Australian Wildlife Conservancy is the largest private owner and manager of land for conservation in Australia, protecting endangered wildlife across more than 6.5 million hectares in iconic regions such as the Kimberley, Cape York, Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre and the Top End. Recognising that ‘business as usual’ for conservation in Australia will mean additional extinctions, AWC is developing and implementing a new model for conservation.
Learn About Us
Celebrating 30 Years of Effective Conservation
On 2 August, 1991, AWC Founder Martin Copley AM purchased Karakamia Wildlife Sanctuary in Western Australia. From this modest 268 hectares, AWC has grown into one of the largest private owners and managers of land for conservation in Australia. In celebration of our anniversary, we’re pleased to share our 30th Anniversary Video and Interactive Timeline, detailing the moments which brought us to where we are today.
Where we work
Covering over 6.5 million hectares (16.1 million acres), AWC owns, manages or works in partnership on more land than any other non-government conservation organisation in Australia.
Our 31 locations are situated in key regions including the Kimberley, the Top End, Cape York, Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre and the southwestern forests. It is possible to visit 11 AWC sanctuaries.
Wildlife we protect
Australia is one of the most important nations on Earth for biodiversity. Most of Australia’s wildlife is found nowhere else in the world, making its conservation even more important.
AWC protects some of the nation’s most iconic and endangered wildlife including 72% of native mammal species, 88% of native bird species, 55% of reptile species and 54% of amphibian species.
Latest News
J Kalinkina/AWC
Feature News from the Field 24 Sep. 2021
Wildflower season ‘best in a lifetime’ at Mt Gibson
Feature 17 Sep. 2021
Restoring Australia’s ecosystem engineers
News from the Field 15 Sep. 2021
Cape York: a Refuge for Reclusive Raptor
Help us protect some of the largest remaining populations of iconic Australian species
Donate Now
Visit an AWC Sanctuary
From the Kimberley to Cape York, central Australia and the Top End, AWC’s network of wildlife sanctuaries include a large range of remote and iconic regions. At certain times of the year, we welcome visitors to 11 of our 31 locations around Australia, to experience the benefits of AWC’s effective conservation first-hand.
AWC's 2021 Impact Report
Learn More About The Impact We Are MakingWe acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia on which we work, and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.
