Join us and become part of our family in Bairnsdale, Australia

Availability

  2026 

 Min stay requested: at least a week

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Details

  • Description

    Description

    Hi! We are Linda (originally from Germany) and Angus (Australian), a busy entrepreneurial couple living in the beautiful country town of Bairnsdale, Victoria. We have two energetic kids, Vali (9) and Fraya (5), whom we are raising bilingual, and on top of that we threw in our Blue Heeler named Pepper to the mix.
    We live in a spot that has it all: 10 minutes from the river, 30 minutes from the beach, and 3 hours from the snow. We also have a few acres out of town with sheep, fruit trees, and plenty of space to explore. We’re always on the move—whether it’s camping, boating, or working on DIY projects—and we’re looking for a proactive "working guest" to join our family fold.
    The Exchange:
    We aren't a hotel, and we aren’t looking for people just seeking "cheap accommodation." We want an extra pair of hands to help our busy lives run smoothly. In exchange, you’ll have your own private space, great food, and a genuine Aussie/German family experience.
    What you’ll be doing:
    Life here is a mix of everything. We don't have a rigid "timetable," so we need someone who can see what needs to be done.
    • Daily Chores: Emptying the dishwasher, setting the table, vacuuming, and hanging out the washing, tidying cleaning etc.
    • The "Outdoorsy" Stuff: Helping with gardening, lawnmowing, fencing, or feeding the sheep on our acreage.
    • Kid & Dog Time: Kicking a soccer ball, playing basketball, doing puzzles, or taking Pepper for a walk.
    • Projects: If you’re handy with a paintbrush or enjoy basic repairs, you’ll fit right in!
    Accommodation:
    You will have your own private space in our converted garage granny flat, which features its own ensuite and interne. You’ll have your privacy but are always welcome in the main house for meals, chats and chilling on the couch with a movie on the weekends.
    Ideal Helper:
    If you are active, love being outdoors, and don't mind getting your hands dirty, we’d love to meet you. German speakers are a huge plus to help the kids with their language, but not essential!

  • Types of help and learning opportunities

    Types of help and learning opportunities

    Language practice
    Help with Eco Projects
    Teaching
    Gardening
    DIY and building projects
    Animal Care
    Farmstay help
    Babysitting and creative play
    Creating/ Cooking family meals
    Help around the house
    General Maintenance
    House & pet sitting
  • Interests

    Interests

    Sustainability
    Pets
    Fashion or beauty
    Farming
    Events & social
    Plant care
    Cooking & food
    Animals
    Sailing / Boating
    Outdoor activities
    Nature
  • Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    We’ve always got a variety of projects on the go—cooking, baking, sourdough making, building, gardening (planting, pruning, fencing) and more. There’s always something to get involved with!

    In your free time, you’re welcome to use our pushbikes to explore the nearby rail trail or river walks. We also enjoy camping, bushwalks, and discovering new places, and if you’re keen, you’re more than welcome to join us in our active social life.

  • Projects involving children

    Projects involving children

    This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.

  • Help

    Help

    We would love for you to stay with us as part of our family and in exchange help out in the house, garden, farm and with baby sitting/ school pick ups etc.
    Work may include cleaning, cooking washing, folding,tydiyng, painting, gardening, projects, helping with the sheep, planting trees, chopping / stacking wood, watering etc.
    It would be fantastic if and you could speak German and teach Vali, Fraya (and Angus) some but its not a must.

  • Languages

    Languages spoken
    German: Fluent
    English: Fluent

    This 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

    Accommodation

    We have a selfcontained granny flat in the garden (with its own toilet and shower)
    We would love for you to be part of the family and live and eat with us, but that's up to you. There is no real kitchen in the granny flat but you're welcome to use ours any time you like.

    Please note: We are not a hotel.
    We offer free food and accommodation in exchange for your help. This is a work exchange, not paid employment or a holiday stay. We really appreciate proactive helpers who can see where work is needed and take initiative. If you're hands-on, positive, and happy to contribute, you'll fit right in.

  • What else ...

    What else ...

    Please don’t treat our place like a hotel.
    We offer free food and accommodation in exchange for help around the house and garden, and we expect everyone to pitch in and help keep things clean and tidy.

    We’ve had people in the past who came to be served—that’s not what this is about. We're open and generous, love showing you around, and want you to enjoy your stay.

    If you have strengths (or things you’re not so keen on), just have a chat with us—we’re flexible.
    Most importantly: You must love kids!

  • A little more information

    A little more information

    • Internet access

    • Limited internet access

      Limited internet access

    • We have pets

    • We are smokers

    • Can host families

  • Space for parking camper vans

    Space for parking camper vans

    You may be able to park the van at the front of the house or in the driveway if you like to sleep in that up to you. We also have a small hobby farm that you could camp on occasionally

  • Can possibly accept pets

    Can possibly accept pets

    Maybe ;)

  • How many Workawayers can stay?

    How many Workawayers can stay?

    Two

  • My animals / pets

    My animals / pets

    Profile photo of SHEEPIES

    SHEEPIES

    Profile photo of Pepper

    Pepper

Host ref number: 222427477981

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