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2 Mar 2024
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Description
I'm on the south coast of New South Wales, about thirty minutes' drive from the most beautiful beaches you've ever seen. The nearest towns are Wyndham, Eden and Merimbula. You can get here by bus from Canberra (about 4 hours), Sydney and Melbourne (about 10 hours) or you can fly to Merimbula Airport (much faster!). A car is much easier however.
My property (about 52 acres) is backed by mountains and a creek, and right next to a big national park. There's a lovely river about ten minutes' drive away and a water hole for swimming that you can walk to. There's also some charming Australian villages in this part of the country. We rely on solar power (so no mains electricity at all, but plenty for our needs) and rainwater tanks. We have internet (satellite) but our data is limited - great for casual internet browsing but not so good for big downloads.
About the work - it's pretty light. I'd love a little help maintaining the gardens, orchards and property generally, but only a few hours a day - nothing too hard. If you're knowledgeable about (or interested in) permaculture that would be a bonus, as I'd like to establish a self-sufficient garden. I'm also flexible about how we arrange work and time off.
And about me - I'm a writer, and I like to spend my time (when I'm not working on the property) singing, writing, reading and listening to music. I always have lots of books around - so if books and music are your thing, we'd be a good match. I love a good conversation, and to share experiences and hear about different points of view. I've also travelled extensively in Europe and would love to add to my smattering of European languages.
I have a friendly kelpie, and there's also lots of wildlife including wallabies, wombats, magpies and birds - in fact, it's a bird watcher's paradise. I'm a vegetarian - so I don't cook meat myself, but I'll happily buy it for you to barbecue.
You would have the choice of a room in the house, which is small but cosy, or in the studio. The studio has one single bed and no washing, cooking or toilet faciities, so if you stayed there you'd have to come down to the house to use the bathroom and kitchen.Types of help and learning opportunities
Language practiceHelp with Eco ProjectsGardeningDIY and building projectsGeneral MaintenanceCultural exchange and learning opportunities
If you decide to come here, you'll learn about life on an Australian bush property, Australian native animals and birdlife, and organic gardening. You can pick up local crafts at the markets which are held every week in a different local village, and meet the locals at a variety of pubs, cafes and events (for instance, there are lots of bands and musicians who play local venues).
Help
I'm looking for some light gardening help around my 52 acre property. You can choose from helping to re-vamp a vege garden, pruning fruit trees,or doing light property maintenance. I could also use some basic building help, for small animal enclosures and similar.
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
French: Beginner
Italian: BeginnerThis 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
You'll be staying in a lovely three bedroom cottage. As I'm a writer and spend a lot of time working either on my writing or around the property, you'll have the place to yourself much of the time.
What else ...
In your time off (and that'll be most of the time) you can relax and explore the property and national park. You can walk to the rock pool for a swim, but for the nearby river, local beaches and towns, you'll need a car or a bike. The nearest town is about ten minutes' drive away, and the beach is 30 minutes. If you don't have a car, I can take you in to see the sights, or drop you off at the beach or in town when I go in for shopping and pick you up later.
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.
Can possibly accept pets
I'm happy to host any pet that doesn't eat the wildlife. But my dog is a bit snarky around small dogs and cats so if pets are best her size (middle sized) or bigger.
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Hours expected
Maximum 2-3 hours a day, 5 days a week
Feedback (7)
Jane gave us the must seen… read more
The house in particular is a paradise in the middle of forests, rivers and mountains that inspires the day to day, with plenty of space for study, reflection and creativity. We really… read more
Feedback
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Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
(5.0)
Jane gave us the must seen… read more
The house in particular is a paradise in the middle of forests, rivers and mountains that inspires the day to day, with plenty of space for study, reflection and creativity. We really… read more
We stayed for a week and explored the area.
Jane gave us a lot of information about the surroundings and what was best to see and do.
We really enjoyed our time here, especially watching Poldark 😊
It was my first workaway experience, and it was great! Jane is so helpful, caring/ takes care, that you feel good/comfortable. And I can say the same: she's really fun to have around, easygoing, and interesting to talk to.
She introduced me to some of her friends, and showed me around,… read more