forthcoming travels

Hmm, my first post to this forum doesn't really have much to do with native herps. Hi-ho though.

I'm off travelling this winter, to New Zealand and Australia, and am keen to see as much of the oz herpetofauna as possible, and ideally get involved in some voluntary herp conservation project/s too. Obviously, one does not just get up in the morning and think "I know, I'll lift up some corrugated iron today, and see what I can find" - this is the path to A&E, and is not covered by my travel insurance.

I have made one or two contacts with Australian herp groups, and with the Darwin Wildlife Management Institute, but nothing on the east coast (from Melbourne up to northern Queensland). Having watched Steve Irwin in action (and whilst I respect his ability to not be dead) I'm wondering if anyone could suggest some slightly more down-to-earth herp contacts in that area?

I have a BSc in ecology from Bangor University (hi Dr Wuster), and have been working in environmental education/ecological consultancy for the last two and a half years, so could bring that experience to bear on a project.

If anyone has any contacts, or suggestions for other groups/people to try, please get in touch.

Phil Davidson