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.
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 DAISY HILL CONSERVATION PARK (Park of the Month)
Click on the image to book.
Our Roaming Cadet Rangers (ages 13–18) will be on-park at Daisy Hill Conservation Park and will take a short walk to look for the signs, scats and traces of these often hard-to-spot marsupials. Koala Keepers will give a talk at 9 am and then Cadet Rangers will take a walk with Rangers and keepers from 10:30 am to 11:30 pm.
Follow along with dedicated koala keepers and Rangers to learn how the Daisy Hill Koala Centre team are helping these fluffy-faced native Aussies survive. Limited places. Ticket required. Please book a Park of the Month Entry ticket AND a spot on this activity.
BOOK ONLINE TODAY at Eventbrite.
ROAMING CADET RANGERS 13–18 YEARS AT WALKABOUT CREEK DISCOVERY CENTRE (ENOGGERA)
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Cadet Rangers, be Species Stewards.
Threatened Species Day in September is a stark reminder that too many Australian species still face extinction.
Park Rangers and researchers are working hard to protect the threatened species under their care and prevent more extinctions, but we’re calling on Cadet Rangers to act as Species Stewards, too.
In these hands-on September sessions at Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre, Cadet Rangers will explore case studies of some of Australia’s threatened species, including the endangered Australian lungfish, southern cassowary and red goshawk.
Hurry, tickets are limited. Please note the change of time for this session.
ROAMING CADET RANGERS 13–18 YEARS AT DAVID FLEAY WILDLIFE PARK (BURLEIGH HEADS)
Click on the image to book.
Cadet Rangers, be Species Stewards.
Threatened Species Day in September is a stark reminder that too many Australian species still face extinction.
Park Rangers and researchers are working hard to protect the threatened species under their care and prevent more extinctions, but we’re calling on Cadet Rangers to act as Species Stewards, too.
In these hands-on September sessions at Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre, Cadet Rangers will explore case studies of some of Australia’s threatened species, including the endangered Australian lungfish, southern cassowary and red goshawk.
Hurry, tickets are limited. Book online today at Eventbrite.
Parks Connect is proudly supported through funding from the Queensland Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation.
