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Aussie bush life, healthy food & hands-on projects near the Great Barrier Reef, Australia

Availability

  2026 

 Min stay requested: at least a week

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Details

  • Description

    Description

    Hello! We’re Natalie (a Year 6 teacher) and Damien (a fitter and turner), living just outside Bundaberg, Queensland, with our daughter Holly and our beautiful dogs Banjo and Lana, an alpaca called Sid and a heap of chickens.

    We live on 34 acres of peaceful bushland filled with gum trees, kangaroos, and birdlife. We’re slowly developing a more sustainable lifestyle here, with veggie gardens, fruit trees, animals, and plenty of projects always on the go.

    We’ve travelled to over 50 countries and have also been Workawayers ourselves, so we understand what makes a really positive and enjoyable experience. We’re easygoing, practical, and enjoy having people around who are happy to be part of daily life.

    A typical day here:
    - Start in the morning (earlier in summer, more flexible in winter)
    - Work a few hours on a project (pretty much always outdoors - gardening, building, or maintenance).
    - Break for lunch and rest during the hotter part of the day.
    - If needed, finish off any remaining time later in the afternoon when it is cooler.
    - Afternoons free to relax, explore, read, swim, or rest.

    - Evenings are usually shared meals, chats, and winding down together.

    This place is a great fit if you:
    - Enjoy being outdoors and don’t mind hands-on work.
    - Like a relaxed, family-style environment.
    - Are happy living a bit out of town.
    - Want to learn practical skills (gardening, building, sustainability).
    - Enjoy simple living, nature, and healthy food (mostly vegetarian, or completely vegetarian when we have vegetarian guests).

    A few practical things to know:
    - We mostly eat vegetarian meals (with occasional fish or meat), so this suits people open to that style of eating.
    - We use tank water, so short showers are important.
    - Non-smoking household (important for health reasons).
    - Please apply only if you are already in Australia.

  • Types of help and learning opportunities

    Types of help and learning opportunities

    Language practice
    Help with Eco Projects
    Gardening
    DIY and building projects
    Animal Care
    Creating/ Cooking family meals
    Help around the house
    General Maintenance
  • Interests

    Interests

    History
    Music
    Self development
    Sustainability
    Vegetarian or vegan
    Events & social
    Movies & TV
    Farming
    Pets
    Plant care
    Photography
    Gardening
    Cooking & food
    Books
    Animals
    Yoga / Wellness
    Water sports
    Sailing / Boating
    Outdoor activities
    Nature
    Mountain
    Hiking
    Camping
    Beach
  • Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    This is a relaxed, nature-based lifestyle with a mix of work, learning and downtime.

    In your free time you might:
    - Relax in a hammock or on the veranda.
    - Watch or go for a walk to see kangaroos and birdlife.
    - Swim or cool off in warmer months
    - Enjoy quiet bush sunsets and stargazing.

    Days off might include:
    - Beach or river trips
    - Exploring the local area
    - BBQs or social catch-ups (on weekends).

    Nearby highlights include:
    - Bargara, Kelly's and Nielsen's beaches (can get to via bus after we drop you into town) and Woodgate and Elliott heads beaches (by car).
    - Mon Repos turtle nesting.
    - Lady Musgrave Island (Great Barrier Reef).
    - K’gari (Fraser Island).
    - Whale watching (July–Nov).
    - Bundaberg Rum Distillery.

    What you can learn:
    - Practical skills like gardening, fencing, and basic building.
    - Sustainable living and property development.
    - Tractor driving and outdoor work (with Damien).
    - A genuine experience of Australian bush life.

  • Projects involving children

    Projects involving children

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

  • Help

    Help

    We’re looking for people who are happy to get involved and contribute to daily life here. Skills are great, but attitude and willingness to learn and feel part of the family matter most.

    Tasks vary depending on what’s happening at the time, but usually include a mix of:

    Outdoor & Gardening:
    - Weeding, planting, mulching
    - Mowing and whipper-snipping.
    - Helping with veggie gardens and fruit trees.

    Building & Projects:
    - Small repairs and maintenance.
    - Painting or basic carpentry.
    - Helping build things like garden beds, seating areas, or play spaces.

    Around the House:
    - Preparing simple meals.
    - Tidying and general cleaning.
    - Helping keep things running smoothly.

    Animals & Family Life:
    - Helping care for our alpaca (Sid), chickens, and dogs.

    Most work is physical but we keep things flexible and work around the weather. We aim to create a good balance between helping out and having time to enjoy your stay.

  • Languages

    Languages spoken
    English: Fluent
    Spanish: Beginner

    This host offers a language exchange
    We’re happy to share English and would love to practise Spanish. Natalie is especially interested in learning from native speakers from Central or South America.

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation

    - Private guest room with queen bed (suits 1–2 people)
    - Shared bathroom.
    - Large kitchen, lounge, and outdoor entertaining area.
    - Outdoor spaces, and seasonal pool.
    - Wide verandas with bushland views and sunsets.

    Food:
    - Shared evening meals (mostly vegetarian, or completely vegetarian if our guests are vegetarian).
    - Breakfast and lunch are self-serve from our supplies.
    - We are open to welcoming vegans but would appreciate if they would help with meal planning and preparation as we don't have a large vegan repertoire.

    We’re super happy for you to share recipes and contribute to meals if you enjoy cooking.

    Alternative options:
    - Large tent setup with comfortable mattress (great in cooler months).
    - Plenty of space for campervans or caravans.

    Wi-Fi is available.

  • What else ...

    What else ...

    There is no public transport nearby, so having your own car is helpful but not essential.

    We can:
    - Pick you up from Bundaberg and drop you back in at the end of your stay.
    - Include you in trips to town.
    - Take you along on weekend outings when possible.

    If you enjoy independence/ have your own car, we’re also happy to suggest places to explore on your own.

    Final note:
    If this sounds like your kind of experience, we’d love to hear from you.

    Tell us a bit about yourself, your skills, and what you’re hoping to get out of your stay.

    Nat & Damo

  • 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

    We have acres of space for workawayers to park their campervan or motorhome during their time here. We also have plenty of room to set up tents.

  • How many Workawayers can stay?

    How many Workawayers can stay?

    Two

  • My animals / pets

    My animals / pets

    Lana

    Banjo

Host ref number: 323977155349

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