The Parks Connect Cadet Ranger program provides teens aged 13–18 with hands-on conservation experiences, ecological skills training, and citizen science activities that will deepen their connection with Queensland’s protected areas.
Develop real-world skill in these cumulative 1.5–2-hr sessions to set yourself on a pathway for a rewarding career in biodiversity management!
Working collaboratively from within national parks or QPWS Gateway Visitor Centres, you’ll discover how to use camera traps, mapping, acoustic monitoring and environmental surveys to detect and report threatened species. Through fun, hands-on activities and interactions with Park Rangers, Traditional Owners and committed conservationists, Parks Connect Cadet Rangers gain valuable insights into how to manage and preserve protected areas for future generations.
Starting 17 May, choose from a range of Cadet Ranger events at QPWS Gateway Visitor Centres or within national parks and protected areas in South East Queensland.
WALKABOUT CREEK DISCOVERY CENTRE
You’ll be learning all about Park Rangering in a bushland oasis that includes a wildlife centre, short walking and mountain biking trails, a shady deck cafe, and picturesque Enoggera Reservoir for swimming and paddling. Image: NPAQ/Parks Connect
DAVID FLEAY WILDLIFE PARK
Stroll the shady boardwalks of this 7.5-acre enclosed fauna reserve on the Gold Coast where Cadet Rangers will be able to learn the tips of the trade working alongside Park Rangers. Image: Ian Wilkinson © Queensland Govt
ON-PARK CADET RANGERS
From May to October 2025, enhance your skills with this ongoing program of discovery. Spend time in Qld’s stunning national parks while you learn all about the crucial role Rangers play in conserving threatened species. See below to book. Image: NPAQ/Parks Connect
“ROAMING” CADET RANGERS 13–18 YEARS at GLASS HOUSE MTNS NP – Supervised walk for Park of the Month
Saturday 12 July 2025, 10:30 am – 12:30 pm, Beerburrum trailhead, Glass House Mountains NP
Join us for Parks Connect first “Roaming” Cadet Rangers on-park event at Glass House Mountains National Park (Beerburrum trailhead) during July’s Park of the Month celebration.
Glass House Mountains NP is one of South East Queensland’s wildflower hotspots. Expert Paul Donatiu from Queensland Threatened Plant Network (QTPN) will lead our cadets on a Wildflower Wander.
Register online for Park of the Month via Eventbrite TODAY and book a ticket for the Cadet Ranger Wildflower Wander event. Hurry, places are limited.
Click HERE to Register for PARK of THE MONTH online and then select the ticket for Cadet Ranger Wildflower Wander.
CADET RANGERS 13–18 YEARS AT WALKABOUT CREEK DISCOVERY CENTRE (The Gap/Enoggera Reservoir)
Click on the image to book.
Saturday 19 July 2025, 12:00–1:30 pm
Discover how science and technology can protect Australia’s unique native plants and the insect pollinators that work symbiotically with them to keep our ecosystems flourishing.
Cadet Rangers will learn how to master the tools conservation scientists use to guide species monitoring and management throughout Queensland. Then they’ll put these skills into practice with a real-world field experience alongside a professional Park Ranger at Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre. Be part of the effort to protect Queensland’s botanical heritage today.
BOOK ONLINE TODAY at Eventbrite.
CADET RANGERS 13–18 YEARS AT DAVID FLEAY WILDLIFE PARK (Burleigh Heads)
Click on the image to book.
Saturday 26 July 2025, 11:00–12:30 pm
Discover how science and technology can protect Australia’s unique native plants and the insect pollinators that work symbiotically with them to keep our ecosystems flourishing.
Cadet Rangers will learn how to master the tools conservation scientists use to guide species monitoring and management throughout Queensland. Then they’ll put these skills into practice with a real-world field experience alongside a professional Park Ranger at Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre. Be part of the effort to protect Queensland’s botanical heritage today.
BOOK ONLINE TODAY at Eventbrite.
Parks Connect is proudly supported through funding from the Queensland Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation.
