Profile information
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Host rating
100 %
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Last replied
1 Aug 2026
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Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 2 days
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Feedback
25
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Email verified
Badges (3)
Find your perfect host
Min stay requested: at least a week
Details
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Description
I’m Darrall, a long-time design educator and university adjunct working part-time from home, supervising PhD students and doing education research. It’s a unique home near Port Stephens where all the rooms are five-sided pentagons. The house, cottage and permaculture gardens sit close to the inland sea, bushland, beaches, and a village community.
Two friends or couples are preferred, up to four guests at a time if the fit is right. The local village has a community garden, occasional cafe, tennis court, and activities in the Village Hall such as yoga, pilates, Tai Chi, Zumba, and community events.
You buy the food you want with your own money … so it’s accommodation only … you get the Cottage or main house room in exchange for 3 hours help per day for 5 days (per week) … so there’s 2 days not working every week… work timing depends a bit on weather… if it’s very warm work might be finished by 11 and the rest of your day is free. 🌞🌈
You can cook in the cottage (option 1) or use agreed kitchen arrangements if you are in the main house (option 2).
Accommodation is allocated by discussion before arrival so everyone is comfortable with the arrangement.
Lifts to local shops, beaches, and nearby transport can be provided. There is an outdoor pergola area with open-fire cooking, and the outdoor spa may be available by arrangement.
A car is not essential. The closest pick-up point is Karuah, which is on the Greyhound bus route from Sydney and can also be reached by local bus from Newcastle.
Option 1 — Self-contained cottage: A private cottage about 20 metres from the main house, with its own kitchen/dining area, bathroom/shower, lounges, two king-single sofa beds (or double), aircon and log fire (winter).
Option 2 — Large room in the main house : A spacious private room with queen bed, aircon, study desk, couch, massage bed, and library/guitars/congas.
It’s all non-smoking, no drugs, no pets, no children. Quiet hours are 11 pm–7 am. Minimum stay one week, longer by agreement. -
Types of help and learning opportunities
Help with Eco Projects
Light gardening
Creative DIY projects
Help around the house
Light maintenance
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Interests
Books
Vegetarian or vegan
Technology
Sustainability
Self development
Gardening
Art & design
Architecture
Beach
Fitness
Nature -
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
English language through conversation. Permaculture principles through application in the garden. Engagement with wildlife, wallabies, kangaroos, many birds and occasional koalas, dolphins visit the Cove 1 minute walk). Understandings of natural geometry built into the design of the house and studio.
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Help
General gardening, weeding around bananas, avocados, citrus etc. Depending on weather indoor help could involve cleaning and general maintenance / DIY. .
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Languages spoken
English: Fluent
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Accommodation
Option 1 — Self-contained cottage: A private cottage about 20 metres from the main house, with its own kitchen/dining area, bathroom/shower, lounges, two king-single sofa beds (or double), aircon and log fire (winter).
Option 2 — Large room in the main house : A spacious private room with queen bed, aircon, study desk, couch, massage bed, and library/guitars/congas.
Non-smoking, no drugs, no pets, no children. Quiet hours 10 pm–7 am. -
What else ...
Great beaches, restaurants and shops at the nearby town of Tea Gardens where there is a ferry boat to the Holiday resort town of Nelson Bay with Whale Watch, Dolphin / Fishing Cruises, Skuba Diving courses and snorkelling trips. Newcastle (second biggest city in New South Wales) is about a one hour drive with access from there to the Hunter Valley wine region. Newcastle International Airport is half an hour drive.
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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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Can host digital nomads
Some Workaways have set up part of the Cottage as their office space with lots of space and comfortable couches etc.
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Space for parking camper vans
Standard size campervan is ok. Single car space near to the cottage accommodation.
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How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
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My animals / pets
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
Feedback (12)
The work was clear, fair, and enjoyable (around 15 hours a week). Our main project was building a staircase … read more
They are warm people and they have a lot of knowledges to share. We were very happy to help them in their garden as much as we could.
They were here for four days and incredibly helpful in our own project(s).
They will be so well informed by the time they return to France we have asked to keep in touch with the project they do there. … 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:
(5.0)
Communication:
(5.0)
The work was clear, fair, and enjoyable (around 15 hours a week). Our main project was building a staircase … read more
They are warm people and they have a lot of knowledges to share. We were very happy to help them in their garden as much as we could.
They were here for four days and incredibly helpful in our own project(s).
They will be so well informed by the time they return to France we have asked to keep in touch with the project they do there. … read more
Her work ethic is strong, which together with her skills makes for a valuable work experience.
Nicole has been here for 9 days and she transformed our large gardens from weedy to neat and tidy as well as completing some specific … read more
Ff
The work was mainly in the garden, whereby I helped them weed and water the garden, and also learned how to build a rock wall. It's always satisfying to see the changes you made … read more
All the best for your world travels,
Darrall & Philippa
He was constantly helpful and a quick learner...
Nathan' practical skills are broad and growing.
Kirsty's people and communication skills are excellent
All the very best
Philippa and Darrall
We wish them well on their travels
Philippa and Darrall
He is determined to live life to the full and he does this with grace and warmth...
He has an open mind and loves to communicate - his English improves daily.
Carl's work ethic is excellent and he is quick to learn
We wish all the best for his journey,
Philippa and Darrall
Thanks for all your treats. You are very very nice.Too much I got from there . I will cherish all the memories and experiences from there. I have written down my appreciation on "woofer book". Only a week, u become my unforgettable memory. Great place! Great view! Great host! Maybe hard work but it's worthy.
See ya next … read more
