Profile information
Host rating
90 %
Last replied
28 Oct 2025
Reply rate
78.4 %
Usually responds within 5 days
Feedback
27
Email verified
Badges (3)
Details
Description
🌸 Welcome to our little slice of paradise by the sea! 🌊
Hello! I’m a solo mum by choice, living with my five-year-old son Issy (endlessly curious, fun, and full of energy) and our very sweet Bordoodle, JoJo. Together we’ve been hosting Workawayers for over five years — and it has been such a joy. We love the cultural exchange, the stories shared around the table, and the life and energy that each volunteer brings into our home.
We’re based in Torquay, a vibrant surf town on the Great Ocean Road. Think beaches at your doorstep, national parks for hiking, and endless ocean views for morning walks or sunset picnics. If you surf (or want to learn), you couldn’t be in a better place!
✨ What we’re looking for
More than just “help,” we’re looking for people who want to become part of our family for a little while. The most important things are warmth, initiative, and an appreciation for keeping a beautiful space. Tasks vary, but can include:
Spending time with Issy (think games, stories, walks, and fun adventures!)
Walking JoJo and helping with our chickens & veggie garden
House and garden projects (painting, sanding, small building, furniture upcycling, etc.)
Everyday help — cooking, cleaning, keeping our home warm and welcoming
I always try to match tasks with your skills and interests, so whether you’re creative, practical, or nurturing, there will be ways you can shine.
🌿 Life here
We eat a primarily vegetarian, whole-food diet and grow lots of our own veggies 🌱
We love beauty, whether it’s a well-kept garden, a freshly painted corner, or a happy, laughter-filled home
✨Long or short stays are possible — we’re flexible depending on what’s happening here
🏄 Your time off
When you’re not helping out, Torquay has plenty to offer:
Surfing or stand-up paddle boarding (lessons available nearby if you’re new!)
Beach walks and ocean swims
Stunning national parks and hiking trails
A creative, lively community with cafes, markets, and live music
If you’re someone who values connection, creativity, and the joy of shared living, we’d love to welcome you into our home.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Art Projects
Language practice
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Babysitting and creative play
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Interests
Van life
Vegetarian or vegan
Politics / Social justice
Sustainability
Self development
Culture
Writing
Drawing & painting
Performing arts
Plant care
Music
Cooking & food
Gardening
Dancing
Yoga / Wellness
Nature
Camping
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Living in Torquay means you’ll experience the best of a small surf town with a big spirit. In summer, the place comes alive with surfers, travellers, markets, and a buzzing community vibe. At the same time, you’ll also discover the quieter side of the Surf Coast — long beach walks, hidden national park trails, and those magical pink sunsets over the ocean.
During your stay, you’ll have plenty of time to explore the Great Ocean Road and all the natural beauty it offers. You’ll also experience daily life with a young child — full of curiosity, creativity, and laughter — and pick up practical skills in the garden, cooking, and home projects along the way.
Many volunteers tell us they leave not only with new skills, but also with a sense of being part of our family and community. It’s about sharing stories, enjoying good food, and living the easygoing surf coast lifestyle together.
Au Pair Help
This host is looking for Au pair help.
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
IThe most valuable help for us is with the day-to-day running of our home. As a solo mum, having an extra pair of hands in the evenings makes a huge difference. This usually means:
Helping tidy up the kitchen after dinner (loading/unloading dishwasher, wiping surfaces, keeping things cosy and clean)
General household help — laundry, vacuuming, helping with meals, keeping spaces organised
Spending some fun time with Issy (reading, drawing, playing) so I can take a short walk or catch my breath
Walking JoJo or helping with the chickens and veggie garden when needed
From time to time there are also bigger projects you can jump into if you enjoy variety: painting, sanding, gardening, or small creative projects around the house.
I really value people who show initiative — noticing what needs doing and pitching in, rather than waiting to be asked. If you’re the kind of person who naturally helps keep a space warm, happy, and welcoming, you’ll be a perfect fit here.
Languages
Languages spoken
English: FluentThis host offers a language exchange
I would love to learn Hebrew and Spanish
Accommodation
We live in a spacious split-level house with beautiful sea views and a generous garden. You’ll have your own private bedroom with a comfortable queen bed, so there’s plenty of space to retreat and recharge.
You’ll also have access to a bike with a surf rack, perfect for exploring the beaches and surf spots nearby. Our little household includes four friendly chickens (fresh eggs!) and JoJo, our playful Bordoodle.
What else ...
ne of the most important parts of being here is sharing space with my five-year-old son. He’s playful, curious, and absolutely loves having new people around — for him, volunteers mean extra company, fun, and hopefully a bit of playtime too!
Because his comfort is my priority, I ask that guests are genuinely happy to engage and connect with children — whether that’s reading a story, asking him about his day, or joining in on a game.
📵 About screens
I do my best to keep shared spaces screen-free, especially when Issy is around. I ask that phones, laptops, and other devices are used in your room, or in shared areas once he’s asleep. This helps keep our home warm, present, and connected.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
I have a good wifi connection and sweet views for those moments your eyes need to wander from your screen. Your bedroom is large and has a small desk.
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
My animals / pets
JoJo
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
Feedback (11)
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:
(5.0)
This family has such a wonderful energy. Sarah really made me feel at home and part of the family. Issy is a smart, playful little boy with a huge imagination and I truly LOVED hanging out with him. We had a lot of fun together. And the energetic Jojo is a great addition to the family.
The first… read more
I enjoyed looking after her energetic and playful son Issy… read more
She has a beautiful son who I spent a lot of time with and grew quite attached to in the end. Sarah also took me surfing and I spent a lot of time at… read more
Harry helped in the garden and spent beautiful time with my 3 year old son Issy. Issy fell in love and I felt totally safe leaving the two of them to go out and do boy stuff together. I am still having to pretend to be Harry.
Harry is respectful, kind, intelligent and gentle. We will always… read more
The work hours are very flexible and I really enjoyed my tasks which involved mostly cooking healthy meals, holding Izzy, helping in the garden, going grocery shopping and cleaning.
Sarah has many interesting books and lots of yoga equipment which I was lucky to use. I… read more
Sarah is really a great person, kind, generous, interesting and fun to talk to. She is a new mother and therefore taking care of Essy, her almost 2 months sweet baby, all the time. I did many different jobs around the house and the garden and help with her lovely new born. The house is amazing and located really great. I came… read more
