Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
6 Jan 2026
Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 5 days
Feedback
23
Email verified
Badges (3)
Details
Description
I’m Darrall, a long-time design educator semi retired who now maintains a quiet coastal home and garden solo. To keep things comfortable, helpers stay in a private, self-contained cottage with own carpark 20 mtrs from the main house. See cottage photos in profile (own kitchen/dining, bathroom with shower, lounge area, two king-single sofa beds, wood-burning stove, unlimited Wi-Fi, air-con heating/cooling, basic linen, access to laundry). Non-smoking, no drugs, no pets, no children. Quiet hours 10 pm–7 am. Couples or pairs only... your own car is essential as there are no shops in the village.
Location & perks:
• 1-min walk to the Port Stephens inland sea (kayak available; dolphins visit), 1-min walk to ~1000 acres of bushland (wallabies, birds)
• 5 min drive to the M1, 20 min to two spectacular beaches + supermarket/shops/restaurants (Tea Gardens / Hawks Nest) Your own car is essential as there are no shops in North Arm Cove.
• 30 min drive to Newcastle Airport, 1 hr to Hunter Valley wineries, 2.5 hrs to Sydney
• Easy parking on site, outdoor spa (use by arrangement)
The exchange
• 3 hours/day, 5 days/week (early starts or late afternoons to avoid heat)
• BYO food (self-cater in the cottage).
• Minimum stay: 1 week (longer by agreement)
Tasks:
Mulching, weeding, pruning, composting, wicking beds/irrigation tweaks, seedling care, tidy-ups, light brush-cutting/clearing, some cleaning and DIY projects. Pace is calm; no heavy lifting beyond comfort.
Learning & lifestyle
Happy to share permaculture-style approaches and local knowledge. Good fit for pairs/couples who value privacy and a quiet base to explore from.
Please include in your first message: you have your own car & dates you want to stay; garden/DIY experience; your interests.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Help around the house
General Maintenance
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.
Help
General gardening weeding around bananas, avocados, citrus etc. Depending on weather indoor help could involve cleaning and general maintenance / DIY. .
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Accommodation
See photos of your private, self-contained cottage with own carpark 20 mtrs from the main house. Kitchen/dining, bathroom with shower, lounge area, two king-single sofa beds, wood-burning stove, unlimited Wi-Fi, air-con heating/cooling, basic linen, access to laundry. Non-smoking, no drugs, no pets, no children. Quiet hours 10 pm–7 am.
What else ...
Essential to have your own car as there is no public transport in the village. 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.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
This host has indicated that they love having digital nomads stay.
Space for parking camper vans
Standard size campervan is ok. Single car space near to the cottage accommodation.
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
My animals / pets
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
Feedback (11)
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
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)
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
