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Hello, my name is Rita, and together with my husband, John, I recently bought an olive farm in the beautiful region of northeast Victoria. As a mother, there is nothing more special to me than creating a warm, welcoming home, and that is exactly what we hope to offer here. We are looking for people who would like to take a break from city life, who aren’t afraid of a bit of hard work, and who would enjoy being part of something meaningful. Of course, there is just as much time to relax, share meals, and soak in the beauty of this incredible region.
A little about me, I am first and foremost a mum, and welcoming people into our home has always been something I genuinely love. Over the years, our family has hosted many individuals from all walks of life and from all corners of the world. We’ve shared experiences across different languages and cultures, and those connections have enriched our lives tremendously. Creating a home where people feel safe, included, and valued is something I take great pride in.
Now, about this special place. It truly is a little slice of paradise. We have a large pool overlooking the stunning landscape, with Victoria’s Great Dividing Range stretching across the horizon. The sunsets here are something you never tire of , the sky fills with the most extraordinary colours, and it feels like the whole world slows down for a moment.
Our home has a wine cellar, a peaceful fish pond filled with koi, and an abundance of organic fruit trees, bananas, avocados, blood oranges and so much more. It’s a permaculture haven, and I always encourage everyone to taste the fruit straight from the tree. There are over 600 olive trees on the property, along with a small vineyard, and plenty of space to grow.
We also have two very sweet dogs and a cat who travelled all the way from Crimea (a long and rather adventurous story!). In time, we hope to welcome chickens, goats, and sheep, but first there is much to be done, mending fences, tending to the trees, watering, and the many hands-on tasks that come with farm life.
The farm is surrounded by wonderful wineries, a local brewery, hiking trails, and even a motorbike park. We are also less than an hour from the beautiful alpine towns of Bright, Myrtleford, and Mount Beauty, all vibrant places throughout both summer and winter.
If you would like to get your hands dirty during the day and unwind in the evening with a glass of local wine and one of the most beautiful views you could imagine, this may be perfect for you.
At the moment, we are not living on the property full-time, but the house is furnished with the essentials to make it comfortable and welcoming. Camping is also an option if that suits you better. We would love to create a lively, positive atmosphere and are happy to host multiple workaways at once. Ideally, you would have a driver’s licence and your own car, though this is not essential.
Above all, kindness and a strong work ethic matter most to us. We treat the people who stay with us like family, regardless of where they come from or what language they speak. If you choose to join us, you will be welcomed with open arms.
Our daughter is 25 years old and currently lives in Melbourne after moving there for university, and she is always happy to share her love of the city with newcomers and often comes down to the farm. It’s about 2.5 hours from the property, which may sound far, but in Australia that feels quite close, and there are convenient train connections from the nearby town. Melbourne is often called the cultural capital of Australia, filled with wonderful wine bars, restaurants, and cafés tucked into every corner.
We hope you are interested in experiencing a true taste of regional Australia, becoming part of our extended family for a time, and creating memories that will stay with you for years to come.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Language practice
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Farmstay help
General Maintenance
Interests
Pets
Culture
Sustainability
Farming
Gardening
Languages
Plant care
Animals
Hiking
Winter sports
Nature
Fitness
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Will have group dinners and BBQs while relaxing by the pool and going on hikes around the area. Anyone with a great interest in cooking is also more than welcome to come alive within the kitchen. You will see much of the native wildlife, with there being a local wallaby with a baby that comes to the house every evening to say hello. As well as plenty of kangaroos within the area, and some turtles. Fun bonding activities such as board games nights and trips to local watering holes are encouraged, there is so much to see and do, while soaking up the country town atmosphere in nearby towns.
Help
At the moment, tasks would include helping to maintain the main garden by the house through watering, weeding and harvesting. As well as helping to irrigate the farm and plant, build fences all while picking and eating lots of the fruit and olives.
Along the way, you would be working closely with me. I moved here from Russia 30 years ago, originally as an electronic engineer, though these days you’re far more likely to find me immersed in building projects or tending to the land. Over time, I’ve developed extensive horticultural knowledge, and I truly enjoy sharing what I’ve learned about growing, pruning, soil health, and caring for the property.
My husband, John, is a passionate traveller who has completed some of the most impressive, and at times quite risky, hikes around the world. He has been learning Spanish over the past few years and is always delighted to practise whenever he has the chance. He also runs a successful plumbing business in town, where many local farmers and residents rely heavily on his skill and dedication.
When he’s not at work, you would learn a great deal working alongside him on the farm. With his extensive knowledge of pumps and irrigation systems, he can teach practical, hands-on skills that are not only useful here, but valuable for future workaways and even long-term careers.
I am open to any or all questions.
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Russian: Fluent
Spanish: IntermediateThis host offers a language exchange
This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
You can contact them directly for more information.
Accommodation
Accommodation will be within the house on the farm. Basic furniture will be provided to live comfortably, including everything necessary from a fireplace to a cooling system and utensils within the kitchen as well as WIFI. Since we will not be living on the farm, you are in charge of keeping the accommodation to be maintained with a good level of cleanliness, and kept at a standard of how it was when moving in. Cleaning products will be provided to ensure this. People are also more than welcome to camp if they desire, but must bring their own tents and sleeping bags, with a similar requirement of keeping areas clean and tidy. We are trying everything in our power to not pollute the area and keep it as a paradise for us humans and animals alike. In terms of food, a food allowance will be given in exchange for the work on the farm, that will provide more than enough in terms of expenses for food and other groceries.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
This host has indicated that they love having digital nomads stay.
Space for parking camper vans
This host can provide space for campervans.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
My animals / pets
Dolly
Photos
