Volunteers in parks
This page has information for people who want to volunteer in parks and reserves in the Northern Territory (NT).
As a volunteer, you can do all of the following:
- learn about nature and wildlife
- contribute to conservation management
- enjoy cultural experiences
- gain new skills
- work outdoors
- improve your health and wellbeing
- meet new people.
Who can volunteer
You must be over 16 years old to volunteer in parks and reserves. Volunteers under the age of 16 years may participate in volunteer activities, provided they are accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Volunteer positions are not available at all times in all parks.
If you are an international visitor, you must have a visa that allows you to do volunteer work.
How to volunteer in parks and reserves
There are volunteer opportunities across the NT.
To become a volunteer, fill in the volunteer program registration form DOCX (69.1 KB) and select your area of interest.
Email your form or any questions to volunteer.parks@nt.gov.au.
If you want to volunteer at the Territory Wildlife Park or the Alice Springs Desert Park you will need to contact these parks directly. Find out more on the Territory Wildlife Park or Alice Springs Desert Park websites.
Volunteer as a campground host
You can apply to volunteer as a campground host.
Campground hosts are people who volunteer their time in national parks around the NT. They carry out various roles associated with park and visitor management.
They usually enjoy the outdoors and have good health and fitness levels.
Campground hosts are mostly self-sufficient with their own tent or caravan, staying on site for at least three weeks.
Responsibilities include:
- welcoming visitors
- providing general information about the area
- assisting with the maintenance of visitor facilities.
Where you can volunteer
The campground host program operates in a number of campgrounds across the Top End and Central Australian regions of the NT including:
- Litchfield National Park
- Wangi Falls
- Florence Falls
- Tjaynera Falls
- Trephina Gorge Nature Park
- Elsey National Park (Jalmurark Campground)
- Finke Gorge National Park (Palm Valley Campground)
- Judbarra / Gregory National Park (Big Horse Creek Campground)
- Karlu Karlu / Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve
When you can volunteer
Hosts are particularly needed from May to August. This is the dry season in the Top End and the cooler months in Central Australia.
Expressions of interest submitted outside of these months will also be considered.
How to apply
Register your interest in the program by following the below steps.
Step 1. Review the campground host program position descriptions PDF (2.6 MB)
Step 2. Fill in the volunteer registration form:
volunteer registration form DOCX (68.0 KB)
volunteer registration form PDF (210.9 KB)
Step 3. Submit the completed form to:
Volunteer Programs Manager
Parks and Wildlife
PO Box 344
Katherine NT 0851
volunteer.parks@nt.gov.au
You can call 08 8999 3821 for more information.
If your placement is confirmed, you will get online and on-site induction training.
Volunteer with friends groups
Volunteer with any of the following friends groups:
Work experience
In Top End parks and reserves, Parks and Wildlife supports secondary school work experience by providing week-long placements for two students four times a year during week 10 of each school term.
Students work alongside park rangers, wildlife rangers and office staff during these weeks.
Places are limited.
For more information contact Parks and Wildlife.
Last updated: 21 September 2020
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