GVI has been operating world-class volunteer projects all over the world for the past 14 years, and our projects in Australasia are a prime example of long-term, meaningful relationships and impact within the local community and environment.

From a traveller’s perspective, choosing to be a volunteer in Australasia gives you the ultimate adventure with a purpose. Australasia offers epic conservation experience, especially for those keen on exploring the underwater worlds of the warm Pacific while volunteering on critical marine and coral conservation projects. 

Which Australasia countries can I volunteer in?

Our projects in the Australasia islands are based in Fiji. This base is truly special because of our relationships with the local community. Through being present in the community consistently, and our participants working in close collaboration with our esteemed local partners, the impact made via our conservation and community development programs is significant.

With project focuses ranging in marine and wildlife conservation, child care, animal care, health care and teaching, there is something for everyone.

Volunteering in Australasia tends to be mistaken for being a volunteer in Australia alone. But, more accurately, Australasia is a broader region that encompasses Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, and beyond. 

Nestled in the heart of the South Pacific, Australasia spans an array of stunning islands, and Fiji is a gem here. Picture yourself surrounded by turquoise waters, vibrant coral reefs, and lush rainforests teeming with unique flora and fauna. Joining GVI’s base in Fiji also gives you a unique gateway to explore the wider Australasia region before or after completing your program.

But it’s not just the natural beauty that makes Fiji special – it’s the warm and welcoming culture that permeates every corner of the country. Immerse yourself in the rich traditions, vibrant music and authentic cuisine as you build connections with the local communities and gain a deeper understanding of their way of life.

GVI’s base in Fiji

We are located in Silana village in the Dawasamu district on Fiji’s coast. Silana is a small, rural village where traditional Fijian culture and customs are still very much alive. 

Dawasamu is surrounded by lush tropical rainforest and pristine coral reefs, which makes it an ideal location for nature lovers and those interested in marine conservation.

Fiji is a top choice among our participants as a travel destination but choosing to volunteer in Australasia is also popular because of the opportunity to make an impact in both conservation and community development. 

With project focuses ranging from fishing, and marine and coral conservation to child care, teaching and public health, there is something for everyone.

Volunteer in Australasia: Conservation programs

Our conservation programs in Fiji include:

• Coral reef research volunteering
• Climate change and coral bleaching volunteering
• Marine conservation volunteering
• Sustainable fishing volunteering
• Tropical marine biology and conservation volunteering

Gain your PADI diving qualifications

As a GVI volunteer in Australasia, you’ll have the exclusive opportunity to earn the esteemed PADI Coral Reef Research Diver Distinctive Specialty among other PADI diving qualifications.

This unique qualification, developed in partnership with PADI, equips you with invaluable techniques for conducting underwater coral reef surveys. You’ll master the most effective methods while exploring Fiji’s breathtaking marine ecosystems. 

Additionally, our programs offer a range of PADI certifications to expand your diving expertise, including Open Water, Advanced Open Water, Divemaster, Emergency First Response and Rescue Diver. These certifications further empower you to contribute effectively to marine conservation efforts while gaining valuable skills for your future endeavours.

Volunteer in Australasia: Community development

If you are more focused on human empowerment than conservation, you can volunteer in Fiji in:

• Early childhood development
• Volunteer with children
• Public health
• Rainwater harvesting and water security
• Developing infrastructure in rural communities.

We are proud of our approach of establishing award-winning sustainable projects, in which the local community is always consulted first and foremost to determine the agenda. With the contribution of volunteers, we work together in partnership to achieve our goals.

Australasia is home to unique and diverse species and Fiji, in particular, boasts an array of both marine and terrestrial life. As a volunteer in Australasia, you’ll have the opportunity to encounter some of this incredible wildlife while contributing to its conservation.

Marine species

Dive into the crystal clear waters and witness the graceful movements of manta rays gliding through the currents. Marvel at the vivid colours of tropical fish as they dart in and out of coral reefs, creating a mesmerising display of life and colour. Keep an eye out for the majestic sea turtles gracefully navigating their ocean home and the playful dolphins leaping in the waves.

Fiji’s coral reefs

Coral reefs are a vital ecosystem, supporting a diverse array of marine life. The coral reefs of Fiji are renowned for their beauty and biodiversity, and you’ll have the opportunity to explore these coral ecosystems up close. Witnessing the delicate balance of coral polyps, fish and other marine organisms is stunning. But it’s crucial to recognise the environmental challenges facing these reefs, such as coral bleaching and degradation. Through our marine conservation programs, you can actively contribute to the preservation and restoration of Fiji’s coral reefs..

Terrestrial species

Beyond the water, Fiji’s lush rainforests are home to a diverse range of terrestrial species. You’ll spot endemic birds, such as the iconic Fiji parrotfinch and the orange fruit dove. You could also discover unique creatures like the endangered Fijian banded iguana and the Fiji tree frog. All of these species are vulnerable to habitat loss and destruction, and we monitor the habitat with our local partners, with the goal of directing our programs to where impact is needed most.

Like you, we believe in taking responsible action to address the global marine crisis of coral bleaching. By participating in our coral reef research program, you’ll have the opportunity to conduct vital research in collaboration with our esteemed partners, working towards the preservation of the precious corals in the Dawasamu district. 

With coral reefs serving as crucial habitats for a multitude of marine species, their decline poses a significant threat to the delicate balance of our oceans. 50% of the world’s corals have already been lost over the past three decades, so this issue calls for immediate and sustained efforts. Together, we can make a lasting impact in the ongoing battle to protect and restore these invaluable ecosystems.

Learn more about scientific research

Learning how to conduct scientific research is a massive opportunity for any volunteer in Australasia and beyond. You become an integral part of our efforts to protect and restore fragile ecosystems while working alongside experienced researchers. 

You’ll gain valuable skills in data collection, analysis and scientific methodologies. This gives you an excellent foundation as you build a career in conservation or direct more of your personal time towards making science-backed impact.