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Yarra Valley Gulf Station

Established in the 1850s, Gulf Station was farmed for nearly 100 years by the Bell family.

Gulf Station is one of the oldest and most intact examples of a pioneer farm complex in Australia. Wander around the property’s homestead and outbuildings and be transported into the domestic life of a rural colonial family where a mother’s word was law. Guided tours take place at 11.30am on open days (other times may be available) or enjoy a self-guided tour.

Scottish settlers Agnes and William Bell were the first to lease the land where the property was established. From the 1850s to the 1950s, Gulf Station supplied produce to gold miners of the district. The National Trust acquired stewardship of the property in 1976 and restored its buildings and cottage garden.

We are looking for Volunteers to assist us with Guiding, Open days, Maintenance and Repair, Research and behind the scenes activitiy.  Our Volunteer group is very social and we would love for you to join us for a cup of tea !

Gulf Station is located at 1029 Melba Highway, Yarra Glen on Wurundjeri Woiwurrung Country 

Opportunities Available

Gardening Volunteer

Join weekly social garden groups to support the maintenance of our gardens and their heritage value. Gain experience in a Heritage Garden, meet like-minded friends, experience the health benefits of being in the garden and help us look after these special places. The National Trust of Australia (Victoria) are seeking a Volunteers to assist in or weekly Gardening groups at various properties across the state.  

Thursday's 10:00am - 12 noon

Volunteer activities could include: 

  • Attend weekly working bees, under the direction of the NTAV representative (various for properties)  
  • Carry out garden maintenance and development tasks.  
  • Work co-operatively with other volunteers to keep the garden at the highest standard practicable within the available resources.   
  • Tasks vary with the seasons, Planting, Presentation, Weeding, Pruning, Raking 

Knowledge and Skills required :  

  • Experience is not always necessary 
  • Some knowledge and enjoyment of routine gardening practices is desirable but not essential.  
  • Willingness to adapt procedures to ensure maintenance of heritage aspects of the garden. 
  • Positive work ethic appreciated 

Volunteer Benefits include  

  • Social and community benefits 
  • Connection to meet people with similar interests and make new friends.  
  • Exercise and natural benefits and wellbeing from spending time in nature 
  • Learn about Horticulture, heritage and presentation of significant gardens.  
  • Joining a community of volunteers, with regular meetings and opportunities for attendance at events and outings organised by NTAV.  
  • Chance to make a positive difference to our cultural heritage 

Training and skill development in: 

  • National Trust general induction for all volunteers. 
  • Site Induction by Garden Coordinator. 

You will be one of a team of experienced volunteers. The National Trust is a not for profit organisation that aims to conserve Australia’s history and heritage for present and future generations. 

Volunteers can be provided with a letter of reference. 

As part of the application process, we will ask you to agree to register as a National Trust Volunteer.  Volunteers are required to have a current Working with Children’s Card (free for volunteers) and police check which you can apply for as part of the application process.  

If this sounds like you (or someone you know), please get in touch for more information volunteers@nattrust.com.au and please share this with your networks. 

Thank you for considering volunteering with us. We believe in inclusiveness, diversity, and equality and are committed to ensuring that our workplaces are a reflection of that. We encourage talented people from all backgrounds, abilities, and identities to apply to our vacancies. 

We promote diversity and practice equity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are encouraged to apply. 

Grounds Maintenance Volunteer

Duties include general grounds maintenance of managing large open agricultural space, mowing, and timber fence repairs for example.

  • Every Thursday, 9:00am to 2:00pm

Tour Guide

Duties include welcoming guests to the property and telling the story of the Bell family and the workings of this historic station.
  • Every Thursday, 9:00am to 2:00pm, and hold open days on the first Thursday of every month

General Interest Registration

Volunteering with the National Trust of Australia (Victoria) is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference while connecting with our rich heritage. Whether you’re passionate about history, nature, or community, there’s a role for you. From guiding visitors through iconic properties to supporting events, being involved in our gardens and landscape spaces, conservation projects, or assisting with administration, you’ll play a vital part in preserving and celebrating our cultural legacy. Join our vibrant community of volunteers and help us protect the stories of the past for future generations.

If there is not a current Volunteer opportunity available that interests please apply and our Staff will contact you to discuss what opportunity best suits you

Knowledge and Skills required :  

  • Experience is not always necessary 
  • Some knowledge and enjoyment of routine gardening practices is desirable but not essential.  
  • Positive work ethic appreciated 

Volunteer Benefits include  

  • Social and community benefits 
  • Connection to meet people with similar interests and make new friends.   
  • Joining a community of volunteers, with regular meetings and opportunities for attendance at events and outings organised by NTAV.  
  • Chance to make a positive difference to our cultural heritage 

Training and skill development in: 

  • National Trust general induction for all volunteers. 
  • Site Induction by National Trust Staff member

You will be one of a team of experienced volunteers. The National Trust is a not for profit organisation that aims to conserve Australia’s history and heritage for present and future generations. 

As part of the application process, we will ask you to agree to register as a National Trust Volunteer.  Volunteers are may be required to have a current Working with Children’s Card (free for volunteers) and police check which you can apply for as part of the application process.  

Thank you for considering volunteering with us. We believe in inclusiveness, diversity, and equality and are committed to ensuring that our workplaces are a reflection of that. We encourage talented people from all backgrounds, abilities, and identities to apply to our vacancies. 

We promote diversity and practice equity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are encouraged to apply. 

2026 Eco Action Volunteer

 

Eco Action Volunteers support the National Trust of Australia (Victoria) in delivering environmental and sustainability projects throughout 2026. This is a flexible, project-based role for those passionate about conservation and community engagement. By expressing your interest in this role you will be added to a mailing list and contacted about upcoming Environmental projects throughout the year.

Key Activities could include:

  • Participate in revegetation projects and other environmental initiatives.
  • Assist with planting, weeding, mulching, and habitat restoration activities at various locations.
  • Assistance with managing information on the biodiversity at our sites (no requirement to work outdoors for this)
  • Support project teams with on-ground tasks and occasional event assistance.
  • Working with partners such as Landcare, existing garden volunteers, other environmental organisations and staff
  • Promote sustainable practices and help create positive environmental outcomes.

Skills & Attributes :

  • Interest in environmental conservation and sustainability.
  • Ability to work outdoors and undertake physical tasks.
  • Team player with good communication skills.
  • Reliability and willingness to follow safety guidelines.

Commitment:

  • Flexible – opportunities will be offered throughout 2026.
  • Volunteers can choose projects based on availability and interest.

Location:
Various National Trust sites and partner locations across Victoria.

Training & Support:

  • Induction provided for each project.
  • Safety briefing and equipment supplied as required.

Benefits:

  • Contribute to meaningful environmental outcomes.
  • Learn new skills and meet like-minded people.
  • Be part of the National Trust’s sustainability initiatives.
  • Feel warm and fuzzy about being part of the solution.
Thank you for considering volunteering with us. We believe in inclusiveness, diversity, and equality and are committed to ensuring that our workplaces are a reflection of that. We encourage talented people from all backgrounds, abilities, and identities to apply to our vacancies. 

We promote diversity and practice equity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are encouraged to apply. 

 

Fill in an application

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