Whitsunday Islands: A cluster of 74 idyllic islands, featuring white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and iconic spots like Whitehaven Beach. This region is best explored by boat, with many sailing and boating hosts in the area!
  • Gold Coast: A city built literally on the beach. Famous for its coastline, surfing spots, and vibrant nightlife.
  • Brisbane: As Queensland's capital, Brisbane is a sunny, riverside city popular with foodies and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
  • Daintree Rainforest: As one of the world's oldest rainforests, Daintree is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, teeming with biodiversity, hiking trails, and opportunities for wildlife encounters. A forest so spectacular, Sir David Attenborough called it “the most extraordinary place on Earth.”
  • Fraser Island: The largest sand island globally, Fraser Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring pristine beaches, freshwater lakes, and the iconic Maheno Shipwreck. It's also a popular destination for backpackers to camp, party and explore!

Western Australia (WA)

Climate

Varies across regions, from Mediterranean in the southwest to tropical in the north. During the summer months rain is unusual, but winter can bring downpours of rain and thunderstorms.

  • Summer average temperatures: Range from 17.5 - 30°C (63.5 - 86°F).
  • Winter average temperatures: Range from 8 - 19°C (46.4 - 66.2°F)

Highlights

  • The Kimberley: A rugged and remote region known for its wild beauty, including the Horizontal Falls, ancient Aboriginal rock art, and the stunning landscapes of El Questro Wilderness Park.
  • Purnululu National Park (Bungle Bungles): A World Heritage Site in the East Kimberley region of Western Australia. Known for its distinctive beehive-shaped rock formations, it offers stunning landscapes and ancient Aboriginal culture.
  • Margaret River: A haven for wine lovers, surf fans and adventure seekers thanks to world-class wineries and a stunning coastline.
  • Ningaloo Reef: A lesser-known but equally spectacular reef system offering incredible snorkelling, diving, and the chance to swim with whale sharks and manta rays.
  • Broome: Cannot miss Cable Beach with its pristine white sands and camel rides at sunset!
  • Rottnest Island: Your chance to capture that adorable quokka selfie! This island is a paradise for snorkelling, cycling, and relaxing on beautiful beaches.
  • Perth: Western Australia's capital city, known for its relaxed vibe, stunning Swan River, Kings Park, and vibrant dining and cultural scene.
  • Karijini National Park: Featuring dramatic gorges, waterfalls, and ancient rock formations, it's a hiker's paradise with breathtaking landscapes.

South Australia

Climate

Expect a Mediterranean climate, with warm, dry summers and mild winters. Generally. It is hotter to the north (in Flinders Ranges) and cooler further south around Kangaroo Island.

  • Summer average temperatures: Range from 16.7 - 28.6°C (62 - 83.5°F) and rainfall is sparse.
  • Winter average temperatures: Range from 8 - 16°C (46.5 - 60.8°F)

Highlights

  • Adelaide: The region’s capital city known for its vibrant festivals, thriving arts scene, and beautiful parklands, including the Adelaide Botanic Garden. Fun Fact: Adelaide is also the driest of all the Australian capitals!
  • Barossa Valley: One of the most famous wine regions in the world, home to renowned cellar doors and gourmet food experiences.
  • Kangaroo Island: A natural paradise where you can explore pristine beaches, encounter wildlife including kangaroos, koalas, and sea lions and visit the Remarkable Rocks.
  • Flinders Ranges: Another popular spot with outdoor enthusiasts, this rugged and ancient mountain range offers breathtaking scenery, Aboriginal rock art, hiking trails, and the Wilpena Pound natural amphitheatre.
  • Coober Pedy: An outback town famous for its underground homes, opal mining, and unique lunar-like landscapes - an otherworldly experience that’s so unique!
  • Murray River: Australia's longest river, providing opportunities for houseboat Workaway experiences, river cruises, and exploring historic towns along its banks.

Tasmania

Climate

Much cooler than mainland Australia, and being positioned by the Southern Ocean (the world's weather engine) means the climate can vary greatly! The weather on Tasmania's east coast is often sunnier than other parts of the island. Rainfall also varies dramatically across the island. Hobart, is Australia's second-driest capital city (after Adelaide), while on the west coast receives an annual average of 2400mm of rain which ensures the rainforest thrives.

  • Summer average temperatures: Range between 17 and 23°C (62-73° F)
  • Winter average temperatures: Range from 3 - 11°Celsius (37- 51° F).

Highlights

  • Hobart: Tasmania’s capital where highlights include the infamous MONA museum, stunning Mount Wellington hikes and the Salamanca Market.
  • Freycinet National Park: Home to the iconic Wineglass Bay, this park offers stunning coastal scenery, hiking trails, and opportunities for wildlife spotting.
  • Port Arthur Historic Site: A must-visit for history fans, this UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a former penal colony providing an insight into Australia's convict history, with well-preserved ruins and scenic landscapes.
  • Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park: Known for its rugged landscapes, including the iconic Cradle Mountain, it's a haven for hikers. An absolute highlight is the Overland Track, beginning at Cradle Mountain and ending at Australia's deepest lake – Lake St Clair, this 65 kilometre, six-day trek takes you through the heart of the magnificent Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.
  • Bruny Island: A peaceful retreat offering stunning coastal views, wildlife encounters (including white wallabies).

Australian Capital Territory (ACT):

Climate

Cool winters and warm summers, experiencing all four seasons.

  • Summer average temperatures: Range from 12.6 - 27°C (54.7 - 80.6°F)
  • Winter average temperatures: Range from 1 - 12°C (33.8 - 53.6°F), dropping below 0°C at night. Snow falls in the nearby Australian Alps

Highlights

  • Canberra: After a dispute between Sydney and Melbourne, Canberra became one of the few planned capital cities globally. It is renowned for its cultural institutions like the Australian War Memorial, National Gallery of Australia, and Parliament House, offering a glimpse into the nation's history, art, and government.
  • Lake Burley Griffin: A picturesque artificial lake at the heart of Canberra, surrounded by walking and cycling paths, parks, and iconic landmarks like the Captain Cook Memorial Jet.
  • Australian National Parks: Namadgi National Park and Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve provide opportunities for bushwalking and wildlife spotting (including koalas and kangaroos).
  • Mount Ainslie: A popular lookout point offering panoramic views of Canberra and its surroundings, accessible by walking trails or a short drive.

Northern Territory (NT):

Climate

Tropical in the north, with distinct wet and dry seasons. Central regions are desert-like with hot days and cool nights.

Highlights

  • Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park: Home to the iconic Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Kata Tjuta (The Olgas), this UNESCO World Heritage Site holds immense spiritual significance for the Indigenous Anangu people and offers stunning landscapes and cultural experiences.
  • Kakadu National Park: Australia's largest national park and home to Aboriginal people for more than 65,000 years. It’s Known for its diverse ecosystems, ancient rock art, lush wetlands and abundant wildlife including enormous saltwater crocodiles.
  • Darwin: The vibrant capital city of the NT, it's named after the famous scientist Charles Darwin (although he’d never actually visited.) Expect a relaxed tropical atmosphere, multicultural cuisine, markets, and access to attractions like the Mindil Beach Sunset Market and the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory.
  • Litchfield National Park: Adventure seekers will love this natural wonderland with waterfalls, monsoon forests, and magnetic termite mounds, providing opportunities for swimming, hiking, and experiencing the beauty of the NT's natural landscapes.
  • Nitmiluk National Park (Katherine Gorge): Featuring dramatic gorges and the majestic Katherine River, this park offers opportunities for boating, canoeing, and exploring ancient Aboriginal rock art sites.

Volunteering in Australia

Now you’re clued up on the different regions of Australia, it’s time to get planning your trip of a lifetime. Who wants yet another beach holiday when you can be part of an unforgettable cultural exchange? It’s time to throw on your sunscreen and stay with friendly locals for a sun-filled Aussie adventure – all for less than the price of a night in a hotel room!

As the world’s leading community for volunteering and cultural exchange, Workaway is the perfect platform to connect with locals in Australia. Whether you are a solo backpacker trying to find a travel buddy, recently retired or setting off on a grown up gap year – we can help you find your perfect host. Best of all, you can join as a solo traveller, as a couple, or even as a family!

In exchange for a few hours of work each day, your host will usually provide free accommodation and meals. Whether you want to witness cute koalas roam the wild, improve your surf skills, or master that famous g’day mate like a local, with Workaway you can do it all at the click of a button by signing up today!


Making a difference in Australia

From hostels to house sitting there are so many types of hosts ready to welcome you in Australia. Here are just a handful of examples of the type of projects you could get involved in:

  • Fruit Picking, farming & vineyards: It’s easy to find farmstay experiences in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia. Popular areas include the Yarra Valley (Victoria), the Sunshine Coast (Queensland), and the Riverland (South Australia).
  • Hospitality and Tourism: Especially in major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Cairns. You can find projects behind the scenes for example in marketing, photography or web development as well as front of house helping with DIY, restoration, tours and more.
  • Au Pair/ Babysitting: There are family and homestay opportunities all over the countries, particularly in urban areas like Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth. This type of volunteering allows you to live with a local family, gain hands-on experience working with children while living authentic Aussie family life.
  • Conservation and Wildlife Volunteering: Various wildlife sanctuaries and conservation projects offer volunteer opportunities, with notable locations including the Great Barrier Reef (Queensland), Kangaroo Island (South Australia), and Perth (Western Australia) for marine and wildlife conservation. Thanks to the mild climate it’s also a popular place to give off grid living a chance with eco-farms, permaculture projects and sustainable construction proving popular.
  • Sports/recreation: Australia has one of the biggest surf cultures in the world which goes hand in hand with the laid back lifestyle. It’s also a popular destination with yogis if you fancy volunteering with wellness centres or yoga retreats.

While we pride ourselves on being a cultural exchange, Workaway is also a great way to boost your CV, learn a new language and make friends all over the world. With over 1500 hosts in Australia alone, there are so many ways you can share your time and make a difference while enjoying this epic destination.


How to find the perfect host in Australia

As well as using the regions above as a guide, you can use your skills and interests as keywords in the search box to find your perfect host in Australia. Whether you’re enticed by the surfer culture of Byron Bay, dream of turtle spotting on the Great Barrier Reef or dream of hiking your way across Tasmania – your perfect host is literally a few clicks away.

Best of all, when you join Workaway you are not limited to one project or region. For a small membership fee you have access to over 50,000 volunteer opportunities across 170 countries. After Australia, why not continue exploring the rest of Oceania? We also have hosts in New Zealand, Fiji, French Polynesia and even Tonga.

With its breathtaking landscapes, insane wildlife and fascinating history, Australia offers endless opportunities to make memories as well as give back to the community. Whether you want to support local NGOs, snorkel with sharks or enjoy BBQ’s for breakfast, lunch and dinner with Workaway you can do it all.