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30 Dec 2024
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Description
I live on a scenic hobby farm of 22 acres located 12 kilometres west of Lakes Entrance. There is a large garden that encompasses vegetables, herbs, berries, olive trees, and an orchard; all of which purely for my own use or to share with friends when there is an abundance. No produce is sold. It is a haven for a huge variety of native birds. I also have about a dozen hens, a rather noisy rooster, an aging horse, a dog and, at times, some sheep. Work varies from helping in the gardens/orchard, planting/harvesting the vegetables, wood chopping, weed control using non chemical methods and odd jobs. At one end of the property is a bush gully that abounds with local wildflowers and native animals; this is a corridor between the State Forest and the wetlands on the edge of the Gippsland Lakes. Being located near the Lakes also means it is close to the Ninety Mile Beach. There are some stunning walks in the nearby forests and coastal areas; the extensive rail trails () are ideal for bike riding. Depending on the weather we can take the boat, or kayaks, out on the many rivers lakes and if we are lucky will see the local Burrunan dolphins and seals. Only 40 minutes from here are the magnificent Buchan Caves where you are guaranteed to see kangaroos up close. Similarly, nearby Raymond Island has its own considerable population of koalas. During winter we are only a couple of hours from the ski slopes of Dinner Plain and Mt Hotham. We are a kilometre from the bus stop on the Princes Hwy for access to local buses and the V-Line buses to and from main cities. The nearest train station is 30 km in the larger town of Bairnsdale.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Language practice
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
I am a semi retired casual relief secondary teacher (English, French, History, Geography) and therefore have flexibility with if and when I work. It also means I can be of assistance to anyone who is learning English. I have travelled widely and lived/worked overseas so welcome all nationalities. I also speak some Indonesian. I ride a bike with a local group each week and they warmly welcome visitors. I am involved in the local Landcare group and so my visitors would be invited to share in any of the workshops and activities organised. There is also an active artist community who would welcome visitors.
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
I have a large vegetable garden as well as a large house garden area. Living on 22 acres there are all manner of jobs from helping with regular maintenance, digging, mowing, and maybe small projects requiring basic skills such as painting. I have 14 chickens that need feeding and cleaning. The horse requires no looking after except for some regular apples and carrots. She is retired and fills the role of a lawn mower for the most part. The work would be mostly volunteer but all needs regarding food, entertainment and accommodation would be provided. Some jobs that require a more involved project could be a paid job. There will be minimal house sitting but once visitors feel comfortable they may like to have the place to themselves for a few days at the most.
Languages
Languages spoken
French: Intermediate
Indonesian: Intermediate
Italian: BeginnerThis host offers a language exchange
I would be very happy to accommodate anyone from other nationalities who are looking to improve their English and would love to host anyone who could also help me improve my own language skills.Accommodation
I live in a large rambling, and somewhat rustic farmhouse, which is constantly undergoing upgrades and maintenance. Accommodation includes a private bedroom with a queen size bed and access to an adjoining bathroom which may have to be shared with my sons when they come home. All meals are eaten around the kitchen table and as a family. There are 2 areas for watching television and an extensive library to sit and read or study. There is reliable, fast and unlimited wifi.
What else ...
A bus stop is a 10 minute walk from the property and located on the main Princes Hwy. It connects directly to a train service to Melbourne. I am about 20 minutes drive from a town where I go regularly to collect mail. This is located near several beaches and I can easily drop off and pick up visitors. The same can be said for access to the lakes and rivers. I have a boat, kayaks and bikes that can provide ideal access to nearby waterways and rail trails. I would prefer non smokers (smoking is not permitted in the house) and definitely no pets. I love being able to show visitors a wide range of features such as bushwalking, swimming, visiting the Buchan Caves, and looking at the Koalas on Raymond Island.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
The internet is unlimited and accessible at any time so it would be negotiable in terms of what suits digital nomads' work requirements.
Space for parking camper vans
I have space for a camper van and possibe provision for an electric power lead to come from the house.
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two