Profile information
Host rating
80 %
Last replied
12 Sep 2025
Reply rate
64.3 %
Usually responds within 5 days
Feedback
5
Email verified
Host offers payment
Badges (2)
Details
Description
Hi, I'm Lauren and I live with some friends on a beautiful tropical rural block in Mataranka, Northern Territory. We have some large organic food gardens and fruit trees and are situated a few minutes from town and tourist attractions like the famous thermal springs and fishing hotspot, the Roper River.
It can be a social place in the Dry season, but also lots of opportunity for finding peace and just exploring the abundant nature around us. We love to host artists, DIY enthusiasts, social activists and writers throughout the year to rest, re-energise or work on their own projects here. Day to day I run a not for profit community development program installing solar projects in remote Indigenous communities in the region.
In our little community we mainly speak English, pocito Espanol and some local Indigenous languages. Its a welcoming place for travelers who enjoy making meaningful contributions as they experience new places and cultures. We are active in many projects and movements for racial, environmental and social justice and our home is LGBTIQ-friendly.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Art Projects
Language practice
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Help around the house
General Maintenance
House sitting
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Mataranka is a stunning tropical paradise with alot to offer travellers wanting a genuine and rewarding experience in remote and outback Australia and the Northern Territory. There are lots of opportunities for cultural exchange with local Indigenous communities, and we are well connected across the Territory with other communities and workaway opportunities and could assist with linking you up with other networks and work during your travel.
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Host offers payment in line with the minimum wage
This host offers accommodation and payment.
Help
Alongside assistance maintaining and managing the food and fruit gardens we usually have some fun renovation projects in which theres a chance to exchange DIY building skills in steel, woodworking and general repairs. We would love help on any of these activities if they align with your interests and skillset. I always find I learn alot from visitors working alongside on joint projects and love to share my knowledge too.
Knowledge and interest in tropical food gardening and animal care is also a big plus (I have two dogs and need to go away for work sometimes so would love to know I could potentially leave them with good company).
Workaway engagements are on a voluntary basis usually exchanging 3 hours per day labour for accommodation and some shared meals - however well-equipped kitchens are provided and visitors encouraged to be responsible for most of their meals just due to the fact that I work full time and occasionally need to travel for work.
We welcome travelers who are interested in staying in the Mataranka region for a minimum of a week. For the right person with a background in renewable energy or community development we could be interested in having you join our team on community energy projects too on a voluntary basis.
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Spanish: IntermediateThis host offers a language exchange
I'm interested in learning more Espanol and happy to share English skills
Accommodation
Own room/cabin with ensuite or caravan site. Furnished, laundry, fridge and communal cooking area. Caravan and camping sites also available.
What else ...
Mataranka is a tourist mecca in the Dry season with stunning natural thermal springs, lots of great hiking and swimming spots, a variety of cultural activities including many local festivals, hunting and fishing, national parks and easy access to Arnhem Land and the Katherine region. You can check out some of the places and things to do here:
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
The property has an open starlink connection and good phone coverage on Telstra.
Space for parking camper vans
We have a number of powered camp and caravan sites available and a communal kitchen and toilet available for campers use.
Can possibly accept pets
I have two dogs on the property but willing to consider pets
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
My animals / pets
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
Feedback (4)
Thank you :)
After 4 months, it is time to say goodbye to my new friends. It was like a new family from the beginning to the end. Thank you Lauren and thank you Scooty and thank you everyone else (the list would be a bit too long :)...) thank you for bringing me closer to the country, the people and the culture and for giving me a… read more
Photos
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
(4.5)
Thank you :)
After 4 months, it is time to say goodbye to my new friends. It was like a new family from the beginning to the end. Thank you Lauren and thank you Scooty and thank you everyone else (the list would be a bit too long :)...) thank you for bringing me closer to the country, the people and the culture and for giving me a… read more
Laurens place is amazing, a little oasis with lots of different projects to tackle. There is an amazing vegetable and fruit garden which will provide you with fresh and delicious goods all through your stay :)
Lauren and Liv are amazing people, they know just about everyone… read more
