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Join our busy family in the northern suburbs of Melbourne, Australia

Availability

  2026 

 Min stay requested: at least a week

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Details

  • Description

    Description

    We are an English-speaking Australian family with two kids, 11 and 7. Both kids are involved in Scouting. ,My oldest is into music and musical theatre and the younger is currently playing ice hockey where this and skating is life. We’re a busy family and are often out and about with school, activities and sport.

    With the kids’ busy schedules, a lot of my energy goes into getting everyone where they need to be. This means I often don’t have much energy left for the everyday jobs around the house. Having a Workawayer with us makes a real difference. We’re looking for someone practical who enjoys helping keep a busy family home maintained. Ie clean, tidy and organised.

    Because my energy levels can vary, I’m not always able to direct or supervise tasks. We have a whiteboard system where you can see things that need doing, choose tasks that suit you and add things you notice need attention. We really appreciate someone who can problem-solve and work independently.

    The aim isn’t for you to take over the household, but to help keep things moving when I don’t have the energy to do everything myself. As I need a significant amount of active rest, to ensure I stay functional.

    LQBTQIA+friendly

  • Types of help and learning opportunities

    Types of help and learning opportunities

    Art Projects
    Language practice
    Help with Eco Projects
    Light gardening
    Creative DIY projects
    Animal Care
    Babysitting and creative play
    Creating/ Cooking family meals
    Help around the house
    Light maintenance
    House & pet sitting
  • Interests

    Interests

    Cooking & food
    Books
    Languages
    LGBTQ
    Culture
    Movies & TV
    Plant care
    Nature
    Yoga / Wellness
    Writing
    Pets
    Self development
    Sustainability
    Performing arts
    Music
    Gardening
    Drawing & painting
    DIY & crafts
    Art & design
    Animals
    Outdoor activities
    Hiking
    Dancing
    Camping
  • Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Travellers will experience everyday Australian family life and have the opportunity to learn about Australian culture, schooling, food, community life and our local environment.

    We can share knowledge about Australian native plants and animals, ecology, gardening, hiking and the local area. I also enjoy sharing my interests and skills in art, sewing, aquarium and fish keeping, science and education, as well as karate and tai chi.

    You’ll get to experience local markets, community activities and family life, and we’re happy to show you local attractions and help you discover places beyond the usual tourist destinations.

    The kids are also very enthusiastic about sharing their interests, so you may find yourself learning about Scouts, musical theatre, music, cricket, AFL or simply what life is like growing up in Australia!

    We enjoy sharing Australian food and, when family gatherings allow, foods and traditions from other cultures too. We hope the exchange is a chance to share skills, experiences and perspectives while experiencing a genuine Australian family home.

  • Projects involving children

    Projects involving children

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

  • Help

    Help

    The main help we need is with everyday household tasks — cleaning, tidying, decluttering and organising, gardening, occasional cooking and basic house maintenance.

    We may also occasionally need help with an aquarium water change or dog walking.

    Because my energy levels can vary, I’m not always able to direct or supervise tasks. We have a whiteboard system where you can see things that need doing, choose tasks that suit you and add things you notice need attention. We therefore really appreciate someone who is practical, can problem-solve and is comfortable working independently.

    The aim isn’t for you to take over the household, but to help keep things moving when I don’t have the energy to do everything myself.

    There are also a couple of small projects waiting for someone handy. For example turning some sawn logs from a tree we grew into a seat.

  • Languages

    Languages spoken
    German: Beginner
    Japanese: Beginner

    This host offers a language exchange
    We are English speaking, with very basic german. Kids are just learning, I can exchange pleasantries in Japanese. And beginner Auslan ( australian sign language)

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation

    You’ll have your own private room with a double bed. Couples are welcome, and we also have a single trundle bed which may suit a family with one child.

    The room has a bedside table, lamp, clock/wireless phone charger and built-in wardrobe. Towels and linen are provided.

    You’ll share the bathroom and living areas, including our combined playroom/office/studio.

    We’re flexible about food arrangements. Many Workawayers prefer us to cook, but we also enjoy having others cook. Just let us know what ingredients you need and we can usually provide them.

  • What else ...

    What else ...

    we are close to public transport ( 2 min walk to bus, to train station and bus interchange, supermarket and shops) .
    Being on the edge of the Yarra valley means we are close to many wineries, artists and farming properties and more community minded regional towns. Despite not living in one.
    There is bus up to Kinglake to explore the mountain.
    cafes with in walking distance,
    The plenty gorge is 5 mins walk away ( bush walking ) and the river buried in the bushland is there to follow for a walk.
    And many local attractions I am happy to take you to, quarry hills park and Melbourne lookout, Blue lake, the local reservoir and many more.

    There is also options to get to the Vline ( country train/bus) services for longer rural day/ overnight trips.

    we are in the 'middle' of Victoria ( northern outskirts of Melbourne), so options to go exploring by hiring a camper van etc are also possibility. It’s approx 4 hr drive east or west to get to either side of Victoria. Around 3hrs north to get to the Murray River.

    Please be mindful my kids are loud! but they are at school during the day and home is very much quieter.

    They can often be up early generally after 6 am. It can be exhausting but they will include you in the fun and games, and share their creativity too.
    .

  • 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

  • Can host digital nomads

    Can host digital nomads

    My husband works from home 2 days a week, so internet can be slow at certain times of the day. But that can be discussed and worked around.

  • How many Workawayers can stay?

    How many Workawayers can stay?

    Two

  • My animals / pets

    My animals / pets

    Kevin (4 years)

    Kevin is a friendly cuddly whippet, who’s very quiet and just wants to be near people.

Host ref number: 283852564361

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