Volunteer program

Gardening Volunteers (Cockatoo Island and Headland Park)

We are seeking people with some gardening experience to join our small team of dedicated and friendly volunteer gardeners. Our volunteer gardeners help us maintain heritage gardens at Cockatoo Island and Headland Park (Mosman).

Suitable candidates do not need advanced gardening skills or experience, however a congenial attitude, willingness to learn and physical capabilities to safely kneel, dig, lift or carry maximum 16kg, push a wheelbarrow and walk around uneven outdoor terrain are required.

Shifts are scheduled for 4 - 5 hours every Thursday morning at Headland Park, or every 2nd Thursday at Cockatoo Island. We require volunteers who are reliable and available to join our gardening teams on a regular basis.

Visitor Service Volunteers (Cockatoo Island or North Head Sanctuary)

We are seeking reliable and friendly people from diverse backgrounds who have good customer service and communication skills, an interest in Australian history and enthusiasm for welcoming visitors to our extraordinary sites on Sydney harbour.

Volunteers are primarily based in or near the visitor centres, however some outdoor roaming duties may also be required at key landmarks or places of interest. Ability to ascend and descend steps, sloping inclines and the ability to navigate over uneven ground is required, along with occasional bending to restock cupboards and capability to lift small items (below shoulder height to maximum of 10kg). Ability to operate a Point-of-Sale System and basic computer skills are required. Availability to commit to minimum of 2 shifts per month at either North Head Sanctuary or Cockatoo Island (or both) is required.

Event Support Volunteers (various sites)

Event support opportunities are available for irregular or occasional volunteering at various sites including Sub Base Platypus, Cockatoo Island, North Head Sanctuary, Headland Park and Macquarie Lightstation. Event volunteers support Harbour Trust events and public programs in a variety of ways, ranging from helping with kids’ activities, welcoming visitors, providing wayfinding information, or supporting the visitor services team. Please submit an application form to learn about opportunities for event based volunteering.

Tour Guide Volunteers (Headland Park or North Head Sanctuary)

We require friendly and engaging volunteers with excellent communication skills and a good knowledge of Australian history (especially military) to lead Defence of Sydney Tours at North Head Sanctuary (Manly) or the Tunnels & Gunners Tour at Headland Park (Mosman). Tours are scheduled on Sundays and midweek by request. Responsibilities include opening and closing procedures, risk management and willingness to interact with visitors in between tours on rostered shifts. This is primarily an outdoor role, with physical capabilities to walk safely over uneven terrain, negotiate narrow steps and be comfortable in underground tunnels required.