Earthwatch Australia was founded in 1982, more than a decade after the original Earthwatch concept was launched in Boston, Massachusetts USA. There are now four offices worldwide located in Boston, Melbourne, Oxford, and Japan.
Aside from our diverse range of expeditions, Earthwatch Australia has earned the respect of external organisations and agencies by comprehensively involving all parties of the environmental spectrum. This includes local scientists, volunteers, business leaders and all those concerned with conservation across the continent. 
Much of Australia’s reputation is due to the efforts of former Executive Director, Dr. Jane Gilmour, who through her efforts established it as the front runner in the environment debate. "In the 13 years that she has led the organisation in Australia Jane has earned the respect of many people - from scientists to corporate leaders, from volunteers to her international colleagues. Jane's contribution was recognised in 2003 when she was awarded an OAM (Order of Australia Medal) for her services to the environment."
Philip Weickhardt
Chairman 2002 - 2011
A volunteer system was born
The idea originated in America as an urgent need for funding to help continue scientific research against a background of diminishing government aid. By involving the general public, mutual goals were achieved - funding and labour from volunteers helped the scientific community on a range of ecological research projects, while the general awareness of nature and our precious environment would continue to grow.
Our timing was perfect. During the 70’s and 80’s the world finally became aware of the increasing dangers and fragility of our planet. By working in partnership with scientists, individuals, corporations, foundations, government agencies, educational and research institutions, we can continue to support scientific research, conservation and public education.
The beauty of Australia
From desert to savannah, right up to virgin rainforests, no other part of the world can offer such a fascinating and varied range of ecosystems. Earthwatch Australia has taken full advantage of this natural bonus to offer mouth watering expeditions to its clients.
Not surprisingly, large companies quickly saw an opportunity where their employees could benefit from the Earthwatch experience whilst at the same time putting their business behind the environmental banner.
The variety of expeditions is hard to surpass - you can dive with Whale Sharks in Ningaloo Reef, monitor echidnas and goannas while exploring Kangaroo Island, or hand collect Freshwater Turtles of the Kimberley - just to name a few.
Looking to the future
Earthwatch Australia will continue the focus on new partnerships and expeditions in the future. Without doubt, as the public’s awareness of climate change and the strong desire to take action increases, our client base will keep on expanding in the years ahead.
The opportunity at this time is immense, particularly for Earthwatch Australia. With the resource demands of the exploding Asian powers such as China and India, there is huge potential for their involvement in environmental matters. 
This is not just a matter of conscience. It is almost a requisite for giant industrial nations who are Australia’s neighbours to act now. After all, HSBC, which has been among Earthwatch’s closest supporters, started life from its Hong Kong base.
We need to be aware of the environmental impact we are having on our ecosystem, so by engaging volunteers in vital research we can help educate and find solutions to managing our environment into the future.
Richard Gilmore
Executive Director