Volunteering

Being a volunteer in our parks is a great way to help conserve Victoria’s special places. You'll also experience some of the personal benefits that come with being a volunteer. You'll learn more about plants and wildlife, gain new skills, be in the outdoors, improve your health and well-being and meet new friends. Time spent in nature also reduces stress and promotes physical well-being.

Volunteer in Victoria's parks

There are volunteer activities for every age group, skill, and ability. Join a regular group or just participate occasionally. Volunteer activities may include:

improving habitats for wildlife
learning how to propagate plants and collect seeds
taking photos of endangered species and habitats
providing visitor information along popular tracks and campgrounds
providing interpretation and guided walks

Volunteer news

Find out the latest volunteering news and read up in more detail on some of the amazing feats Parks Victoria volunteers are achieving right across the state:

Wonthaggi's rich history kept alive by the Friends of the State Coal Mine volunteers

Nestled in the heart of Wonthaggi, the State Coal Mine stands as a powerful testament to Victoria's rich industrial heritage. For more than a century, it has been a cornerstone of the community, offering a unique glimpse into the life and labour of the miners who fuelled the state's early economic growth.

Volunteers in period costume at Werribee Park Mansion

The Friends of Werribee Park are sewing history together

In the serene backdrop of Werribee Park, a different kind of volunteerism with Parks Victoria is flourishing. The Friends of Werribee Park have begun a sewing group dedicated to creating and repairing period costumes that are worn around the grounds, bringing history to life for the thousands of guests who visit each year.

Terry Lane (centre) and other members of the Friends of Organ Pipes National Park

Calling all Friends, young and old

People decide to join a Friends group for all sorts of reasons, whether that be giving back and caring for nature, wanting to connect with their local community, or simply just an excuse to spend more time outside. For Loretta Beliniak, it was a combination of all three that made her want to connect with her local group, Friends of Organ Pipes National Park.

Ranger Kelsey Fraser atop the Wilsons Prom lighthouse

Volunteering kickstarted Kelsey's career in conservation at Wilsons Prom

Wilsons Prom has been a cherished sanctuary for Kelsey Fraser ever since she was little, igniting a passion that led her to dedicate her time to its care as a volunteer with the local Friends group. This commitment helped nurture her connection to the park and later gave her the experience needed to secure a career with Parks Victoria.

Opened seed pods found in Woowookarung Regional Park.

Seeds of cooperation planted by Ballarat volunteers in Woowookarung

From little things, big things grow. That’s certainly the plan for a handful of volunteer groups in Ballarat who all work independently yet collaboratively, in playing a vital part in caring for native seeds at every step of their life cycle.

Camp, connect and contribute as a Volunteer Campground Host

Do you love camping and getting closer to nature? Are you a people person happy to help others and share knowledge? If so, you could be a natural fit for Parks Victoria’s Volunteer Campground Host program.

Volunteer Track Rangers Emma and Callum at Mount Buffalo National Park

Fall in love with being a Volunteer Track Ranger

After spending time as a Parks Victoria Volunteer Track Ranger, most participants come away having fallen in love with one of the state’s most beautiful parks. Some, however, come away having fallen in love with each other. Read on for Emma and Callum's love story and how you can become a Volunteer Track Ranger yourself.

How citizen science volunteers are making a difference in shorebird conservation

A group of volunteer citizen scientists have been carefully recording data about different migratory shorebirds visiting Victoria for nearly half a century. The information they've collected is now being used in conservation policies around the world.

Volunteer member of the Friends of Mount Worth State Park Tony Castle stands on a bridge surrounded by lush tree ferns.

The Best Friends of Mount Worth State Park

When Tony Castle first set eyes on Mount Worth State Park he was armed only with an old bushwalking book which couldn't point him to the start of the track. Now, after volunteering for 11 years and helping keep the tracks clear for fellow walkers, Tony has received the Best Friend Award by the Victorian Environment Friends Network.

Friends of Hooded Plover Mornington Peninsula president Mark Lethlean

How people power is helping the humble Hooded Plover

There are few birds which have created as much outpouring of community support as the determined, yet vulnerable, Hooded Plover. These plucky little beach birds have the survival odds stacked against them from the very beginning, but with the help of dedicated volunteer groups along Victoria’s coastline, there’s hope for the Hooded Plover yet.

From volunteers to Park Rangers

Volunteering with Parks Victoria can open the door to becoming a full-time Park Ranger. East Port Phillip Ranger Amanda Daw and Greater Gariwerd - Grampians Ranger Hannah Auld are just two of many rangers who have made the transition from volunteering.

Community Engagement Ranger Mip Grant and Blind Sport and Recreation Victoria ambassador Annette Leishman.

Birding-by-ear guided walk takes flight in Westgate Park

A new and inclusive Park Walk event for people who are blind or have low vision has taken flight in Westgate Park. The sensory birding-by-ear walk will be led by volunteer guide Annette Leishman, who has low vision herself.

A man and a woman stop to admire a fern.

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There is something for everyone at Parks Victoria

Volunteer to gain experience

Volunteering in nature gives a valuable insight into the type of work our Park Rangers do each day and the many challenges they face. This hands-on experience gained from volunteering can be extremely beneficial for people considering a career in the outdoors, whether that be with Parks Victoria, DEECA or any other environmental organisation. The Parks Victoria Volunteer Track Ranger program is a good place to start.

Volunteer to connect with your local community

Ask any volunteer and they’ll tell you one of the best things about it is the people you’ll meet. Many parks across the state have a dedicated Friends group made up of volunteers that organise regular working bees to improve their chosen park. Joining your local group is a great way of meeting like-minded people and gaining a deeper understanding of your community, while making a real difference at the same time.

Two women hiking in a remote part of Victoria

Volunteering can be adventurous

Volunteering doesn’t have to be all planting trees and pulling out weeds – it can be so much more! There are volunteer groups for all sorts of exciting activities, whether that be clearing hiking tracks in the the most remote parts of the state, or constructing safe mountain bike trails for the benefit of others. There are even ways to volunteer when you’re underwater! Volunteering can be as adventurous as you are.

A group of people attach a trail camera to a tree.

Volunteer for conservation

Volunteers are critical for many conservation activities conducted by Parks Victoria and other environmental groups. Conservation volunteering could take the form of participating in flora and fauna surveys, identifying and removing invasive species, and creating and restoring native habitat. Learn more about all things nature with other like-minded people.

A group of people in historical costumes at Werribee Park mansion.

Volunteer to learn more about history and culture

Parks Victoria manages a number of important cultural and historical sites. Locations like Werribee Park Mansion, the State Coal Mine, and the Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park. Volunteers at these historical locations can be anything from dressmakers to tour guides, and everything in between. There’s something for every type of history buff.

A volunteer campground host helps two people.

Volunteer while exploring somewhere new

If you’re heading away for a week or two, consider seeing what volunteer events might be happening nearby. It can be a great way to get to know a new area better, as well as lending a helping hand in the great outdoors. Consider the Parks Victoria Volunteer Campground Host program, which is perfect for seasoned campers who want to delve deeper into understanding their chosen park and the people who visit it.

Parks Victoria Volunteer Programs

Find out how you can volunteer with Parks Victoria:

Preparing to volunteer for the first time

Learn some tips and tricks on what to expect for your first volunteering experience. Are you getting ready for your first volunteering experience with Parks Victoria? We've put together a handy guide of tips and tricks on what to expect to help ensure your volunteering experience is fun and successful.

Three tents and a campfire at night time.

Campground Host Volunteer Program

Volunteering as a campground host is a fantastic way to see our magnificent parks while at the same time providing a valuable service to other campers and Parks Victoria rangers.

Four friends stop for a later afternoon break on the Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing.

Volunteer Track Ranger Program

Track Rangers are volunteers who walk and camp along popular tracks during peak holidays, providing hikers with park information.

A ground take a volunteer led tour through the Flying Fox environments on the banks of the Yarra River in Yarra Bend Park

Volunteer park walk leaders

Park Walk leaders are volunteers who provide free guided walks at selected Parks Victoria parks. They guide the group along a designated route, creating a friendly and inclusive atmosphere for all participants and providing some interesting facts about the park along the way.

Volunteer procedures and resources

Looking for more information about volunteering with Parks Victoria?

Volunteers construct a mountain bike trail

Register as a volunteer on ParkConnect

Find all the latest volunteer activities in your area by visiting our ParkConnect portal. You can register as a volunteer on ParkConnect, create a profile, find local volunteering opportunities, and celebrate your achievements.

Volunteering in Parks Manual

The Volunteering in Parks Manual provides staff and volunteers with the tools they may need to run volunteer programs and activities, so that they are consistent with the national volunteering standards. Download the manual for more information.

Apply for Working with Children Check

Parks Victoria is dedicated to providing a child safe environment across all its managed parks and reserves. We have zero tolerance for child abuse. A Working with Children Check is compulsory for all volunteers who participate in a group or activity more than once. Volunteer Working with Children Checks are free and applied for via the Department of Justice. Click here to apply.

Vision for the future

To find out about the future of volunteering at Parks Victoria download the Volunteering in Parks Strategic Plan.

How to upload your Working with Children Check to ParkConnect

Once you have your Working with Children Check card, you will need to upload a photo of the card to your ParkConnect volunteer profile. If you need help with this, click here.

Volunteering in Parks Manual FAQs

Got any questions about the Volunteering in Parks Manual? We've answered some of the most frequently asked questions here to make your time volunteering as easy as possible.

Volunteers working together to improve shoreline habitat on Victorian beaches.

Become a Citizen Scientist

Anyone can get involved in understanding and supporting our environment through citizen science programs. Citizen science builds new relationships between people, science and nature. It can also increase the collection of targeted data for evidence-based decision-making, raise awareness of the importance of nature and develop a shared approach to supporting our amazing biodiversity.

Volunteering Innovation Fund

The Victorian Government has an exciting new opportunity to inspire ideas and encourage innovation by funding community-led projects that consider new ways of volunteering in and for the environment.

Being a volunteer in our parks is a great way to help conserve Victoria’s special places. You may also experience some of the personal benefits that come with being a volunteer. You may learn more about plants and wildlife, gain new skills, be in the outdoors, improve your health and well-being and meet new friends. Time spent in nature also reduces stress and promotes physical well-being.