Real skills. Real confidence. Real impact.
The Parks Connect Cadet Ranger program provides teens aged 13–17 with hands-on conservation experiences, ecological skills training, and citizen science activities that will deepen their connection with Queensland’s protected areas.
Challenge yourself, make friends and learn valuable skills in these cumulative 1.5-hr sessions that will help set you on a pathway for a rewarding career in biodiversity management!
Working collaboratively from QPWS Gateway Visitor Centres, or from within select SEQ National Parks as part of Park of the Month, you’ll have fun outdoors while also picking up handy know-how, such as:
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how to set wildlife camera traps
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how to conduct acoustic monitoring or environmental surveys
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how to detect and report threatened species
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and other useful skills, like navigation, bushcraft and first aid in the wild.
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
Learn all about Park Rangering in a bushland oasis that includes a wildlife centre, short walking and mountain biking trails, a shady 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
CADET RANGERS at POTM
Enhance your skills with an ongoing program of discovery in some of SEQ’s most stunning places. Spend time in Qld’s National Parks while you learn more about the crucial role Rangers play in conserving threatened species. Image: NPAQ/Parks Connect
Check out what’s on for our Cadet Rangers. Click on the images below to book.
CADET RANGERS 13–17 YEARS AT WALKABOUT CREEK DISCOVERY CENTRE (ENOGGERA RESERVOIR)
Learn about these majestic marine mammals at a FREE Cadet Ranger (ages 13 to 17) WHALE BIOLOGY event at Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre.
Ready to learn more about whales and the important role they play in Queensland’s marine ecoystems?
Join Nisa and Alysha from Humpbacks and High-Rises and explore the remarkable physiology that helps whales thrive. You’ll also:
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Discover how human activities can affect whale health and behaviour.
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Explore basic survey techniques used by Park Rangers and marine researchers to record scientific data in the field!
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Delve deep into the humpback life cycle, covering epic migration patterns, calf growth and the challenges young whales face, whether in Queensland’s protected marine areas or out in the open ocean.
Plus, you’ll have the unique opportunity to explore the career pathways and skills for positions in marine conservation and management!
Wear a hat and enclosed shoes for this fully supervised session that is part of the Parks Connect Cadet Ranger program.
BOOKINGS OPEN ON EVENTBRITE SOON.
CADET RANGERS 13–17 YEARS AT DAVID FLEAY WILDLIFE PARK (BURLEIGH HEADS)
Learn about whales, dolphins and the ecosystems that sustain them at this free SEA CHANGERS event (ages 13–17) at David Fleay Wildlife Park.
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT WHALES AND DOLPHINS & HOW YOU CAN HELP THEM!
This SEA CHANGERS session reveals Queensland’s submarine biodiversity as Cadet Rangers explore the fascinating biology and behaviour of whales and dolphins—and also learn about the impacts human activities have on marine environments.
Guided by Ocean Education & Conservation and Dolphin Research Australia, Cadet Rangers will map marine food webs, making ecosystem connections between species. They’ll also get the chance to chat to marine researchers about gaining the skills that help conserve and manage Queensland’s Marine Parks.
Wear a hat and enclosed shoes for this fully supervised session that is part of the Parks Connect Cadet Ranger program.
BOOKINGS OPEN ON EVENTBRITE SOON.
Looking for family fun where you can attend events with your Cadet Ranger teen?
Save the date for our PARK OF THE MONTH events! Each month, we run a series of fun outdoor activities in a SEQ National Park or Conservation Park. Tickets for these FREE events are available from the start of each new month and sell out fast, so don’t miss out.
Parks Connect is proudly supported through funding from the Queensland Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation.
