Have any questions?
Where is Eco Barge Clean Seas located?
Eco Barge Clean Seas is based in Airlie Beach, Queensland, Australia. We focus our operations on the stunning Whitsunday Region and its surrounding areas. You can find our HQ location on Google Maps here.
How did Eco Barge start?
Eco Barge Clean Seas was founded in 2009 by Libby Edge, with the mission to bring the community together to protect the marine environment and promote sustainable practices. Our journey began with grassroots clean-up initiatives and has evolved into a dedicated organisation focused on marine conservation, eliminating waste and pollution, reusing marine debris, rescuing and caring for sick and injured marine turtles, and community engagement.
I don’t have a car—how do I get to Eco Barge HQ?
Eco Barge HQ is just a 15-minute walk from Airlie Beach township. You can also catch a bus to the Boatyard Road bus stop at Jubilee Pocket and walk 2 mins to Eco HQ If you don’t want to walk or catch the bus, you can easily grab a taxi or use Uber to get to Eco Barge HQ.
Where is Eco Barge HQ?
We’re located halfway down Boatyard Road, Jubilee Pocket, QLD 4802. You can find us on the map here.
How can I donate?
You can donate online here, and you’ll receive an automatic DGR receipt.
Alternatively, email us at info@ecobargecleanseas.org.au, and we’ll discuss donation options that suit you best.
How Can I Become a Partner or Support Eco Barge?
We love working with like-minded businesses, organisations, and individuals to protect the Whitsundays! You can partner with us by providing financial support, donating equipment, offering in-kind services, or sponsoring our programs.
To learn more about partnership opportunities or other ways to support Eco Barge, please contact us at info@ecobargecleanseas.org.au, call 0417 642 815, or visit our partners page. Together, we can make a bigger impact for our precious marine environment!
How many volunteers can go on a Whitsunday Islands clean-up trip?
We accommodate 10 volunteers on our Whitsunday Islands clean-up trips.
How many Whitsunday Islands clean-up trips do you run per year?
We run 30 – 40 Whitsunday Islands clean-up trips each year. Trips are dependent on weather conditions.
How often do the Whitsunday Islands clean-up trips run?
Our clean-up trips are scheduled according to weather and sea conditions. Since the Eco Barge vessel is a barge, we head out only when conditions are ideal for a safe and effective cleanup. Predominately we are cleaning up south-east facing bays and beaches. We need perfect weather to land on these beaches and tides in our favour due to safety of our volunteers.
What locations do you clean-up?
We focus on several stunning spots across the Whitsunday Islands, with a special emphasis on south-east-facing bays and beaches, as these areas are most impacted by prevailing winds. You can view a map of our cleanup locations here.
What is involved in a Whitsunday Islands clean-up trip?
We meet volunteers at the Port of Airlie boat ramp and head out to a designated Whitsunday island beach or bay, with travel times ranging from 40 minutes to 1.5 hours each way. Volunteers help collect marine debris from 1 to 6 beaches, depending on location size and conditions.
We provide morning tea, lunch, water, juice, and all necessary training and equipment to ensure a safe, productive experience. Our vessel is equipped with essential safety gear, and our experienced skipper and crew hold required commercial qualifications, including current first aid certificates.
How long are the Whitsunday Islands clean-up trips?
The clean-up trips are typically a full day (8 hours) including travel time to and from the clean-up location.
What do I need to bring with me on a Whitsunday Islands clean-up trip?
Please bring a reusable water bottle, sun-protective clothing, a hat, and any personal items you may need.
Closed-toe shoes with good grip (such as water/reef shoes, crocs, or old sneakers you don’t mind getting wet) are required, as we often disembark onto rocky, oyster-covered, or slippery ground—participation is not allowed without them.
A lightweight windbreaker/warm jacket is also recommended for the return trip, as the afternoon winds can pick up and we often get a bit of spray from the sea.
What do I need to wear on a Whitsunday Islands clean-up trip?
We recommend comfortable, sun-smart clothing suitable for wet outdoor activities and a hat. Closed-toe shoes with good grip (such as water shoes, crocs, or old sneakers you don’t mind getting wet) are required, as we often disembark onto rocky, oyster-covered, or slippery ground—participation isn’t permitted without them.
Is there a toilet on the Eco Barge boat?
Unfortunately, there isn’t a toilet on the Eco Barge. Additionally, 99% of the locations we visit also lack toilet facilities. However, if nature calls, we do have a toilet roll and shovel available on board. We appreciate your understanding and preparedness for your trip!
What does it cost to come on Eco Barge?
A trip on the Eco Barge is free! We rely on the support of our amazing Key Impact Partners and Grants for each trip to help keep our seas clean. However, as a non-profit organisation, we greatly appreciate any donations to help us continue our mission. If you’d like to support our mission, you can do so here. Thank you for your support!
What happens to the collected marine debris?
After a Whitsunday Islands clean-up trip, all collected marine debris is brought back to Eco Barge HQ.
From there, we run volunteer activities where we sort, count, and track the debris to gain valuable insights. Learn more here.
Once sorted, we run another volunteer activity to transform and circulate the materials into new products. Learn more here. Anything that can’t be transformed in-house is responsibly disposed of at a local recycling facility. We very rarely send materials to landfill.
Where is the Port of Airlie Boat Ramp?
The Port of Airlie Boat Ramp is located in Airlie Beach at the Port of Airlie Marina. You can find it on Google Maps here.
I have food intolerances or allergies—do you cater for this?
Yes, we can accommodate food intolerances and allergies. If you’re attending an event or activity where food will be provided, please let us know about any dietary requirements. Please note that not all events or activities are catered for.
Can I bring my child with me on the Whitsunday Islands clean-up trips?
For our Whitsunday Islands clean-up trips, volunteers must be at least 13 years old. You also need to be fit and active to participate in clean-up trips due to getting on and off the boat, the hot conditions on beaches, and the physical work involved.For other volunteer activities, there’s no age limit, but anyone under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Please note that if you are under 18 years of age, a parent or legal guardian must sign our volunteering consent forms.
What happens to the collected marine debris?
After a Whitsunday Islands clean-up trip, all collected marine debris is brought back to Eco Barge HQ.
From there, we run volunteer activities where we sort, count, and track the debris to gain valuable insights. Learn more here.
Once sorted, we run another volunteer activity to transform and circulate the materials into new products. Learn more here. Anything that can’t be transformed in-house is responsibly disposed of at a local recycling facility. We very rarely send materials to landfill.
What is involved when I volunteer for a count and sort activity?
Count and sort activities are held at Eco Barge HQ. In a count and sort activity, volunteers help organise and categorise collected marine debris. After sorting, we count each item for data analysis, which helps us build insights. These insights allow us to track pollution sources, identify trends, advocate for change, and strengthen our conservation efforts. This data is then entered into the AMDI database. We provide all necessary training, equipment, and drinking water for the activity. Volunteers should bring a reusable water bottle and must wear covered shoes. You can find out more information here.
What is involved when I volunteer for a transforming and circularity activity?
Transforming and circularity activities take place at Eco Barge HQ. We begin by sorting and processing reusable, recyclable, and transformable materials collected from our clean-up trips. Volunteers will learn about the circular economy, effective reuse and recreation practices, and the limitations of recycling. Volunteers will help ensure materials are circulated at their highest value and assist in transforming materials into new products. These days are hands-on, crafty, and fun! We provide all necessary training, equipment, and drinking water for the activity. Volunteers should bring a reusable water bottle and must wear covered shoes. You can find out more information here.
I have food intolerances or allergies—do you cater for this?
Yes, we can accommodate food intolerances and allergies. If you’re attending an event or activity where food will be provided, please let us know about any dietary requirements. Please note that not all events or activities are catered for.
What is the age limit for volunteering?
For our Whitsunday Islands clean-up trips, volunteers must be at least 13 years old. For other volunteer activities, we don’t have an age limit, but anyone under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Please note that if you are under 18 years of age, a parent or legal guardian must sign our volunteering consent forms.
Can I Volunteer with You?
Yes! Volunteering with us is based in Airlie Beach, Queensland. By signing up for our volunteer register, you’ll receive email updates about our events in the Whitsunday Region. You can also support our mission to keep our seas clean by donating or shopping with us.
What if I’m Not Near Airlie Beach?
Can I Volunteer While Visiting?
Absolutely! If you’re visiting Airlie Beach and the Whitsunday Region, sign up for our volunteer register to receive updates about upcoming events. If your visit is still a while away, please follow our social media accounts to stay informed about our activities. You can also support our mission to keep our seas clean by donating or shopping with us.
I have certain skills—how can I volunteer them?
From time to time, we require specific skills to support our mission. When these opportunities arise, we’ll send an email to our volunteer base to let you know what help we need. In the meantime, you can send us an email to show interest or join us for our regular activities to get involved and learn more about what we do on a day-to-day basis. Who knows? You might discover an opportunity that aligns with your skills and interests!
Why am I not getting the volunteer emails, but others are?
Make sure you check your junk or promotions inboxes. We email a large volunteer register, and sometimes our emails go to these folders. Secondly, have you previously unsubscribed from our emails? If you think this might be the case, please get in touch with us at info@ecobargecleanseas.org.au or use our contact us form, and we’ll help troubleshoot to get you back on the list.
Do you need volunteers for anything other than regular activities?
Yes! Occasionally, we need volunteers with specific skills to help further our mission. When these opportunities come up, we’ll send an email to our volunteer base. In the meantime, we encourage you to join us for our regular activities. Getting involved will give you a better understanding of our work, and you might find an opportunity that suits your skills or interests.
What is the age limit for volunteering?
For our Whitsunday Islands clean-up trips, volunteers must be at least 13 years old. You also need to be fit and active to participate in clean-up trips due to getting on and off the boat, the hot conditions on beaches, and the physical work involved. For other volunteer activities, we don’t have an age limit, but anyone under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Please note that if you are under 18 years of age, a parent or legal guardian must sign our volunteering consent forms.
I have food intolerances or allergies—do you cater for this?
Yes, we can accommodate food intolerances and allergies. If you’re attending an event or activity where food will be provided, please let us know about any dietary requirements. Please note that not all events or activities are catered for.
How Can I Partner or Sponsor to Help Sea Turtles?
Support the incredible work of the Whitsunday Turtle Rescue Centre by becoming a partner or sponsor. Your contribution helps us care for injured and sick sea turtles, providing the treatment and rehabilitation they need to return to the ocean.
As a sponsor, you’ll play a direct role in protecting these amazing creatures and their future. We offer tailored sponsorship opportunities, from funding turtle care to supporting the maintenance of our facility.
To discuss how you can help, reach out to us at info@ecobargecleanseas.org.au, call 0417 642 815, or visit our partners page here. Together, we can give our sea turtles a second chance!
Can I come see the turtles at the Whitsunday Turtle Rescue Centre?
The Whitsunday Turtle Rescue Centre does not have public opening times, as our dedicated turtle carers and rescuers are volunteers who focus on the wellbeing of these incredible creatures. Since the turtles are in care for specific reasons, we maintain a closed-door policy to ensure they receive the attention they need. However, if you volunteer with Eco Barge during activities at Eco Barge HQ, you may occasionally get a glimpse of the turtle centre.
If you’d like to support our efforts, you can donate to help the Whitsunday Turtle Rescue Centre here. Additionally, we sometimes have volunteer openings for turtle carers and rescuers, so be sure to keep an eye out for these opportunities in our volunteer activity emails. Thank you for your understanding and support in helping our turtles get the care they need!
