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Description
Hi, we are a retired couple who have a small eco retreat centre that we run as a lifestyle choice on an occasional basis. We love being in nature, (after spending so many years in the city), and we often spend our days in the garden and with our two Chihuahua dogs. Vanessa is a musician and spends a lot of time playing/recording and also giving sound journey's in our large yoga dome.
Our land is absolutely incredible - set on 30 acres of pristine Australian bush, complete with a secluded beach and lagoon, freshwater swimming, an ionised infinity pool and spectacular views. We live with kangaroos in the front yard, eagles flying overhead and the spectacular calls of the black cockatoos.
The beach which is 5 mins walk away is full of wildlife , good surf and sometimes we're lucky enough to see dolphins and whales in the bay.
We moved here from Sydney about 5 years ago and have fallen in love with the community. We live about 15mins drive south of Bermagui, a small fishing village which has turned into a tourist town. It has quaint shops, plenty of cafes and restaurants and a stunning swimming beach. The community here has a large amount of artists and musicians and there are many retirees here as well, as it's a beautiful place in the world to exist.
We are situated three hours south-east of Canberra, 6 hours from Sydney and 7 hours from Melbourne.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
General Maintenance
Interests
Self development
Van life
Pets
Movies & TV
Events & social
Photography
Music
Gardening
Cooking & food
Astronomy
Art & design
Animals
Yoga / Wellness
Winter sports
Outdoor activities
Nature
Mountain
Hiking
Fitness
Dancing
Camping
Beach
Adventure sports
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
There is a very active community here with open mic nights/music nights/dance on offer. As with any artisan town theres always great great coffee/bakery. We have a yoga studio in town that offers all kinds of workshops at different times. There's quite a few noticeboards in town filled with activities to do.
The area offers many places to swim/snorkel /surf/kayak and bush walk - and we are right next door to one of the most beautiful national parks in Australia.
You won't be short of things to do around here!
At our place, you will have a sanctuary in nature, to retreat from the world for a while and relax, or at times I'm happy to take you out sightseeing while we walk the dogs in different areas. There's a yoga dome to do yoga or play music.
I love to sit around and have a coffee chatting about life and philosophical musings. I love to meet different people and experience the different energy they bring to things. I grew up in a family where we hosted people from different parts of the world and it always brought a certain magic and aliveness to our lives. It really felt like an exchange where everybody benefitted. I'm looking forward to that experience again.
Help
Most of the work will be outside - we have 2 houses, 4 domes, a yoga dome and a caravan. We don't run many retreats - it's more a hobby than a business. Volunteers would not be expected to help out in any of the operations of the business or work in any areas occupied by paying guests.
A lot of the work will be general maintenance on the structures:
Cleaning the outside of the domes which can develop mould and pollen,
getting rid of spider webs which tend to gather around the pool/domes and outside of house,
clearing some of the smaller fallen branches in the forest and sweeping the paths,
some weeding/easy pruning,
helping in the vege garden,
some help inside the house - the same thing - spiderwebs/dust/windows etc.
(generally keeping everything clean and well maintained)
Vanessa will either be helping or supervising (as she has other work that she'll probably be doing too) but she'll always be around.
Steve is usually fixing stuff or doing his own thing in the garden so he won't be around much.
In terms of skill sharing, you’ll gain hands-on experience in the practical side of caring for a property in the Australian bush.
During your stay, you’ll also witness the rhythms and cycles of life in this unique environment. Over our time here, we’ve come to understand how everything grows, peaks, and dies back, only to flourish again. You’ll start to recognise the distinct calls and habits of the local birds — watching small birds chase eagles from their nests, magpies teaching their young, kangaroos swimming across the lagoon, and the ebb and flow of insect life through the seasons.
Every day here offers a front-row seat to the magic of nature in its wild, lush, and pristine form. You’ll not only develop practical outdoor and maintenance skills but also experience the calm, connection, and inspiration that come from living close to the land.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Accommodation
You'll either be staying in the retreat house or the glamping domes or the caravan. They are all super comfy as when we do operate as a retreat centre we offer a luxury experience.
We can provide food for you to cook your own meals, but we may also offer some cooked meals. We don't know how it will all work until we meet up, as different people have different requirements, but at the least there'll be a kitchen and enough food for you to make your own breakfast, lunch and dinner.
What else ...
We'd prefer you to come as two people - whether that be as a couple or friends.
While I will be around, I won't often be with you during working hours - and having company will definitely be easier.
We live about 15 mins drive out of town including 2kms of dirt road. There's no public transport out here. It would be better to have your own transport so that you can go exploring this beautiful area whenever you would like to.
If you don't have transport, I head into town daily for supplies and coffee which you are welcome to come with, but you will be stuck out here on your time off - which could get lonely.
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
We have a spot that you can park up your camper and we do have outdoor composting toilets.
Can possibly accept pets
Dogs are ok as long as they are not a puppy, are not an aggressive breed, not reactive and don't chase kangaroos. Old calm dogs are welcome as they are usually calm. We have two chihuahuas here. They will bark at your dog when you first arrive and if your dog isn't bothered by them they will quickly lose interest and stop barking. Anything like american staffies/pitbulls/etc won't work to be here.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
My animals / pets
Photos
