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11 Jun 2026
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Description
Hi there! We are a relaxed family living on a beautiful 20-acre property in the world-famous Heathcote winegrowing region, just a short drive from the historic gold-rush city of Bendigo in regional Victoria. Our place is surrounded by classic Australian bushland, meaning we don't have farm animals, but we do share the property with an abundance of native wildlife—you’ll regularly see kangaroos hopping past and hear amazing native birds right from the doorstep.
The main host is my dad, an easygoing and practical person who loves a good chat, spending time outdoors, and keeping the property looking its best. I also live here and help manage things, but I will be traveling away for a few weeks this coming July. Because of that, we are looking for a couple of friendly, self-motivated, and independent travelers to come stay, keep Dad company, and lend a hand around the place.
We love the cultural exchange that comes with hosting. For us, a Workaway stay isn't just about the chores; it’s about sharing stories, learning about where you come from, and enjoying a great lifestyle together in a beautiful part of Australia.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Elderly Companionship
Light gardening
Creative DIY projects
Help around the house
Light maintenance
Interests
Sustainability
Languages
Water sports
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Staying with us offers a true immersion into the relaxed, welcoming lifestyle of regional Australia. You won't just be visiting; you’ll be living like a local in a classic country setting, sharing daily routines, and experiencing a genuine cultural exchange.
What you can learn and experience here:
A Warm Local Community: We are lucky to be part of a wonderful, close-knit local community. We regularly gather with our neighbors to share home-cooked meals and great local wine together. As our guest, you will be invited along to these gatherings, giving you a unique opportunity to meet the locals, share your own stories, and experience true country hospitality.
Practical Country Skills: My dad is incredibly handy and practical around the property. If you are keen to learn, he can show you the ropes on general property maintenance, how to safely use various tools, garden care, and the art of managing a rural property.
Cooking & Language Exchange: We view meal preparation as a shared, social experience. We love trading recipes and would be thrilled to learn how to cook a traditional dish from your home country, just as we can introduce you to some classic Australian favorites. It’s also a fantastic opportunity to practice your English conversation skills in a relaxed environment.
Australian Wildlife & Nature: Because our 20 acres are home strictly to native bushland, you will get a masterclass in local ecology. You’ll learn how to spot wild kangaroos, identify native bird calls, and experience the quiet beauty of the bush.
Exploring Historic & Wine Country: We are perfectly situated right in the famous Heathcote winegrowing region and just a short drive from the historic gold-rush city of Bendigo. If you enjoy wine, you'll love exploring the local cellar doors, famous for world-class Shiraz, as well as the vibrant local food and arts scenes.
Help
We are looking for hands-on, enthusiastic help for about 5 hours a day, 5 days a week (with 2 full days off to relax and explore the region). Because it is winter here in July, the tasks are a mix of refreshing outdoor property work during the warmer parts of the day and cozy, collaborative indoor tasks in the evenings.
Property Maintenance & Gardening:
Firewood Preparation: July is our peak winter season, so a big part of the help will involve gathering wood we have cut and split for collection and other fallen timber from around our 20 acres, and stacking this firewood to keep the house warm.
Garden Care: General winter weeding, pruning, clearing pathways, and tidying up our native garden beds.
General Handyman Tasks: Helping Dad with small property projects, which might include fixing a fence line, tidying up the tool shed, or doing some light maintenance around the place.
Household & Meal Preparation:
Sharing the Kitchen: We love food and consider dinner a highly social event! We are looking for help with daily meal preparation—whether that’s chopping ingredients, helping cook a hearty winter roast, trying out a recipe from your home country, and helping clean up afterward.
Keeping Things Tidy: Just like any shared house, keeping the communal living spaces clean and comfortable for everyone.
Important for July:
Since I will be away traveling for a couple of weeks in July, we are looking for travelers who are independent, reliable, and happy to take the initiative. You don't need to be an expert handyman, but a positive, "can-do" attitude, a love for the outdoors, and a willingness to pitch in alongside my dad are exactly what we are looking for!
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
French: BeginnerThis host offers a language exchange
We love the idea of sharing languages! English is our native language, and we are always happy to help travelers practice and improve their conversational English in a relaxed, patient, and encouraging environment. Additionally, I am currently learning French and would absolutely love the chance to practice with any native speakers or fellow learners. Even though I will be away for a part of July, we are always eager to learn a few casual words and phrases from our guests' home countries over dinner—whether that’s French, German, Spanish, Mandarin, Icelandic or anything else. For us, exchanging languages is one of the best parts of hosting!
Accommodation
We offer comfortable, shared in-house accommodation with all your meals provided. Our home features an open-plan kitchen and dining area where we gather to cook, chat, and share our meals together. There is also a great barbecue and outdoor furniture set on the verandah, which we love to use for outdoor dining when the weather is perfect!
Your Sleeping Arrangements:
The Loft Room: Inside the main house, we have a unique, cozy loft space located above our study. It features a comfortable double bed and is accessed via a ladder-style staircase. It’s a wonderful, warm nest for the winter months.
The Study (Ground Floor Option): If you find that the ladder staircase isn't for you or you prefer to stay on ground level, we have a single fold-out lounge bed available in the study downstairs.
Seasonal Options: Depending on the time of year and the weather, we also have a caravan and a camper-trailer available on the property for travelers who are a little more adventurous and prefer their own private space closer to nature (best suited for the warmer months!).
We want you to feel completely at home here, so you will have full access to the shared living areas, kitchen, and the beautiful bushland views right outside the windows.
What else ...
What helpers can do with their time off & Local sights
You will have two full days off each week to relax and explore our beautiful corner of Victoria! There is plenty to see and do right on our doorstep, making it a fantastic base for travelers who love nature, history, and great food and wine.
Local Sights & Activities:
World-Class Wine & Dining: Since we are right in the Heathcote winegrowing region, you can spend your time off exploring incredible local cellar doors (famous for world-class Shiraz), microbreweries, cozy country pubs, and great regional cafes.
Nature & Bushwalking: Explore the striking, unique landscape of the Pink Cliffs Geological Reserve, or hike up to Viewing Rock and Mount Ida in the Heathcote-Graytown National Park for spectacular panoramic views of the country.
Lake Eppalock: Located just a short distance down the road, this massive lake is a beautiful spot for walking, relaxing by the water, or doing a bit of fishing.
Historic Bendigo: Just a short trip away, you can fully immerse yourself in the rich 1850s gold-rush history of Bendigo. It’s a thriving regional city with stunning heritage architecture, the famous Bendigo Art Gallery, beautiful botanical gardens, and a vibrant arts scene.
Transport & Getting Here
By Train & Bus: Getting to us from Melbourne is very straightforward. You can catch a comfortable V/Line train from Southern Cross Station to Bendigo. From Bendigo, there is a regular Public Transport Victoria (PTV) bus service that connects directly through to Heathcote.
Pick-ups: We are more than happy to arrange to pick you up from the local transport stops when you arrive!
Getting Around: Having your own car is a big bonus for exploring the region at your own pace on your days off, but if you don't have transport, just let us know and we can chat about how to help you get around or point you toward the best walking and cycling tracks (like the famous 49km O'Keefe Rail Trail that connects Heathcote to Bendigo).
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Space for parking camper vans
Seasonal Options & Camper Vehicles: Depending on the time of year and the weather, we have a caravan and a camper-trailer available on the property for travelers who are a little more adventurous. If you are traveling in your own vehicle, we can easily accommodate small to medium-sized campers, vans, or 4WD setups. Please note our property isn't suited for large, heavy motorhomes or massive rigs.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
My animals / pets
Native wildlife
