Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
27 Oct 2025
Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 1 day
Feedback
53
Email verified
Badges (3)
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Details
Description
Hi, I'm Dada J and I manage a 100 acre campus that includes a meditation / yoga retreat center, farm, a couple of families and a wonderland of upland granite bush. The center is owned by a volunteer organisation based around the understanding of all life being part of the same family.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Charity Work
Art Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Farmstay help
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
Interests
Politics / Social justice
Events & social
Vegetarian or vegan
Culture
Self development
Farming
Charity work
Art & design
Hitchhiking
Carpentry
Drawing & painting
Languages
Photography
Gardening
Cooking & food
Books
DIY & crafts
Plant care
Music
Writing
Performing arts
Camping
Outdoor activities
Hiking
Dancing
Nature
Team sports
Yoga / Wellness
Mountain
Water sports
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
I organise 2 week working bee / meditation & Yoga retreats throughout the year. The retreat part is morning and evening Yoga & meditation, chanting and class. This builds into a deep immersion in the practice and ideas behind it. We like our center to be a creative commons where people can meet, share and help create the Findhorn of the Southern Hemisphere! Helpers organise after dinner activities, sharing through games, art, music... We value every volunteer and the unique contribution their presence brings.
Help
The work ranges from small scale organic farming - laying irrigation, planting, weeding, harvesting - to general building maintenance - painting, carpentry... - to helping with an annual festival that takes place in September.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
French: Intermediate
Japanese: Intermediate
Accommodation
Accommodation is either in a self-contained cottage or in a bunkhouse.
What else ...
Wild and rugged, the bush around here is breath-taking. Sculptured by weather and bush, the granite forms a landscape of cleft escarpments, boulders and watercourses inhabited by kangaroos, wallabies, koala and much more under the canopy of gum and wattle trees.
We're a meditation / yoga retreat center / organic farm in the middle of this. 🧘♂️🧘♀️🦘🌳😊
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Space for parking camper vans
This host can provide space for campervans.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
My animals / pets
Host ref number: 156562467325
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
+15
Feedback (22)
25 Aug 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Kaede)
Kaede was a warm, bright and engaged participant in our working bee / retreat. She picked up her tasks quickly and was a team player. We're happy to have been her first host in Australia and wish her the best on her journey. 😊🙏
(Excellent
)
25 Aug 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Tokumoto)
Daiki was a warm, bright, helpful and engaged participant in our working bee / retreat. He picked up the tasks quickly and was a team player. We're happy to have been his first host on Workaway and wish him all the best on his journey. 😊🙏
(Excellent
)
23 Aug 2025
Left by Workawayer (Tokumoto) for host
I stayed here for about two weeks and learned a lot about yoga and meditation.
Dada is a very kind person. Since I am Japanese, my English is not yet fluent, but because Dada once lived in Japan, he sometimes supported me in Japanese.
During the chanting time, he also taught me how to play the guitar. (I will keep practicing even after I return… read more
Dada is a very kind person. Since I am Japanese, my English is not yet fluent, but because Dada once lived in Japan, he sometimes supported me in Japanese.
During the chanting time, he also taught me how to play the guitar. (I will keep practicing even after I return… read more
2 Apr 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Lisa)
Lisa dropped in out of the blue. An able, bright, warm, creative trooper, she was a joy to host. She showed initiative, picked up tasks quickly and completed them efficiently. She engaged with interest and depth in the retreat program. I highly recommend her.
(Excellent
)
31 Mar 2025
Left by Workawayer (Lisa) for host
I stayed with Dada J for ten days in March 2025. He was the first host I contacted through Workaway because I immediately felt drawn to the community. As it turned out, my gut feeling was quite accurate :D Even though there were a lot of obstacles in my way to get to Dada's place (my flight was cancelled, there were no buses on the weekend, I got… read more
Photos
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
+15
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(4.8)
Cultural exchange:
(4.9)
Communication:
(4.8)
25 Aug 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Kaede)
Kaede was a warm, bright and engaged participant in our working bee / retreat. She picked up her tasks quickly and was a team player. We're happy to have been her first host in Australia and wish her the best on her journey. 😊🙏
(Excellent)
25 Aug 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Tokumoto)
Daiki was a warm, bright, helpful and engaged participant in our working bee / retreat. He picked up the tasks quickly and was a team player. We're happy to have been his first host on Workaway and wish him all the best on his journey. 😊🙏
(Excellent)
23 Aug 2025
Left by Workawayer (Tokumoto) for host
I stayed here for about two weeks and learned a lot about yoga and meditation.
Dada is a very kind person. Since I am Japanese, my English is not yet fluent, but because Dada once lived in Japan, he sometimes supported me in Japanese.
During the chanting time, he also taught me how to play the guitar. (I will keep practicing even after I return… read more
Dada is a very kind person. Since I am Japanese, my English is not yet fluent, but because Dada once lived in Japan, he sometimes supported me in Japanese.
During the chanting time, he also taught me how to play the guitar. (I will keep practicing even after I return… read more
2 Apr 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Lisa)
Lisa dropped in out of the blue. An able, bright, warm, creative trooper, she was a joy to host. She showed initiative, picked up tasks quickly and completed them efficiently. She engaged with interest and depth in the retreat program. I highly recommend her.
(Excellent)
31 Mar 2025
Left by Workawayer (Lisa) for host
I stayed with Dada J for ten days in March 2025. He was the first host I contacted through Workaway because I immediately felt drawn to the community. As it turned out, my gut feeling was quite accurate :D Even though there were a lot of obstacles in my way to get to Dada's place (my flight was cancelled, there were no buses on the weekend, I got… read more
25 Feb 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Sanne)
Sanne was a pleasure to host, along with her partner, Denis. They put in hard work in the garden and participated in the retreat part of the program with interest and engagement. They were warm and friendly and encouraging to our novice yoga class teacher. I'm happy to recommend Sanne and Denis.
(Excellent)
25 Feb 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Milena)
Milena and Michelle were a pleasure to host. They put in hard work in the garden and deployed their graphic skills to give a makeover to our lounge room, painting the walls and adding a beautiful mural. They participated in everything on offer with interest and engagement. I'm happy to recommend Milena and Michelle.
(Excellent)
25 Feb 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Yoges21)
Yogeswari was a pleasure to host. She completed all her tasks with diligence and was a source of kindness and warmth in the team. She participated in the retreat part of the program with active interest and engagement. I'm happy to recommend Yogeswari.
(Excellent)
25 Feb 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Lara)
Lara was friendly and eager to learn new things. In the week she stayed with us she cooked wonderful meals for the team. She was quick to learn guitar chords and provide a steady accompaniment for our daily online chanting. I'm happy to recommend Lara.
(Excellent)
25 Feb 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Takuya)
Takuya was a pleasure to host. Ever smiling, he was diligent in his tasks, keen to learn and appreciative of any new experience. He was quick to learn basic guitar chords and provided a solid rhythm for our daily online chanting. Always welcome back, I'm happy to recommend Takuya.
(Excellent)
19 Feb 2025
Left by Workawayer (Takuya) for host
I stayed here for two weeks with Dada and had an amazing experience with gardening, meditation, yoga, cooking, guitar, and so much more, including outings. I'm not a vegan, but I loved the meals here. Dada is truly a people person. I'll definitely come back again. Thank you so much, Dada!
25 Feb 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Gwendolyn & Ho Jung)
Gwendolyn & Ho Jung were a pleasure to host. Hard working & self-motivated they applied themselves to their tasks, getting through a lot of work in the garden, then researching and setting up sun-drying our daikon harvest. They brought fun and an interest in deep conversations. Great company, we enjoyed making music, sharing poetry and getting… read more
(Excellent)
8 Feb 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Lixuan)
Lixuan participated in a two week working bee / retreat. She gravitated to the kitchen and produced many delicious and varied meals for the whole crew. She engaged with the retreat program with thought provoking contributions. Lixuan was a valued member of the team and we enjoyed her participation.
(Excellent)
8 Feb 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Bailee)
Bailee joined a two-week working bee / retreat. She was friendly, unassuming, thoughtful and engaged. She worked on different tasks in the garden and greenhouse and helped paint our lounge room. She was diligent and great company. She approached the Yoga and meditation philosophy with interest and an inquiring perspective from her psychology… read more
(Excellent)
8 Feb 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Daniele)
Daniele joined in a two week working bee / retreat. He was friendly, engaged with both the retreat and working bee programs and was quick to learn. He was a great help in the garden, putting in fence posts, cleaning up the orchards and solving problems on the fly. He took the opportunity to learn guitar with other members of the group and we… read more
(Excellent)
22 Jan 2025
Left by Workawayer (Daniele) for host
i stayed with Dada and other 5 volountering people for 2 weeks. he contacted me when i was travelling in Japan and that was the moment i request my visa for the first time.
what an unexpected experience i had.
First time for me to see kangooro, first to play guitar and learn songs with Dada, which is a very patience person and extraordinary… read more
what an unexpected experience i had.
First time for me to see kangooro, first to play guitar and learn songs with Dada, which is a very patience person and extraordinary… read more
22 Jun 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Amande & Pedro)
Amande & Pedro participated in our two week working bee / retreat. They were friendly, engaged with interest in the program and performed all their tasks with diligence. They organised a fun night for our community and friends, teaching Salsa dance of which they are certified instructors. Much appreciated Amande & Pedro.
(Excellent)
30 May 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Marina)
Marina has a wide range of competencies and put many to use during her month long stay that included a working bee / retreat with ten Workawayers. We made progress with an online project thanks to her web design skill. But it was her natural leadership and organising ability that marked her most. From patching the holes in the program to ensuring… read more
(Excellent)
30 May 2024
Left by Workawayer (Marina) for host
I stayed with Dada J for almost a month and leaving was like leaving home! The place is beautiful and Dada is a very kind, compassionate and knowledgeable person who tried his best to make me feel at home and teach me anything I wanted to learn. While I was there, we ate great food, practiced yoga and meditation, and played music everyday (Dada… read more
30 May 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Keisuke & Kurumi)
Keisuke and family were an absolute pleasure to host. Their presence quickly turned our group of ten Workawayers into a big family. I'm full of admiration and respect for Kei and Kurumi for their courage in parting with security and choosing the Workawayer path for the well being of their family. So happy they found us in our little corner of Qld.… read more
(Excellent)
29 May 2024
Left by Workawayer (Keisuke & Kurumi) for host
First of all, we deeply appreciate that you warmly welcomed us, including our two children aged 10 and 8.
We were complete beginners in yoga and meditation, but Dada was incredibly kind in supporting us.
Living with Workawayers from around the world was truly enjoyable and provided us with many valuable experiences.
Our children were able to… read more
We were complete beginners in yoga and meditation, but Dada was incredibly kind in supporting us.
Living with Workawayers from around the world was truly enjoyable and provided us with many valuable experiences.
Our children were able to… read more
30 May 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Megan)
Warm and friendly, Megan shone in her first plunge into a group Workaway experience. Eager to pick up new skills, she learned fast and went about her tasks with care and diligence. Megan engaged with the programme on offer and challenged herself to rise for the six AM start. I enjoyed our conversations and the honesty and self-awareness of her… read more
(Excellent)
30 May 2024
Left by Workawayer (Megan) for host
Being my first workaway, and so far away from home, I approached the retreat with nervousness on my first day arriving in the dark. Within minutes, Dada J greeted me with a warm smile and friendliness that conveyed that everything would be okay. Dada embodies the values he preaches, namely kindness, humility, consciousness and love. During my two… read more
27 May 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Pj (Pippa) & Corben)
PJ & Corben brought their practical skills and eagerness to engage with what's on offer to our two week working bee / retreat. They are thoughtful, diligent, able to problem solve and take the initiative. We got quality work done, had deep discussions and enjoyed a fun time together. I fully recommend them.
(Excellent)
26 May 2024
Left by Workawayer (Pj (Pippa) & Corben) for host
Wow! what an unexpectedly heart warming and educational life experience. We are so grateful for the time we spent at Dada's workaway.
Every day we practised yoga and meditation and learned so much from Dada's practise which he shared with us.
The property was very spacious and beautiful in a natural setting with a wonderful garden where we did… read more
Every day we practised yoga and meditation and learned so much from Dada's practise which he shared with us.
The property was very spacious and beautiful in a natural setting with a wonderful garden where we did… read more
16 May 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Alina)
Alina joined in a Working Bee / Retreat and was a great asset to the team, being friendly, bright, fun and engaged. She learned quickly and brought her best to everything she did. Although it was a while ago, I remember stimulating discussions stemming from her psychology studies as we attempted to meet the challenge of a common understanding… read more
(Excellent)
16 May 2024
Left by Workawayer (Alina) for host
This was my first workaway experience and a surprisingly amazing one! In exchange for some hours of work per day Dada taught us meditation, yoga and I even learned some tunes on the violin. We had a cozy bed and delicious food. I miss his porridge, the sunsets and the vibrating healing energy of that place. It was a great oppotunity to meet… read more
31 Mar 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Tomoko)
Friendly, open and helpful, Tomoko & Kotaro were delightful to host. I was moved at how 13 year old Kotaro fit in with ease and quickly made friends in his new environment. Tomoko was open, warm and interested to learn. Happy to meet, sorry to part. Hope our paths cross again.
(Excellent)
31 Mar 2024
Left by Workawayer (Tomoko) for host
Oh my god! I didn't leave any feedback. Sorry for being really late.
We are grateful that you found us among the many workawayers. We were lucky enough to attend a meditation retreat. We learned about meditation for the first time. It was an amazing experience.
During the 14 days, we were able to share a lot of time with other wonderful… read more
We are grateful that you found us among the many workawayers. We were lucky enough to attend a meditation retreat. We learned about meditation for the first time. It was an amazing experience.
During the 14 days, we were able to share a lot of time with other wonderful… read more
28 Mar 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Stuart)
Stuart is full of life and energy and was great to have on our team of five. Stuart can have fun, problem solve and get things done with ease. We also enjoyed sharing travel stories and probing discussions on philosophy and life. Great company, great sport, look forward to keeping in touch. Highly recommendable.
(Excellent)
26 Mar 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Roisin & Quinn)
Roisin & Quin were an absolute pleasure to host. Easygoing, yet they brought brightness and eagerness to work and play. They picked up the construction of modular accommodation units quickly and solved problems that arose. I enjoyed playing music together and the games we played in the evenings. It was a pleasure to delve into Yoga and meditation… read more
(Excellent)
26 Mar 2024
Left by Workawayer (Roisin & Quinn) for host
The time here with Dada J was magical. We got even more out of it than we had expected. It is blissful being out here in the bush, with kangaroos at your door each morning. We had some lovely excursions kayaking and hiking in the national park. It was lovely to take turns cooking for each other and have nutritious vegan meals, and Dada's delicious… read more
18 Aug 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Jesse)
Jesse joined our Working Bee / Meditation & Yoga Retreat in August. As well as being thoughtful and engaged in all aspects of the program, Jesse was self-motivated and directed. He built raised beds and took on a major fence mending project. Jesse was also a team builder and looked out for others. We had great conversations and laughs. Happy that… read more
(Excellent)
17 Aug 2023
Left by Workawayer (Jesse) for host
Sweet memories i will cherish, learnt and gleaned alot from Dada, a friend indeed a warm jolly host. This is a place i must return to, am grateful for the experience. Laughs and smiles , contemplations and community such a joy :)
16 Aug 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Lilli)
Lilli engaged in the working bee / retreat with mirth and curiosity. She gained respect and affection from everyone during the week she was with us. I recommend her for her good team work, communication and personable nature. She caps that off by being a great cook.
(Excellent)
13 Aug 2023
Left by Workawayer (Lilli) for host
This stay has truly left a big impression on me. Dada creates an incredibly safe and happy space, immediately giving a sense of community.
It was wonderful to practice Yoga with Dada and get a deeper understanding of what meditation really is.
I encountered so much love and compassion from everyone there, which has really inspired me to carry… read more
It was wonderful to practice Yoga with Dada and get a deeper understanding of what meditation really is.
I encountered so much love and compassion from everyone there, which has really inspired me to carry… read more
13 May 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Emma Jane)
We enjoyed Emma's participation in our working bee / retreat. Bright, creative, caring and diligent, she was an excellent team player as was her beau, Tom, whom we were very happy to have join too. I highly recommend them.
(Excellent)
10 May 2023
Left by Workawayer (Emma Jane) for host
I am so glad that my first Workaway experience was at Dada's place. He is such a generous and kind person and we had lots of laughs together. I stayed for 10 days and learned so much during my time here - how to prepare and cook delicious vegan meals and snacks, about spirituality, yoga, meditation and even how to play musical instruments! The… read more
9 Apr 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Charleen)
Charleen joined a working bee retreat as one of eight participants. Friendly and engaged she contributed much to the community spirit. Charleen learned fast and performed her tasks efficiently, it was a great pleasure hosting her.
(Excellent)
9 Apr 2023
Left by Workawayer (Charleen) for host
Dada is a great Host!
It was my first workaway experience and I am more than happy to have had it here.
My stay was a part of my journey I will always love to remember. Dada is so friendly and fun to be around. I was able to learn a lot from him and the people that stayed at the same time as me. He engages everyone to make music together and take… read more
It was my first workaway experience and I am more than happy to have had it here.
My stay was a part of my journey I will always love to remember. Dada is so friendly and fun to be around. I was able to learn a lot from him and the people that stayed at the same time as me. He engages everyone to make music together and take… read more
3 Apr 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Sara)
Sara joined a working bee / retreat at the place. She was friendly, fun, up for learning and forthcoming with feedback and suggestions. She learned quickly and performed her tasks well. An all round team player and a pleasure to host.
(Excellent)
3 Apr 2023
Left by Workawayer (Sara) for host
I had an absolutely amazing time staying with Dada. I had the pleasure of staying during a working bee, and we even ended up extending it form 2 weeks to 3. I loved that he focused on having yoga and meditation, and teaching us why it was important. I also loved that Dada is vegan and all the food was vegan, as a vegan myself and it can sometimes… read more
27 Mar 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Manou)
Manou was one of eight helpers working here for a two week working bee / meditation & yoga retreat. Bright and good natured she contributed to everyone feeling at home. She was diligent in her tasks whether on the farm or in the kitchen. She engaged in all the activities, many of which she enhanced with creativity and fun. I highly recommend Manou.
(Excellent)
26 Mar 2023
Left by Workawayer (Manou) for host
Dada is great! He made me feel at home. The two weeks I have stayed where amazing, words can not describe it. I have learned a lot about Yoga & meditation, I am leaving with a suitcase of lessons and information that will help me grow. 🌺🧘🏼♀️
I loved: everything. The people, the music, 🎶 the experimental vegan food, the gardening🌷, the community,… read more
I loved: everything. The people, the music, 🎶 the experimental vegan food, the gardening🌷, the community,… read more
3 Feb 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Alejandro Ezequiel)
Ale is warm, good humoured and helping. He isn't hampered by his lack of English and is quick with Google Translate. Always ready to tackle any job, big or small. We enjoyed his company, his wholehearted engagement and we highly recommend him.
(Excellent)
18 Jan 2023
Left by Workawayer (Alejandro Ezequiel) for host
Dada and Didi do a beautiful job. it is a true community where everyone collaborates and makes you feel part of it. In those 8 days that I was there, I took many lessons that you have left for life. It is a beautiful place to rediscover yourself!
1 Mar 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Dana)
Dana took an active interest in the the work and community. She was helpful, friendly and eager to learn. We look forward to her passing back this way in the coming months.
(Excellent)
4 Feb 2022
Left by Workawayer (Dana) for host
I had a great time on the property doing a range of tasks like gardening in a small orchard, cleaning carpets for an upcoming yoga retreat, sorting through cupboards at the old school, cooking chilli chutney from garden ingredients, making trips to the dump and LOTS more! I really enjoyed being part of this dynamic, caring and supportive little… read more
4 Feb 2022
Left by Workawayer (Julia) for host
I have gone travelling and returned a few times to this community as there are many opportunities to learn and be creative. One needs to be very independent and use ones own intitiaive to take on a project and do as much as possible. It is exciting when an event is held (yoga retreat, eco-festival, annual gathering of wider spirtual community)… read more
16 Jan 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Roberta)
Thanks for all your help, Roberta, you made the Mela safe and fun for the children. You were always ready to help where help was needed and we enjoyed having you. All the best with your travels, please do stay in touch, havalovelyday,DadaJ.
(Excellent)
13 Jan 2019
Left by Workawayer (Roberta) for host
I spent one week with all the Dada and Didi helping them out with kids during the festival. I was really lucky to be part of this beautiful festival. I learnt a lot from everybody and I got to practice meditation. I'll never forget this experience.
Thanks Dada for everything.
Thanks Dada for everything.
16 Feb 2016
Left by Workawayer (Ngoc) for host
That was a wonderful time I spent with Dada J. He has opened my eyes, to get the best out of me in every way. I always had fun and interest in all the things he taught me and have shared my knowledge in return. Firstly you get tasks that match you and emphasize your talents. The place has its own charm too, living together with nature was… read more
15 Feb 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Ngoc)
Best helper we could have had! Cheerful & versatile, Ngoc picked up her tasks quickly & performed them well. These included gardening, cooking, cleaning & making guests feel welcome. Ngoc drew on her skill as a photographer & her experience of website presentation to re-do our listing, resulting in a stream of bookings. Ngoc immersed herself in a… read more
(Excellent)
