Rare breeds hobby farm in Bonville, sustainability and permaculture, NSW, Australia

Australia

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Host rating
Feedback
36
Last activity
14/05/2021
Nº of Facebook friends
60
Reply rate
100.0 %
Average reply time:
within 1 day
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Availability

2021

Min stay requested: 1 week or less

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What's this?

Details

Description
Help on an Australian Rare Breeds Hobby Farm in Bonville, NSW, midway between Sydney and Brisbane , only 8km to Coffs Harbour. Get up close and enjoy the company of some very friendly miniature goats, alpacas, sheep, cow's, chickens, ducks, peacocks, Shetland pony ........ and a new puppy Ryder.

If you fancy a week or so in paradise on your travels then this is the place for you.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
UN sustainablity goals this host is trying to achieve
...
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What's this?
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Our place is a rare breeds hobby farm, sustainable from paddock to plate. and practicing permaculture methods in our gardening. We care about the environment.

Originating from the UK we have been living on the Mid-North Coast for nearly 14 years. Both professionals in the OH&S and power industry.

We have natural native bee hives and an abundance of wildlife around us. I'm also a carer for WIRES, so you never know what native animal may be in care when you arrive! Willing to offer some limited advice on native wildlife care.
Help
Help varies depending on the time of year, always weeding and gardening to be done, cleaning and organizing in the home and garages, and helping out with many other projects from fencing to Instagram! We are generally happy for you to set your own hours each day or even double up if you want more free whole days. Ideally Workawayers will have their own transport as I might not always be free to drive you around. We can supply push bikes and helmets (legal requirement) if you would like to explore the area. Currently there is no local transport from Bonville into town.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Accommodation
Fully self-contained apartment, full kitchen and bathroom shower/bath & separate toilet. Use of our beautiful mineral swimming pool & state of the art swim machine.

Before arriving we like to discuss meals, and are more than happy to stock the apartment with your dietary requirements.
What else ...
Bonville is a beautiful town on the mid north coast of New South Wales, Australia. Only 8km away from Coffs Harbour. In the waters off Coffs Harbour Marina is the Solitary Islands Marine Park, home to abundant wildlife, seasonal whales and coral reefs. Just east is the Muttonbird Island Nature Reserve, with its large population of wedge-tailed shearwater birds and learning centre. The perfect spot to venture out and explore Dorrigo, Bellingen, The Promised Lands, and secret tucked away beach's such as Tuckers Rock.
A little more information
- Internet access
- Limited internet access
- We have pets
- We are smokers
- Can host families
Can host digital nomads
We have a decent wi-fi connection for those who might need to do some work from home
Space for parking camper vans
Room to park a camper-van
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Hours expected
Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week

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Feedback left by and about host (36)

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:
(5.0)

12/11/2020

Left by Workawayer (Emma & Sam) for host

We didn't want to leave! Had the most fabulous time with Janine and John. We couldn't have stayed with a kinder, more generous couple. They were wonderfully welcoming and it was a relaxed environment to work in. We loved helping out on your property, and the jobs were all manageable and enjoyable (apart from the peacock poop!! who knew it smelled… read more

(Excellent )

09/11/2020

Left by host for Workawayer (Emma & Sam)

Sam and Emma were a pleasure to host, they got stuck into every task from weeding, removal of a creeping vine over the house, drenching goats, jet washing, sealing tiles, oiling decks, cleaning up peacock poop (it's pretty disgusting!) the list goes on and on.

A real fun couple to hang out with, and killer bar tenders, our cocktail party was a… read more

(Excellent )

25/10/2020

Left by host for Workawayer (Annie)

Annie was an absolute delight to host. Independent and versatile, she turned her hand to a variety of job's around the property indoors and out to a very high level. Annie was a super help in the kitchen helping me get organised, it's an ongoing struggle for me as I'm a bit of a hoarder haha. Jon and I wish you all the best in the future and hope… read more

(Excellent )

23/10/2020

Left by Workawayer (Annie) for host

It was such a lovely experience staying with Janine and John. I spend 1 week with them on their beautiful farm. Janine was so welcoming. The work was so enjoyable and every day was something different. Some days i spent organising things and other days were spent in the garden or in the pool yard (Which has a lovely pool to jump into when you get… read more

(Excellent )

16/08/2020

Left by Workawayer (Christopher & Moana) for host

Thank you Janine and John for inviting us to stay and experience your beautiful home and meet your lovely animals too! The flat was total luxury, felt like we were staying in a retreat. You're very welcome about the help we provided with the odd jobs, we really enjoyed doing them, especially revamping your vege patch and absolutely loved every… read more

(Excellent )

14/08/2020

Left by host for Workawayer (Christopher & Moana)

What an absolute delight Chris and Mo have been. Both putting in 100% on everything, from re-fencing my vegie patch, weeding, aesthetically re-arranging parts of the garden. Sanding down and plumbing in a sink unit, sewing and making me some beautiful relaxation eye masks. Super friendly and every so helpful, hope you guys can pop back at some… read more

(Excellent )

22/07/2020

Left by Workawayer (Natalia & André) for host

Our time at Janine's and Jon's place was awesome.
We stayed in a supernice house with our own kitchen and bathroom. Janine would fill our fridge and we'd cook for us.
As they have a huge property there is always something to do. We stayed for around a week. Our jobs were in and around the garden, nothing too hard. Janine and Jon would always make… read more

(Excellent )

24/06/2020

Left by host for Workawayer (Alex & Nadja)

We were so sad to see Alex and Nadja leave. What a wonderful 4 weeks we had here with them, their work was just amazing, all of our friends are so jealous. They designed and built an animal shelter int he paddock, and the most elaborate bird play gym for our rescue parrot Charlie. We hope you make it to Qld on your travels, and would love to have… read more

(Excellent )

14/06/2020

Left by Workawayer (Alex & Nadja) for host

To stay with Janine and John for one month was an amazing time. We had this lovely pets arround us, our own apartment with plenty of food and everything we needed. We built a shed for the animals, a playground for the cockatoo and made weeding arround the house a.s.o. We often had a campfire in the evening and also John brought us with the canoe… read more

(Excellent )

17/02/2020

Left by host for Workawayer (Rory & Charlotte)

Rory and Charlotte were a god send right when we needed them. Extremely hard workers, no job was too big for them, they helped get the place ready for my mother in laws yearly visit :-) Rory was such a help with our shed renovations, and Charlotte worked so hard clearing and cleaning out the garage. Lovely young fun couple who will be an asset to… read more

(Excellent )

12/02/2020

Left by Workawayer (Rory & Charlotte) for host

We had a lovely stay with Janine and John. They are a kind, fun couple who made us feel at home during our stay. We were very grateful for the gorgeous flat which was stocked with plenty of lovely food! Our jobs included weeding the pool area, varnishing decking, jetwashing and helping in the garage and shed. We're glad we were able to fix their… read more

(Excellent )

19/01/2020

Left by host for Workawayer (Chris & Hannah)

So wonderful to see visitors so desperate for knowledge of our local flora and fauna. A couple of weeks after you left I received 3 tawny frog mouths and a kookaburra. The 3 tawny's have yet to leave the back deck as getting so spoiled! Was so lovely to host you both, I especially loved to hear you both talk so I can brush up on my English which… read more

(Excellent )

18/12/2019

Left by Workawayer (Chris & Hannah) for host

Janine and John were incredibly friendly and generous we had an amazing time and we really wished we could have stayed longer!

The accomodation was our own flat with a kitchen, toilet, TV and nice bed which was really comfortable which we thought was very nice of them to give us our own private area

Some of the animals they have are chickens,… read more

(Excellent )

19/01/2020

Left by host for Workawayer (Pascal & Vanessa)

What a lovely young couple. We thoroughly enjoyed having you around and appreciate all the help on the farm. Nothing was too much to do, we're so glad to have been a part of your experience in Australia, always welcome back here

(Excellent )

29/12/2019

Left by Workawayer (Pascal & Vanessa) for host

We stayed for only 5 days with Janine and Jon but felt from the first moment so welcomed!
Our work was most of the time weeding and other jobs in the garden and a bit of painting. They are very flexible in the working hours and always made sure that we don't have the work in the heat! The apartment is unbelievable and Janine is a great cook. We… read more

(Excellent )

19/11/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Stuart)

Stuart arrived during the start of the mid north coast bush-fire danger. Was a stressful time for us, having Stuart here and offering to help us was a massive thing, thank you so much. During his week here he managed to clean every window on the property (that's quite a lot). Clean tidy and respectful, an absolute pleasure, enjoy the rest of your… read more

(Excellent )

18/11/2019

Left by Workawayer (Stuart) for host

Janine and John are lovely people and my stay with them in the super flat that is the accommodation was really fun . I cleaned windows while I was there for a week and was well rewarded with lovely home cooked food , a drink or two or 3 and great company. Janine even took me along to her surfing lesson , which was fun . It’s great to have all… read more

(Excellent )

10/11/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Katherine)

It was one of those days that was just meant to be. Bumped into Kat on the beach in Woolgoolga just before my surf lesson, after an hour in the water together getting dumped and thrown about, she ended up coming home with me for the night. Kat did a great job of setting up an Instagram page for my little hobby farm, and hubby and I enjoyed… read more

(Excellent )

07/11/2019

Left by Workawayer (Matilda) for host

Janine reached out to us and we made an unplanned stop to her farm. It was 100% worth it as we learned so much about sustainable farming and the lifestyle of raising your own food. Janine presented us with so many great opportunities and was very willing to show us around and ensured we had the best time (which we did!) Thanks for everything!

(Excellent )

05/11/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Matilda)

Matilda & Elle stopped over for a few nights on their way to Byron Bay. Such sweet girls, they enjoyed a surfing lesson with me (well done girls). I had the girls organizing cupboards, top job done. They also helped with animals, weeding, and general maintenance & cleaning. They spent time with my granddaughter who is two, she had a blast with… read more

(Excellent )

05/11/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Mayeul & Coralie)

Coralie and Mayeul came to us for a week, an absolute pleasure. No task was too hard, their help was invaluable helping dismantle our shed, materials were stacked neatly, was hard work in the heat stuck up a ladder removing frame work. They weeded two large veggie patch's for me. And painted our granddaughters play kitchen perfectly. Clean, tidy,… read more

(Excellent )

05/11/2019

Left by Workawayer (Mayeul & Coralie) for host

Our stay with Janine and John was lovely. The place is amazing, really clean and relax, we had everything to feel confortable, for the shower, food.. they also give us a lot of food for no reasons, just because they are awesome.
They didn’t ask for a lot of work, just enough to help them and it was a pleasure to do it. They have so much more that… read more

(Excellent )

30/10/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Clément & Margot)

Clément & Margot came for a week and stayed for 5! Such a lovely young couple who worked very hard and fitted in nicely with our daily routine. Nothing was too hard, and they turned their hand to almost any task. They were a great help with drenching the animals. An absolute pleasure to have and we look forward to catching up when they return to… read more

(Excellent )

01/07/2019

Left by Workawayer (Emmelie & Sijmen) for host

We loved being at Janine and Jon's place. They have quite the collection of fluffy animals wandering around in the garden; it's actually quite relaxing to sit and watch.
In the mornings we did some gardening, weeding or cleaning and in the afternoons we were able to explore the Coffs Harbour region. Janine took us to a couple of her favorite spots… read more

(Excellent )

31/05/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Emmelie & Sijmen)

What a delightful couple Emmelie and Sijmen have been . Hard working, diligent, and both went above and beyond with every task set to them. They worked in several areas here on the farm from the house to the paddocks, weeding, clearing, jet washing. Sijmen also helped with our computers, and Emmelie was a star with gardening, cleaning and… read more

(Excellent )

20/06/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Ross)

What a fantastic young gentleman Ross is. He arrived here with a rock climbing mate he picked up along the way (Paul) equally as charming. Two really lovely lads who got stuck in to my list of 'jobs' and completed all work without any fuss. We had loads of fun as well, surfing (well trying to stand up) playing pool & darts, and so great for my… read more

(Excellent )

16/04/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Sandra & David)

David and Sandra were an absolute pleasure to have stay with us. They fitted in perfectly with our family & friends. Were very helpful and efficient with all tasks from gardening to painting. And to to all of that David is a fantastic photographer, he took the most beautiful photos of our farm/animals and family. We sincerely hope they will visit… read more

(Excellent )

15/04/2019

Left by Workawayer (Sandra & David) for host

Janine was a excellent host. On the mornings we helped in her farm, we cleaned the swimming pool area and we painted walls and doors. We knew her family and friends and we went to saw rugby matches. We love it the Australian barbecue and dinner at the garden every night. She and her family make us feel very good. Janine show us the beaches and the… read more

(Excellent )

26/11/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Scott & Jessica)

I had such a lovely time with Scott & Jess, was very sad to see them leave, such a shame I hadn't come across them earlier on in their travels. Two hard working, friendly people whom I hope return to Australia once they complete their studies in the UK. Wishing you both all the best Janine xxxx

(Excellent )

25/11/2018

Left by Workawayer (Scott & Jessica) for host

We had an amazing stay at Janines, one we won’t forget! Janine welcomed us with open arms and treated us like family, she has the most adorable animals and lovely home. You’ll be treated so well, the work isn’t hard at all and you get lovely home cooked meals in an evening. We wish we could have stayed longer, but unfortunately had to carry on… read more

(Excellent )

18/11/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Yvonne & Brigitte)

We had a wonderful week with Yvonne & Brigitte, they went above and beyond with job/task. My pool area was beautifully landscaped. We thoroughly enjoyed their company, Jon enjoyed reminiscing about the UK and British Army, and I have a beautifully organised pantry :-) We look forward to a possible re-visit during their stay in Australia

(Excellent )

15/09/2018

Left by Workawayer (Yvonne & Brigitte) for host

We spent almost a week with Janine and John and thoroughly enjoyed it. We cleaned out the kitchen pantry and lifted old pebble stones from an area near the swimming pool and laid with crazy-paving instead. Janine and John were great hosts and made sure we had plenty of time to relax and see the area. They took us around the main sights in Coffs… read more

(Excellent )

18/11/2018

Left by Workawayer (Emily & Oliver ) for host

What an amazing time we had here! Janine and Jon were so welcoming and hospitable, they took us to see so much of Coffs Harbour and gave us all in inside knowledge. We loved spending time with all of the animals and really enjoyed our jobs such as, painting the goats cubby house and weeding. It really felt like a home away from home and we can… read more

(Excellent )

17/11/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Emily & Oliver )

Emily and Oliver were absolute stars during their visit to us, so much so they went on for a further week to a friends property (we're fighting to see who gets them back on their return down the coast). Nothing was a problem, they both worked diligently and unsupervised, covering all tasks from DIY, painting, animal husbandry, gardening, loads of… read more

(Excellent )

12/07/2018

Left by Workawayer (Miriam) for host

One week full of relaxing garden work and good laughters. Janine and Jon made much effort to show me around their place so that I could see the most important things in the area. It was also the first place for me where I had my own flat!
Daytime included some work and in the afternoons we made ourselves a good time, had nice chats and swims in… read more

(Excellent )

03/07/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Miriam)

What a delightful young woman, we thoroughly enjoyed our week with Miriam, a hard worker always willing to help and do more, and great company. We sincerely hope she will return to Australia and visit us again after university

(Excellent )

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