The Research Station welcomes outside researchers who are interested in using our research facilities, and who have projects that fit the general aims of the Station.
Research by Station personnel has been centred on:
Evaluation of alternative technology for the tropics, phenology of cluster figs, population biology and ecology of the blossom bats and their relatives, genetic diversity of the rare endemic plants and rainforest regeneration research. Radio-tracking and location technology.
Research projects carried out in collaboration with other bodies include: Bat ultrasound surveys with the University of Queensland, Center for Vision Touch and Hearing; fig phenology with Harvard Herbarium, and development of novel approaches to flying fox repellents for orchards, (Lychee Growers Association and Queensland Department of the Environment). We are also starting a project radio-tracking amythestine pythons, and monitoring their behavior and temperature regulation with the University of Sydney.
Other pursuits are determined by the qualifications of individual visitors.
We are a voluntary organization; all of our staff are volunteers - pioneering the first lowland tropical research station in Australia, (and one of only two independent field research facilities in the country). We are actively involved in local conservation issues as well as biological issues, in a sometimes very difficult political and local environment.
We greatly value the contributions made by volunteers, and in fact, your efforts as a volunteer are essential for the continuing operation of the Station. We have over 50 volunteers, students and interns visiting the Station each year.
What's in it for you?
Experience a very different climate and lifestyle.
Exposure to appropriate technology.
Contribute to research.
Help look after resident flying fox colony.
Maintain and help build Station buildings and equipment.
Help with the ongoing rainforest regeneration and reforestation.
Have a good time in an unique rainforest environment!
Volunteers work hard as members of our team, but we do get a chance to enjoy time off (usually on "Happy Monday"), and to explore the local area. We tend to employ an "all hands on deck" attitude, due to erratic weather and time and people constraints. Flexibility and a dynamic and enthusiastic approach are at least as important as practical skills. Initiative is valued as is the ability to work in a team, and live in close proximity to others. We are always in need of input from conservationists to tradespersons (from computer programmers and artists to carpenters and electricians). We endeavour to find you a project or a series of tasks that you enjoy and to help you learn new skills. We recommend a stay of at least two weeks, preferably more.
WORKING HOURS: Working days are full and we work 6 days a week. We do not work regular hours, but as we live close to nature, our hours are dictated by the environment and the enormous amount of work we have to do. You will, however, have time off to see the beach and experience the local area
STATION DUTIES: You will be expected to assist in duties around the Station (washing up, sweeping, minor maintenance), as well as individual or team projects. Only researchers paying full rates will be exempted from this, (but moral persuasion will be applied).
The Cape Tribulation Tropical Research Station provides opportunities for students who wish to examine aspects of the biology, geography, sociology or other aspects of this lowland wet tropical environment. It does so through the provision of internships or student placements.
The Station subsidizes student and internships costs; they are lower than costs to researchers and include a significant proportion of Station staff time and involvement.
These are usually undertaken as part of programs such as that provided by the School for International Training (SIT), or as part of other Institutional programs, which require that a student undertake a supervised research project, usually extending over a 3-4 week period.
Internships have in addition to their research project, a proportion of Station volunteer responsibilities. Most internship placements have the advantage of a longer opportunity to work on their projects. Interns will usually spend 50% of their time on research projects, and the remainder on Station projects as a volunteer. The idea is that the intern will be exposed to a wider range of activities than would a student, who will of necessity, be highly focused on the research problem at hand.
Those undertaking student placements and internships are provided full room and board at the Station, access to Station laboratory facilities (computer facilities, library, microscopes, field equipment etc), and laboratory bench space as required, as well as a minimum of 6 hours a week supervision (students) or 3 hours (interns). A student undertaking a student placement will be expected to spend 100% of their time on the project, (however, they are expected to be responsible for general cleaning around the laboratory and accommodation, and assistance with kitchen duties).
Student placements are usually 1 month in duration, but can be longer, depending on the project undertaken.
Both students and interns should not expect access to vehicles - however most projects can be carried out within walking distance of the Station.
E-mail is the lifeblood of the Station and because of our location, requires long distance telephone charges. Urgent E-mails will be permitted, but personal and frivolous use of E-mail is not accepted. Similarly, Web access is not generally available to volunteers, interns or students.
We must have at least a week's prior knowledge of specific requirements - particularly dietary requirements. We prefer to have students, interns and volunteers who are prepared to eat a wholesome low-meat diet. It is very difficult catering for vegans and strict vegetarians, unless the number of people at the Station is small.
We do not have wheelchair access, and most field research in the wet tropics is not really suitable for wheelchair-bound individuals.
The Station provides linen, utensils, and the like. A limited amount of camping equipment is also available. Prospective users are encouraged to bring adequate sun-block (15+), a wide brimmed hat and appropriate footwear. During the wet season, plastic sandals are recommended for general working in the forest*. It is also a good idea to come equipped with a phone card (the "throw-away" type) if you think you might want to make long distance or international phone calls.
A small personal first aid kit is recommended. Medical assistance is 50km away, so ensure that you bring any prescription materials that you might need, as well as plenty of insect repellent and anti-fungal preparations.
*While this may sound surprising to those used to the neotropics, snakes and biting animals in the forest are few and far between.
Because of the Station's remoteness, sometimes there are articles for the Station from the USA, or elsewhere, that could be included with your luggage, (saving considerable time and costs in freight). It would be appreciated if overseas visitors willing to do this would contact the Station two weeks or so before departing.
An E-mailed letter of interest is required for both prospective researchers and volunteers alike. (Normal postal services are difficult here - there is no Post Office) The Station prefers that volunteers be at least 21-years-old, unless there are compelling reasons why we should accept a younger person, (extensive field experience, for example). Volunteers are expected to contribute their efforts wherever they are required; it is not always possible to provide volunteers with some research experience during their visit, although every effort will be made to do so.
We appreciate applications well in advance of proposed time of visit. It is preferable to apply by E-mail; written letters are difficult to answer because of a very poor mail service. Your letter of interest should highlight your interests (i.e. visitor interpretation, construction, rainforest regeneration, etc.), and also your qualifications and relevant skills. What can you do for us? What can we do for you? For example, it may be useful to tell what your ideal job might be and about your previous employment. Do read the rest of the Web pages before applying!
(You will be sent a detailed "blurb" on the Station and how to get here when you apply).
From researchers we would appreciate a CV and a list of project interests. We are aware that it is almost impossible for overseas students to pick a project suitable for the wet tropics unless they have some advice or actual experience. However, Station staff can greatly assist in this matter, and there are some projects that students can "plug into". The one important thing to realize about this region, is that almost nothing has been studied in any depth, and the list of possible projects is endless.
Students with particular interests, who can gain external funding for their specific projects, are welcome to apply, provided the Station facilities can cater for their needs. Please direct your inquiries to the Director.
Because of the constraints imposed by the Queensland and Australian National Parks and Wildlife Departments, projects requiring direct animal experimentation and manipulation cannot be supported, (unless they are linked to current research activities of the Station).
Prospective Researchers
Prospective researchers should outline their research programs, (and their level of financial support) in sufficient detail to allow the Station to assess them for their suitability for the facilities available and for the area. If they are not considered suitable, then we will suggest modifications or suggest an alternative venue. They should also outline their needs for National Parks and other permits; the Station Director may be able to assist in getting them. Researchers, especially long-term ones, are requested to contribute labour towards the station's operation where needed, and should also be prepared to give talks to the general public on aspects of their research and interests.
The Research station is dependent upon user's fees for its operation. Fees will change; so prospective visitors should inquire about these when writing to the Station. To a certain degree, fees are levied on the ability to pay.
All food is provided, and the evening meal is catered.
University, School and College groups are catered for (basic camping with kitchen, shower and toilet facilities). - Please inquire for rates.
We are currently restructuring our fees but advise that overseas visitors pay in US Dollars, and Australian based visitors in AUS Dollars (the hamburger equity)
Financial aid
(in addition to what you have already)
When a person has a particularly interesting long-term project which is within the capacity of the Station, but who cannot find funding, the Station Director may consider providing reduced rates for room and board, provided that the person is prepared to devote about 40% of their time to Station activities.
The Cape Tribulation ("Daintree") area is one of pioneering and individualism. The social fabric can be described as "small town gossip" and reclusive. Long-term "hermit" types are thrown in with transient tourists, most of whom are young backpackers. The situation does not offer a great deal of social stimulus and the research station staff and visitors provide most human companionship. The Station itself is compact with little separation between living and working areas.
During the wet season, conditions are very humid, requiring additional care in the handling of food, books and papers, and any cuts or wounds to the skin. Visitors to the Station should be flexible and open to learning. The Station also attempts (not always successfully!) to practice its creed of living lightly on the planet. A pitch-in attitude and consideration of other people's privacy and feelings will help to make everyone's stay more pleasant. All visitors contribute to communal activities such as cooking, washing up, cleaning and general Station maintenance.
Bookings are strictly on a first-come first-served principle, with preference given to long-term researchers.
Communicationwith the station
Mailing address: Cape Tribulation Tropical Research Station, PMB 5, Cape Tribulation, QLD 4873 Australia. Attention Dr. Hugh Spencer, Director.
E-mail address: austrop@austrop.org.au
Phone: 4098-0063 The number is country code 61, area code (07) (drop the first zero if you are calling from outside Australia - 617 4098 0063), If you would like to send a fax, please phone ahead as least 10 minutes prior to transmission to arrange the changeover.
PLEASE REMEMBER THERE IS A TIME DIFFERENCE - PLEASE DON'T WAKE US AT 4am! Check the time difference first.
FAX/PHONE: Except for emergencies and with prior arrangement with us the phone at the lab is only for use by researchers. If you need to use the phone, there is a pay phone near PK's Jungle Village, which now takes phone-cards. If you have a USA credit card number, we will make arrangements for you to use the phone.
POST/MAILThere is a twice-weekly mail service to Cape Tribulation, on Tuesdays and Fridays.