Have fun traveling like a volunteer. Experience the adventure at the Great Victorian Bike Ride.

Who said traveling always costs money? Sometimes "giving" can lead us to experience that is fun and valuable as well. I had the opportunity to volunteer at theGreat Victorian Bike Ridein Victoria. Australia Which tells you that It's not just a "job", it's a journey full of stories

What is the Great Victorian Bike Ride?

This is Victoria's biggest annual cycling event, organized by Bicycle Network, which takes thousands of cyclists on bicycle tours through small towns. Various locations throughout the state The route changes every year

Throughout the cycling distance of more than 500–600 kilometers over approximately 9 days, cyclists will experience nature. local way of life and the atmosphere of the outdoor camp each night It can be called The largest “cycling + camping tour” in the southern hemisphere

From a volunteer...to a smooth traveler

I applied to be a part of the teamCatering Campsiteor simply put, it's a team that helps serve food at various campsites. Where the cyclists will stay each day, the main duties range from scooping food, arranging queues, and cleaning to occasionally lifting things, moving tables, and setting up tents. But the thing that comes in exchange is...being in a lively atmosphere. Get to make new friends from around the world and most importantlyget to travel for free! (or almost free)in a way that if you buy the ticket yourself, you may have to pay quite a lot

It's not just the food team

There are many types of volunteers to choose from in this project. Whether it's a team Catering (food), Logistical team (carrying things - camping), Medical team (for health), cleaning team, cyclist care team, etc., depending on where they lack people in the position

We have to submit an application first and wait for a responsebefore we can start planning our trip

If anyone is in Australia, it is very convenient. Because just prepare yourself, prepare your things, and travel on the appointed day. For those who are outside the country, they must apply for a visa. Prepare your plane tickets well in advance

Really work, really travel, not an extra

Every morning we wake up and work as a team. Serving breakfast to thousands of cyclists Then if there is no daytime shift You can travel to the small towns along the way.

The event was kind and offered special price tickets to visit some places. Or if you're lucky, there's a team that organizes small tours for you. Sometimes, just take the bus and go out to the nearby town, walk around, take photos, sip coffee, and you'll get the full Aussie atmosphere

Tent, raincoat, and memories

Volunteer life is not glamorous 24 hours a day. Because some days it rains Some days are so cold that you have to wear many layers. But when we met around the camp Listen to live music Eat warm food. and laugh with teammates It is a memory that can be kept smiling for a long time. Sometimes there is a Theme Night where you can dress up for fun. It becomes another dimension of traveling that focuses not just on "views" but on "life"

Extremely economical, no need to carry a lot of money

The best thing isit costs almost nothing!Food and accommodation And travel between camps is completely arranged.
We may just pay for the round-trip ticket. or visa fees only (If coming from abroad) unless you want to go off the beaten track. buy souvenirs or visit special places yourself Even if you have to take out more money

Things that get more than traveling

One thing I learned from this visit is…“Giving time and energy” to help one job happen smoothly. It makes us appreciate the background. and made that trip even more meaningful.
From just wanting to try, it turned out to be an unforgettable trip. and hope to go back again

Volunteer Checklist

• Camping equipment (tent, sleeping bag, flashlight)
• Resistant work shoes
• Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
• Hand washing gel, personal cutlery set
• Equipment for Theme Night
• Raincoat, windbreaker
• Power bank
• Clothes don't have to be too much, focus on flexibility
• Heart ready to fight, ready to have fun in every situation
• Important documents such as passports, visas, tickets, and acceptance letters from the project

If you're interested, don't wait. Start by searching for Great Vic projects and submitting an application. It might be the door to a new adventure that you never dreamed of.