Volunteering with kangaroos in Australia 🧡

Caring for kangaroos in Australia: an adventure that makes sense

Australia is world-renowned for its unique wildlife. Among the country's iconic animals, kangaroos obviously hold a special place. But behind the postcard images lies a reality: many injured or orphaned kangaroos need help in rehabilitation centres.

This is where volunteering comes in.

Thanks to platforms like Workaway, travellers from around the world can have an immersive experience in exchange for a few hours of help per day. The principle is simple: you help on a local project and, in return, you are provided with accommodation and meals while discovering Australian culture.

Some missions even allow you to participate directly in the care of kangaroos .

Examples of volunteer opportunities available in Australia

👉🏻 Taking care of orphaned kangaroos in a sanctuary

A particularly memorable experience is to join a sanctuary specializing in the rehabilitation of wild animals , such as this stay offered near Trentham, in the state of Victoria.

At this sanctuary, volunteers participate in the daily life of the center and care for young kangaroos called joeys. Tasks include:

• feeding baby kangaroos with a bottle

• cleaning living spaces

• prepare the animals' food

• help with the upkeep of the shelter

The goal is simple: to allow injured or orphaned animals to grow up safely before being released back into the wild. Volunteers thus discover how a wildlife rescue center operates and learn a great deal about Australian species.

The most incredible thing? It's not uncommon to see kangaroos roaming freely around the house or resting in the living room!

👉🏻 Immersion in a wildlife sanctuary in Western Australia

Another fascinating experience: this animal sanctuary located in the rural region of Moorine Rock, Western Australia.

This 2,200-acre sanctuary shelters and cares for numerous native animals, including kangaroos, emus, birds, and reptiles . Volunteers participate in various activities, including:

• feeding the kangaroos and other animals at the sanctuary

• clean the enclosures

• maintain the facilities

• participating in projects such as fence construction

In exchange for approximately five hours of help per day, five days a week , volunteers are provided with room and board. This immersive experience also offers the opportunity to discover life in a small rural Australian community and to get up close to wildlife .

How to organise a volunteer project with kangaroos?

Before leaving, a few points are essential :

• Check visa requirements (often a working holiday or tourist visa).

• Plan for a minimum length of stay (often 1 to 2 weeks).

• Be prepared to perform physical tasks and work outdoors.

• Choose a serious project that respects animals .

• Most volunteer opportunities simply require motivation, curiosity, and a genuine interest in nature conservation.

Our pirate tips for volunteering

If you too dream of sharing the daily life of these bouncy balls of fluff, here are our recommendations:

• Never pay for this kind of experience. The principle of volunteering is an exchange: you give your time in exchange for accommodation and meals.

• Research the organisations: their seriousness, their commitment to animal welfare, etc.

• Where to find good deals? You can find many missions in Australia via Workaway and also on the Australia Backpackers 2025-2026 group (it's worth a look, it's a real goldmine!).

• Go with an open mind: even if you already have experience, every place is different.

In short, an adventure that leaves its mark on your mind, your heart… and your backpack! Ready to take the plunge? 🦘🌏

FAQ – Volunteering with kangaroos in Australia

Is it really possible to care for kangaroos in Australia?

Yes. Some animal shelters and sanctuaries welcome volunteers to help with feeding, cleaning enclosures or caring for baby kangaroos.

Are specific skills required?

In most cases, no. Motivation and love for animals are the most important qualities.

How many hours do we work per day?

Most volunteer opportunities require approximately 4 to 5 hours of help per day, in exchange for accommodation and meals.

Is it possible to do this volunteer work during a road trip in Australia?

Yes, it's actually very common. Many travellers alternate between road trips and volunteering to have a more immersive experience.

When is the best time to do this type of volunteering?

The shelters often welcome volunteers throughout the year, but the kangaroo birthing periods (Australian spring and summer) are particularly busy.