Overview of the Nation

Australia is the sixth largest country in the world, making it twice as large as Europe, except not nearly as crowded. That means you have plenty of activities without being the intense tourist magnet that Europe experiences.

There are over 7000 beaches to play around on, and the most amazing fauna you could ever see in your life. Australia’s culture has so much to offer as well.

English is spoken in Australia but with a little twist. People there often insert words that are only known to the natives, so it may be a bit difficult to understand everything they are saying.

For example, instead of calling someone “buddy,” they call that person a cobber; and rather than suggesting that a person dress warmly, they tell you to”rag up.” So, the English language it is, but you still may want to consider studying up on their native slang.

Climate and Environment

The climate is opposite the United States. It is the months of December to February that are the warmest, as those are their summer months, so if you are traveling there during those months it is best to dress lightly.

The air is very humid as well; plan to bring a little bug repellant and some sunscreen. The nights tend to get chilly, though; bringing a light jacket will help with the cool air, especially if you are traveling to the Southern region.

There is no question that if you are headed for the bushes, you will need a comfortable and durable pair of boots for the hikes.

Additional Considerations

Other tips that are important include knowing drivers travel on the left side of the road, so take note before you get on the road, and pay attention once you do.

Finally, Australians are the opposite of Americans when it comes to tipping as well. They tend to consider it bad taste unless a special occasion.

Australia is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, and with its immense diversity. There is something to see for everyone. From the bush area to the Great Barrier Reef and everything in between, Australia is simply a vacation of a lifetime.

To this end they fund scientific field research and provide ways for regular folks – like non-scientists, to act as volunteers on projects around the world. Besides traveling to exotic locations, you get the opportunity to participate in these projects and maybe even learn a thing or two.

There are expeditions to a variety of locations, and depending on your interest will hold differing appeals. The ones I like are those involving the oceans and opportunities to dive as part of the work.

Below are some sample locations and a brief synopsis of what volunteers can expect:

First are the Coral Reefs of Thailand:

In the Gulf of Thailand and Andaman Sea, Thailand’s coral reefs are some of the most magnificent and diverse ecosystems on Earth. Like many of the world’s reef systems, Thailand’s reefs are facing the pressures of overfishing and destructive fishing practices, as well as the threats posed by global warming and coral diseases. Scientists from Reef Check are joining forces with Earthwatch to survey Thailand’s resplendent coral reefs and monitor the effects of marine protected areas as well as recovery from the 2004 tsunami. With this information, agencies and local communities can better manage and conserve these beautiful reefs.

Perhaps the south Pacific is more to your liking. Here’s a chance to spend a couple weeks Diving the WWII Wrecks of Truk Lagoon:

Now part of the Federated States of Micronesia — Truk (a.k.a. Chuuk) was an Imperial Japanese Navy base during World War II. Considered second only to Pearl Harbor in strength, the U.S. saw this base as a major threat and in February 1944 began Operation Hailstone, a 2-day intense aerial bombing campaign that continued in various forms until the war’s end. More than 50 naval and merchant ships were sunk in Truk Lagoon, along with up to 100 aircraft, with many intact, having been protected by the surrounding barrier reef. Maritime archaeologist Bill Jeffery, materials scientist Dr. Ian Macleod, and marine ecologist Maria Beger aim to document and help protect Truk Lagoon’s rich historic and biological heritage.

Or maybe the Belize Regional Initiative:

Be part of a collaborative effort to conserve an entire ecosystem. Based on remote islands scattered along the world’s second largest barrier reef, our Belize projects offer snorkeling, diving, and shore-based experiences. Surrounded by one of Earth’s largest barrier reefs, Belize is becoming a popular destination. But despite the designation of its waters as protected Marine Reserves, coastal development, overfishing, and tourism threaten the biodiversity of this tiny nation. We offer the chance to study and protect the life that depends on this reef. Whether your team is based at our remote Living Reef Center or at a beachside hotel, you can experience Belize in a unique way and be part of a group of projects working to help this country strike a balance between economic growth and ecosystem health.

Volunteers are responsible for the cost of getting to the assignment location plus a contribution amount that covers meals and lodging, plus other associated costs. This expense is far less than a typical vacation in the same area, and there is usually enough free time to check out the locale. Learn more about Earthwatch Institute and upcoming projects here.

At over 40 miles across, the “lagoon” within this oceanic atoll is actually huge, and even though parts of it reach depths of 300’, the majority of wrecks lie on shallower reefs. Divers also enjoy surface conditions that are usually calm, year-round warm water temperatures, 50’ – 100’ visibility, and lack of strong currents.

One might think of Truk Lagoon as Japans Pearl Harbor. At it’s zenith, the Japanese Imperial Fleet based here numbered over 1000 ships and support vessels, along with many hundreds of aircraft. But in early 1944, to neutralize this threat, the U.S. Navy commenced “Operation Hailstone” which destroyed the base and sunk more than 50 ships and 100 airplanes.

For over 60 years, the ships and planes downed here have served as graveyards for thousands of Japanese who died during the war and they are respected as such. The government of Micronesia has declared Truk Lagoon a national monument and it is protected by law. Any disturbing of remains or taking artifacts is strictly prohibited.

Many of the shipwrecks in this ghost fleet remain virtually intact and it’s eerie to see the massive cargo holds of some of the supply carriers still containing tanks, trucks, and airplane engines, not to mention Japanese Saki bottles, china plates and other such things.

Likewise appearing to be frozen in time, are dozens of aircraft strewn across the bottom, and in some cases the cockpit has remained intact, providing the pilots final resting place. 

But over the intervening years these machines of war have been slowly transformed into spectacular reefs teeming with a diversity of marine life. What were initially watery graves and scenes of destruction have morphed into places resplendent with vivid corals and sponges, along with colorful reef fish, and larger pelagic species.  

Truk is an immense atoll that’s crowned with natural beauty. The surrounding outer barrier reef is accented with tiny idyllic islets that are mere spits of sand with a couple coconut palms. There are several volcanic island groups in the central lagoon which are mostly undeveloped. One of these is the capital island of Weno which has the only airport and lodging for tourists.

The land area of Chuuk State is only about 77 square miles, but it’s part of an island nation that spans 1,158,306 square miles of the southwestern Pacific Ocean. Chuuk along with Yap, Pohnpei, and Kosrae, make up the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), which itself is part of the Caroline Islands.

Getting there: Truk Lagoon lies about 750 miles north of Papua New Guinea, 600 miles southeast of Guam and 3,300 miles southwest of Hawaii. Continental Micronesia makes several flights per week between the main population center of Weno, and Guam. There are daily connections to Guam from Tokyo and the United States, and a couple flights a week from Cairns.

Photo credits: Wreck Dives: wjsiv; Map: Google Maps

As part of the Cook Islands in the South Pacific, Atiu is one of 15 islands with a combined land area of only 240 square kilometers (92.7 square miles), but spread across 1.8 million square kilometers (0.7 million square miles) of ocean.

Even though the country spans an area the size of India, it’s population numbers just 16,000 with two-thirds of them living on the island of Rarotonga. The Cook Islands are a self-governing parliamentary democracy in free association with New Zealand. They have their own language and enjoy a vigorous and diverse culture that displays significant differences between each island. 

The Cooks were first settled in the 6th century A.D. by Polynesians who migrated from nearby Tahiti which lies to the southeast. The people are friendly, and despite around 100,000 visitors annually to the capital island of Rarotonga, they are largely unspoiled by tourism.

“They offer a rare opportunity for people from the cities of the world to experience a different type of vacation. There are no high-rise hotels, only four beach buggies and very little hype. Ideal for travelers seeking more than the usual clichés associated with the South Seas, each island has its unique qualities and offers the visitor a special experience.”

Atiu itself, with only about 600 people living there, is called the Warriors Island. It’s elevation of 14,500 feet (4500 meters), and beautiful scenery make it an especially good choice for travelers wanting a vacation that involves more than just lying on the beach. 

“Atiu Villas is situated on Atiu Island on the outskirts of the central villages. The site provides a quiet and relaxing environment surrounded by wild tropical gardens and is only a short walk from the white sandy beaches of the southern coastline.”

The villas are unique chalet style structures made almost entirely of local native timbers and materials and feature the polished woods of mango, coconut, Christmas nut, acacia, cedar, java plum and many other tropical trees.

Each villa has a private verandah, cooking facilities, separate bathrooms, tea and coffee making facilities and a fully stocked larder from which guests pay for what they use upon leaving. The larders are well-stocked with dairy food, beverages, packaged and tinned food.

The villas have sleeping configurations that can take from 2 to 6 people. There is plenty of water and each villa has a solar hot water supply. Electricity and water run 24-hours a day. Your hosts will help you organize transportation, tours, and activities.

As I said earlier, getting to Atiu, takes a little effort, but it’s well worth it. Air New Zealand, Air Tahiti and Pacific Blue are the three international carriers that fly into the international airport on Rarotonga. You then fly Air Rarotonga which provides regular domestic service to Atiu.