Insider's Guide to Volunteering with Kangaroos in Australia 🇦🇺🦘

An adventure you won’t forget in a hurry!

It all started at a wildlife sanctuary deep in the Australian bush, where our Pirate rocked up with their backpack and a big dose of curiosity. What they found was a bunch of big-hearted people giving everything they’ve got to care for injured animals—especially kangaroos. And yes, it changed their life.

🐾 “They’ve dedicated their whole lives to the sanctuary. Every penny they earn goes back into helping the animals. They started this over 30 years ago, and now, at 65, they’re still doing it with the same fire in their belly. It’s honestly so inspiring. Thanks to them, I realized it’s never too late to follow what really lights you up...”

And while the humans left a mark, the kangaroos weren’t far behind…

🐾 “They’re naturally quite nervous animals, especially if they’ve been hit by cars or caught in barbed wire… But over time, they start to trust you. It’s really moving to experience.”

Want to give it a go? Here’s what they recommend

If you’ve ever dreamed of spending your days with these bouncy little legends, here are some solid tips:

• Never pay for this kind of experience. Volunteering should be a fair exchange—you give your time, and in return you get food and a place to stay.

• Do your homework. Check out how genuine the organization is and make sure they’re really committed to animal welfare.

• Where to find opportunities? They found one role through Workaway, and two others via the Facebook group Australia Backpackers 2025 (worth a scroll—it’s a goldmine).

• Go in with an open mind. Even if you’ve volunteered before, every place is different. “Assume you’re starting from scratch, stay humble, respect the people who’ve been there for years, and most of all… throw your heart into it.”

So there you go, an adventure that’ll leave you with memories in your head, stories in your heart… and wishing you could bring your new kangaroo friends home in your backpack. Ready to take the leap? 🦘🌏