On the Expedition
Traverse the Great Otway National Park while conducting valuable research on koala habitats to understand the impact of climate change on their population and behaviour.
Increasing temperatures, declining rainfall and increased likelihood of fire events are all threats facing koalas. An understanding of the response of koalas to climate change is crucial for the conservation of their population and habitats.
During this expedition, volunteers will get the chance to work closely with koalas and be involved in all aspects of the research including:
- Capturing and handling koalas under close supervision of an experienced catcher/handler.
- Radio tracking Koala observations.
- Tree measurements.
- Habitat assessments.
- Scat search, collection, and preparation of samples for analysis.
- Deployment of cameras, downloading and viewing images.
- Spotlighting for animals at night.
Meals and Accommodations
Accommodation will be shared rooms split by gender, within the Otway National Park. There will be full facilities, including hot showers and flushing toilets. Breakfasts will be self serve, lunches will be made by participants and packed up to have in the field, and dinners will be a cooked meal where some assistance with preparation may be required.
About the Research Area
The Great Otway National Park is located in the Southern Western regions of Victoria, Australia along the Great Ocean Road – a popular tourist drive with rugged cliffs and sea views.
Not only are the views breathtaking, the Otway Ranges itself is a unique experience with abundant rainforest wildlife, waterfalls and volcanic lakes.