Volunteer for tour operators
Where ever you are in Australia there is probably a tour operator that takes bus loads of people to some place special, spot some wildlife, look at a view, or go for a hike. Similarly, the Whitsundays famous for its overnight sailing trips has over 50 different tour boat operators running regular scheduled tours.Apart from the smallest family operators, they normally rely on crew who are backpackers themselves who are paid or volunteer. For some operators, volunteers ("vollies") have become the major source of labour and they have programs or procedures in place. In exchange the volunteers and typically work 5 - 8 hours a day and in exchange receive the experience, probably accommodation and usually meals.
Its a great way to be involved in the delivery of a tour product and includes the cultural experience of working with Australians and share in the "inner sanctum" of the operation and its staff - making it much more real.
The best of "vollies" are often recruited as staff. Sometimes the pay from the result job is reasonable as well - but don't get your hopes up.
Tactics for getting a "vollie" position on a tour.
Contact the operators directly
There is no point asking a tour agent, they make their money selling tours. Find the official web site and send an enquiry email, phone them, or better still go find them.
Ask around
There are normally a number of tour operators in any given tourism location. Some will be grumpy types who give away nothing. While others that believe in helping people and accepting / taking vollie help, will probably try to give you something.
Promise to work extra hard
Always helps to say that you will be the hardest working vollie they have ever had
Work extra hard
It might get you a job. It will encourage the tour operator to take vollies again.
