Overland Track Hut Wardens
Overland track
Each summer WILDCARE volunteers assist the Cradle Valley Parks and Wildlife Field Centre by providing a walker education and information service on the Overland track.
Volunteers are based at Waterfall Valley (the first overnight stop for walkers heading south) for extended periods, and are self-sufficient during that time, living in a small hut at the Waterfall Valley campsite.
Track Wardens provide information to walkers about what to expect on the track, offer some wise words about safety, talk about minimal impact bushwalking techniques and generally provide a friendly and experienced service to walkers passing through. They also make sure the huts, campground and toilet are kept tidy, and sometimes carry out maintenance work on those structures.
Track Wardens have radio contact with Cradle Valley Rangers and check in regularly during their stay.
To become involved in the Track Wardens program
Become a WILDCARE member by completing the WILDCARE membership form. On the form under the Community Action in Reserves Section, register your interest in Cradle Valley.
Each year a project flyer is sent to WILDCARE members calling for interested people to register for the program (this includes all members registered with CARes Cradle Valley
Registrants suitability is assessed by the Rangers. You will need to be fit, experienced in bushwalking and extended camping in isolated places, be familiar with Minimal Impact bushwalking techniques, have a first aid certificate and be willing to undergo some induction training. Participants are also required to have Hepatitus B injections.
For more information about the program contact the Ranger at Cradle Valley (phone 6492 1133) or contact the WILDCARE office
Or email trackwardens@wildcaretas.org.au
What do walkers and park visitors think about this volunteer program?
"The welcome, the attitude, the helpfulness, I was absolutely blown away. Everything from great walking advice, suggested walks to helping us waterprioof and reline our bags, and giving us some amazing permesan cheese. The volunteers at Waterfall Valley Hut on Tuesday 29th January 2008 were nothing short of FANTASTIC !!! and deserve special mention and major thanks. So thank you. The Irish/English Lads, Joe, Mark and Neil"
Have you ever wanted to spend a few months alone on an island, spend time getting to know a piece of wilderness better, take part in protecting rare wildlife in the wild, feel the joy of caring for and releasing a wild animal or bird or head to the back country and do some real work?
WILDCARE Inc, in cooperation with our government partners, undertakes a number of large scale, ongoing, annual projects and programs. Information about these programs can be found below. Special projects and programs may require specialist skills and often ask for extended commitments, but they are some of the most intriguing and exciting volunteer projects around.
See program contact details above for more information.
