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
“ROAMING” CADET RANGERS
Enhance your skills with this ongoing program of discovery in some of SEQ’s most stunning places. Spend time in Qld’s national parks while you learn all about the crucial role Rangers play in conserving threatened species. See below to book. Image: NPAQ/Parks Connect
The Parks Connect Cadet Rangers Program will be taking a short holiday break from December 2025 to January 2026, resuming in February of the New Year. We’d like to thank all of our Cadet Rangers (and families) for coming along this year, and wish you Season’s Greetings and a Happy New Year.
We’d also encourage you to check out the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service’s School Holiday Programs over the break, which offer excellent, hands-on events at David Fleay Wildlife Park (Gold Coast) and Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre (Brisbane).
Congratulations to those Cadet Rangers who attended eight sessions and graduated to receive their badge this year.
Below is just a selection of images of our Parks Connect Cadet Rangers getting hands-on.
CADET RANGERS 13–18 YEARS AT WALKABOUT CREEK DISCOVERY CENTRE (ENOGGERA)
CADET RANGERS 13–18 YEARS AT DAVID FLEAY WILDLIFE PARK (BURLEIGH HEADS)
Parks Connect is proudly supported through funding from the Queensland Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation.
