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Best volunteer travel destinations in Oceania

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Australia
Land of savage beauty
9.6
Conservation Volunteers Australia began in 1982 in Ballarat, Victoria and now runs 25 offices. It reports over 10,000 local volunteers and over 2,000 international volunteers every year. Projects include tree planting, weed control, seed collection, track building and wildlife surveys. Revive Our Wetlands launched in 2001 with BHP Billiton.
Highlights:
  • 🌉 Climb Sydney Harbour Bridge for panoramic harbor views
  • 🌅 Watch the sunrise over Uluru in the Red Centre
  • 🐠 Snorkel or dive the Great Barrier Reef’s coral gardens
Fiji
Tropical paradise with diverse landscapes
8.2
The Mamanuca Environment Society accepts volunteers for reef surveys and turtle conservation. Divers can help with coral transplanting and removing crown of thorns starfish. In the Yasawa Islands the organisation Vinaka Fiji works in 27 villages on freshwater and permaculture projects. Teachers can help train local teachers.
Highlights:
  • 🐠 Explore the underwater coral gardens at Rainbow Reef
  • 🏖️ Relax on the pristine sands of Natadola Beach
  • 🌊 Snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of the Mamanuca Islands
New Zealand
Land of the long cloud
9.1
Dick Roberts opened his Nelson farm to visitors in 1974, which began WWOOF New Zealand. The host booklet had grown to 90 hosts by the mid 1980s. Today the network runs as an online directory where visitors arrange farm stays directly with hosts. It has marked its 50th anniversary.
Highlights:
  • 🥾 Hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing for volcanic scenery
  • 🧙‍♂️ Visit Hobbiton and explore the film set of Middle‑earth
  • 🛥️ Cruise through Milford Sound’s dramatic fjords and waterfalls
Papua New Guinea
Last paradise of South Pacific
5.7
In 2009 thirteen Australian volunteers worked along the Kokoda Track with the Kokoda Track Authority and Conservation Volunteers Australia. They fixed drainage, dug rubbish pits, cleared litter and repaired the Kokoda airstrip. Work spanned six weeks in villages from Owers' Corner to Kokoda. The programme also aimed to give villagers an alternative to porter income.
Highlights:
  • 🥾 Trek the historic Kokoda Track through dense rainforest
  • 🎭 Meet the colorful tribes at the Mount Hagen Festival
  • 🤿 Dive among WWII wrecks in Rabaul’s volcanic waters
Samoa
Tropical paradise with volcanic mountains
7.8
When DFAT marked 40 years of Australian volunteers in Samoa, over 400 had served. The first intake had four volunteers. One surf lifesaving trainer worked with the Samoa Tourism Authority and trained 130 people in first aid and water competency. He also wrote a training manual and sourced equipment.
Highlights:
  • 🌳 Explore the lush jungle on the Canopy Walk
  • 💦 Slide down natural waterfalls at Papase’ea
  • 🌊 Swim in the stunning To Sua Ocean Trench
Vanuatu
Tropical paradise with cultural diversity
7.6
About 40 to 50 Australian volunteers serve in Vanuatu each year. Placements span health, education, community safety, disaster resilience and local business support. Partners include the Ministry of Health, ProMedical and the Ministry of Education and Training. Cyclone recovery and reconstruction work also features in the programme.
Highlights:
  • 💧 Swim in the magical blue holes near Espiritu Santo
  • 🤿 Snorkel the blue waters and coral reefs of Champagne Beach
  • 🌋 Hike to the rim of Mount Yasur, the world’s most accessible volcano
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