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Host rating
100 %
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Last replied
17 Sep 2026
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Reply rate
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Usually responds within 5 days
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Feedback
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Find your perfect host
Min stay requested: at least 1 month
Details
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Description
Do you love and respect animals? We have an opportunity for 3 - 4 helpers to stay at our animal sanctuary, located 15 minutes from Warragul and 90 minutes from Melbourne CBD.
IMPORTANT VISA INFO
We are in a bushfire - declared postcode and are eligible to sign off on 88 - day Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417/462) extensions.
LENGTH OF STAY & EXPECTATIONS
Our strong preference is for longer stays of 2 - 3 months so you can fully integrate into the sanctuary routines. We will consider shorter stays only in special circumstances (e.g., if you have specific trade skills, farm experience, or prior sanctuary care background).
Your work requires you to be organised, motivated, and deeply respectful of our animal family. Experience with animals is preferred but not mandatory - we teach you everything on site.
ABOUT US AND LOCATION
We are friendly ethical vegans who love hosting conscientious, hard - working people. The sanctuary is set on 18 hectares with stunning views. Local cafes are 15 minutes away in Warragul, with hikes, state parks, and beaches (Phillip Island, Wilsons Prom) close by.
FOOD AND KITCHEN
We supply all ingredients for breakfast and lunch, which you prepare yourself in the main kitchen using the high-quality pantry items provided. A hot vegan dinner is provided for the team every day.
If you love to cook and have a favourite vegan recipe, we are happy to buy the ingredients so you can make it for the group! Please bring your own specialty or personal luxury items (we do regular trips to the local supermarket if you need supplies).
Our sanctuary is an ethical vegan organisation. We ask that out of respect for the animals you not bring any animal products onto the sanctuary grounds at any time during your stay.
TRANSPORT
Having your own vehicle is ideal for exploring Victoria. If you do not have transport, we provide regular lifts into town for supplies and public transport connections. -
Types of help and learning opportunities
Charity Work
Light gardening
Creative DIY projects
Animal Care
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
Light maintenance
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Interests
Sustainability
Vegetarian or vegan
Charity work
Photography
Plant care
Cooking & food
Gardening
Animals
Nature -
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Volunteers gain hands-on, practical experience in the daily operations of a large-scale animal sanctuary. You will learn individual animal care, behavior, and rehabilitation protocols for over 140 rescued animals - including cows, pigs, sheep, goats, alpacas, deer, birds, dogs and cats.
In exchange for your help, you will experience authentic Australian country living with ethical, like-minded people. During your time off, we help you arrange day trips to iconic regional spots, including Phillip Island (penguin parade, 1 hour away), Wilsons Promontory (national park, 2 hours away), local state parks, art galleries, and regional markets. -
Help
The help (25 hours per week) is physical and outdoors in all weather conditions. Standard duties centre on daily animal care: morning and evening feeds, enclosure spot cleaning, and water trough scrubbing. Beyond daily care, work varies based on sanctuary needs, including moving animals, paddock maintenance, branch clearing, assisting with infrastructure repairs or belly rubbing the pigs!
You will have plenty of dedicated time to bond with, socialise, and spend quality time with our rescued animals - it is one of the best parts of living and helping out here. -
Languages
Languages spoken
German: Fluent
English: Fluent
Spanish: IntermediateThis 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
We have three accommodation options available.
(1) THE HUT
A cosy, private space overlooking the dam with a fridge, microwave, toaster, and tea/coffee setup. Bed can convert for couples. Direct access to the main house kitchen, laundry, and bathroom. Stunning sunset views
(2) THE LARGE ROOM
A spacious room attached to the main house with a fireplace, work desk, and balcony overlooking the dam. Comfortably fits couples or shared stays.
(3) THE COTTAGE
A private, fully equipped cottage (own kitchen and bathroom) set away from the main house. Reserved for long - term or returning volunteers. -
What else ...
We have two part time sanctuary employees and a live-in sanctuary manager based in the main house, along with regular volunteers. You will work alongside our team to learn the daily operations of the property. We are a friendly group and love learning about other people's cultures and experiences.
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A little more information
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Internet access
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Limited internet access
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We have pets
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We are smokers
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Can host families
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Space for parking camper vans
This host can provide space for campervans.
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How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
Feedback (28)
Emily was a good, thorough worker who showed genuine care and compassion for our animals, making sure they were always well looked after. Her … read more
The work is absolutely manageable, … read more
This was my first workaway experience, and everyone staying here made it feel very welcoming. On the first day, I was full at nerves for doing something originally so out of my comfort zone, but both Noah and Patty make you … read more
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:
(4.9)
Communication:
(4.9)
Emily was a good, thorough worker who showed genuine care and compassion for our animals, making sure they were always well looked after. Her … read more
The work is absolutely manageable, … read more
This was my first workaway experience, and everyone staying here made it feel very welcoming. On the first day, I was full at nerves for doing something originally so out of my comfort zone, but both Noah and Patty make you … read more
I spent five weeks at the sanctuary, and I had an absolute blast. I learned so many new things, met so many wonderful people, and, of course, working with the animals was an unforgettable experience. I completely fell in love with the whole place.
Noah and Patty … read more
I want to have an animal sanctuary myself in the future and this was the perfect place to learn all the skills. Every single animal has a unique personality and it was a pleasure to got to know them all.
Noah and Patty are two incredibly inspiring and welcoming people. … read more
Weronika picked up her … read more
As a vet her knowledge of animal care … read more
At this Workaway you’ll … read more
Emily has an … read more
Natalie made sure all the animals under her care were well looked out for, and she was … read more
Not only was it so special to spend time and learn so much about the animals, getting to know them … read more
Joel is incredibly hard-working and skilled. He completed several large concrete projects … read more
Their dedication to the tasks at hand was exemplary. Darren and Becki are incredibly detail … read more
Noah … read more
She is a powerhouse, incredibly organised and approached every task with energy and insight. Not only that, she is an excellent … read more
Suzy is a quick learner with an amazing work ethic. She is a true trooper, displaying an incredibly high attention to detail. Once trained in a task, she ensures it is done right, without taking … read more
Dear Patty and Noah,
It’s been two weeks since I left the Sanctuary, and I already miss you so much. From the very first day, you made me … read more
He was amazing with the animals … read more
You made me feel welcome from the very first evening. The warm welcoming atmosphere made it so easy for me to feel at home.
The sense of community you have was a great experience and I enjoyed every minute of it.
I felt so comfortable that I extended my stay with you and ended up being able to spend a whole month at this … read more
the family who hosted me was always kind and understanding.
Noah and Patty really dedicate their lives to the rescue and rehabilitation of animals. With all their passion and dedication
They were cheerful and helpful (even when much of the state lost power and we were without electricity for a few days), … read more
While staying at our sanctuary she picked up a variety of jobs quickly and performed them cheerfully and to a very high standard.
She went out of her way to prepare several delicious vegan Taiwanese meals, provided us with a lot of new and … read more
From the moment I arrived, I was welcomed warmly by the team. The daily … read more
Work consisted mostly of feeding the animals and cleaning enclosures, as well as occasional odd jobs like reorganizing.
The area in the hills has amazing views and is very idyllic! Without your own transport … read more
