Profile information
Host rating
80 %
Last replied
11 Mar 2024
Feedback
45
Email verified
Badges (2)
Details
Description
We are a Wildlife Sanctuary for orphaned and injured native animals in the Northern Territory of Australia (approximately 120 km southwest of Darwin). My husband (Malcolm) and I (Nina) initially purchased 400 acres of virgin bushland in 1995, built our home and numerous outbuildings on the property, and now provide food and care to hundreds of wallabies, kangaroos, possums, birds and other native wildlife throughout the year. Our location is quite isolated, a distance from people and roads, so is an ideal place to rehabilitate native animals and release them back into the wild.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Charity Work
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Volunteering at the sanctuary provides a unique opportunity to experience the real Australian bush and to interact with some of its amazing, native wildlife. As well as obtaining new skills.
Help
We operate the refuge ourselves with the help of many volunteers from around the globe. Volunteer tasks include helping to prepare food and feeding animals daily (including giving bottles to baby wallabies), cleaning animal areas, and working on special projects that arise (for ex. building or repairing fences or caging - no prior experience or skills needed). We also operate a smal eco friendly educational tour to booked clients and school groups . So assistance in this is expected. You will be an expert on Australian Animals by the time you leave.
Note: we seek volunteers for a minimum stay of 2 weeks, and have an initial 3-day trial period to make sure it’s a good fit for both host & volunteer. We don’t accept volunteers during the wet season (Dec-March) or for calendar months that are blocked, so please don’t email to request an exception. Please only fit volunteers apply. Many tasks are quite physical so if you haven't done outdoor work before please do not apply. We will not be able to keep you if you can not preform the tasks given.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Accommodation
On the homestead Two small cabins with 2 beds each and a fan; flush toilet in main house and private outdoor shower
Host provides 3 meals/day in the main house.
What else ...
We are located 2 hours from Darwin and 20 min. from Batchelor, but there is no local transport available. You will need to work with us to arrange a pick-up location and date/time near Darwin as we only drive into the city once per week. It is advisable to arrive the day before pick up as i have limited time in Darwin.
We are fairly close to Litchfield National Park but it is not accessible by foot from our property. To visit, you would need to schedule transportation and a tour either before or after your stay at the sanctuary. We do not accept volunteers whom have their own transport .As there are many animals laying about and are not accustom to vehicle's. That is the reason we transport all volunteers in ourselves. If you wish to keep in contact with friends and family . Then you will need to buy a Telstra sim card for your mobile. $30 credit will give you 3Gb or more . Telstra is the only service that works here. We are very remote because of the high cost of service I pay my personal internet service is not available to volunteers. However we have spent a considerable amount of money in stalling a system so mobile access is obtainable with a Telstra Sim card.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Hours expected
5 hours per day 5 days a week
Host ref number: 5569388784b2
Feedback (25)
10 Sep 2023
Left by Workawayer (Steven ) for host
I did my first workaday at Nina's wildlife sanctuary and I have to say it has been a once in a lifetime experience that I'll never forget. I've never lived off grid before and I found out I loved it, you are literally living with just Nina, hundreds of wild animals and nobody else for kilometers and it feels amazing. You learn how to communicate… read more
13 Aug 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Steven )
Steven is a nice and polite young man. He completed all the jobs I gave him. Loves animals and did a good job caring for the many wildlife we have as rescues. He can eat like a horse but accepts anything that is available. We are very remote so meals were basic. He didn't mind though. I think he should be given the chance to prove he can tackle… read more
(Excellent
)
12 Jul 2023
Left by Workawayer (Carolyn) for host
I spent 15 nights at Nina's and wish it would've been longer! I had a great experience, learning so much about the animals, the land and the culture in the Northern Territory. Working with the animals was awesome, but Nina stole the show for me! She's a big force and a big softie at the same time. I loved my time with her as much as I did with the… read more
10 Dec 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Rebecca)
Thank you for all your hard work. I loved having you. Rebecca is a tidy ,friendly,kind young woman. A joy to have. Come back to visit me before you leave.
(Excellent
)
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(4.9)
Cultural exchange:
(4.8)
Communication:
(5.0)
10 Sep 2023
Left by Workawayer (Steven ) for host
I did my first workaday at Nina's wildlife sanctuary and I have to say it has been a once in a lifetime experience that I'll never forget. I've never lived off grid before and I found out I loved it, you are literally living with just Nina, hundreds of wild animals and nobody else for kilometers and it feels amazing. You learn how to communicate… read more
13 Aug 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Steven )
Steven is a nice and polite young man. He completed all the jobs I gave him. Loves animals and did a good job caring for the many wildlife we have as rescues. He can eat like a horse but accepts anything that is available. We are very remote so meals were basic. He didn't mind though. I think he should be given the chance to prove he can tackle… read more
(Excellent
)
12 Jul 2023
Left by Workawayer (Carolyn) for host
I spent 15 nights at Nina's and wish it would've been longer! I had a great experience, learning so much about the animals, the land and the culture in the Northern Territory. Working with the animals was awesome, but Nina stole the show for me! She's a big force and a big softie at the same time. I loved my time with her as much as I did with the… read more
10 Dec 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Rebecca)
Thank you for all your hard work. I loved having you. Rebecca is a tidy ,friendly,kind young woman. A joy to have. Come back to visit me before you leave.
(Excellent
)
10 Dec 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Tobias Pontoppidan)
Although Toby was only able to stay for a week. I would have been glad to host him longer. Very friendly and funny guy. Enjoyed his company. Great worker and loved all the wildlife.
Wish him All the best in the future.
Wish him All the best in the future.
(Excellent
)
16 Jul 2021
Left by Workawayer (AliceO87) for host
I spent three weeks here and loved my time with Nina, Fed and the animals. I had a room to myself and enjoyed the food everyday. I had to clean out and feed some animals everyday and then there were various different jobs during the day - clearing leaves, cleaning the house, getting the park ready for campers and helping out with tours for school… read more
7 Nov 2019
Left by Workawayer (Marika) for host
I just spent four weeks at Nina’s place. From the beginning it was meant to be three but I’m very glad that I could stay for four because it wasn’t until the final week that I really connected with the newer joeys.
Living in the bush was an amazing experience, even thou I have never sweated as much as I did :). The work varied a lot, some times… read more
Living in the bush was an amazing experience, even thou I have never sweated as much as I did :). The work varied a lot, some times… read more
12 Oct 2019
Left by Workawayer (Clayton) for host
I just had an amazing 3 weeks at the sanctuary. I couldn't recommend it enough if you have any interest in learning or being around native animals more. The stories are plentiful, the company is amazing and the food is delicious. It's an experience not to be missed.
10 Oct 2019
Left by Workawayer (Sandrine) for host
I enjoyed soooo much being at Nina's Sanctuary !!! I stayed only 2 weeks but enjoyed every minute of it ! I loved being in the outback, surrounded by nature and animals. Nina is a great person. She is funny, super interesting, tells you a lot of stories, knows heaps of things about wildlife, she takes care of the animals as if they were her babies… read more
21 Aug 2019
Left by Workawayer (Theodore) for host
Wow! What an experience at the animal sanctuary! From the moment I met Nina till the time I left I was entertained by her amazing character, stories, and animals. I had a great variety of work that kept me engaged every day with clear instructions and even some freedom to engineer a project or two. Thanks Nina and Malcolm for having me and I hope… read more
20 Aug 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Theodore)
Teddie was a very respectful gentelman. I enjoyed having him. A man of many talents. Come back and see us someday Teddie.
(Excellent
)
20 Jun 2019
Left by Workawayer (Jaimy) for host
I really enjoyed being at Nina's sanctuary! Nina is a very sweet person, with great cooking skills and funny stories. I stayed here for four weeks. There is so much to learn about the animals and the bush! We worked 4 or 5 hours a day (feeding animals, cleaning, building and more). It all felt very peaceful and it was special to be this close to… read more
15 Jun 2019
Left by Workawayer (Nien Yu) for host
If you want to learn about the wild animals and the knowledge of Northern Territory, this is the best place for it. I had a very good time with Nina. Her life stories and unconditional love towards the animals makes Nina as the most wonderful/interesting human being i've ever met.
How to make sure if the place is a worth to go? Check if the… read more
How to make sure if the place is a worth to go? Check if the… read more
10 May 2019
Left by Workawayer (Jessica) for host
Wow! Words cannot describe my experience here. From bottle feeding ‘Roos to preparing food and feeding possums and gliders, I learned so much about Northern Territory wildlife. I had no idea what to expect and was a little terrified because some animals scare me but now I have a new found love for kangaroos and possums! Nina does so much for the… read more
1 May 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Ronja Kathleen)
Well what a beautiful young woman. I loved having her. Her love for the animals shinned through in her daily tasks. She had a special relationship with one of my Kangaroos in care named Sissy. Sissy misses you Katherine. So do I. She is a happy go lucky kind of girl that makes you smile when you are around her. She is serious about doing the tasks… read more
(Excellent
)
27 Apr 2019
Left by Workawayer (Ronja Kathleen) for host
Wow! It was an incredible experience to work at Nina‘s sanctuary!
I stayed for just more than three weeks and I learned a lot about wildlife and how it is to live on a remote place in the bush. The animals and the landscape are just amazing and really unique! Bottlefeeding Joeys and taking care for Possums and Sugar Gliders was daily business. I… read more
I stayed for just more than three weeks and I learned a lot about wildlife and how it is to live on a remote place in the bush. The animals and the landscape are just amazing and really unique! Bottlefeeding Joeys and taking care for Possums and Sugar Gliders was daily business. I… read more
1 May 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Alice)
Alice was a welcomed helper. She followed all the animals diet after just a short time. I truly loved having her. She was friendly ,open and caring. She treated all the animals with love and had some favourites. She tackled every task I asked her to do ,no complaints ever. I would gladly have her back.
(Excellent
)
9 Feb 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Workaway member)
This couple are friendly, respectful and a joy to host. They always asked if they could do anything to help out. They were not fussy eaters and we all got along beautifully. They loved the animals and made sure they have food and fresh water each day. Their animal care was perfect and I'm pretty fussy on that score. While they were here they… read more
(Excellent
)
6 Feb 2019
Left by Workawayer (Workaway member) for host
We dont even know where to start to describe the beautiful experience we have made. Nina herself is a strong and powerful woman, who knows what she wants. She does some incredible work with the animals at her sanctuary and we have learned so much about the australian wildlife (including salties! ;)) and life in general, especially when living in a… read more
13 Sep 2018
Left by Workawayer (Maggie) for host
This place is wonderful! Nina works tirelessly rescuing and caring for animals and as a result you are surrounded by wallabys, walleroos and possums all day. Her knowledge of marsupials is incredible and I learnt so much about them and the constant threats from predators and fires.
The work was varied and it was a pleasure working here, from… read more
The work was varied and it was a pleasure working here, from… read more
23 Aug 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Lisa )
LISA was great. Worked hard and loved the possums. Enjoyed her time with me . Completed tasks well. Happy person and it was infectious she always made you smile.
(Excellent
)
10 Apr 2018
Left by Workawayer (Lisa ) for host
I really enjoyed staying with Nina and all her animals. She's such a lovely woman with so much knowledge. She has a lot big projects to work at but it's nice to see the result after you finished something.
23 Aug 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Isabel & Miguel)
Thank you for choosing my place to come. I so enjoyed the time you were here. These pair helped really well together and did there very best in all tasks I gave them. Do not hesitate to accept them as workawayer they will try to please in anything you ask of them I miss them and would have they back again. Happy traveling you two!
(Excellent
)
30 Jul 2018
Left by Workawayer (Isabel & Miguel) for host
We stayed 2 weeks with Nina in May 2018 during our travels through Australia. We had a wonderful time experiencing the outback life here, being close to the kangurus, seeing all kinds of other animals crawling and flying around and learning what it means to leave remotely. Nina is one of the strongest and most energetic woman we met in life. She… read more
23 Aug 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Alisha)
I enjoyed having Alisha. She is an excellent artist. Wow the artwork she completed for me was amazing. She loved the wildlife and gave her best to everything I asked of her. Good luck in your studies.
(Excellent
)
23 Aug 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Rian)
What a lovely young woman. She was great at the tasks I set out and always happy. I recommend her to other host she's a hard worker and fun to be around. A strong woman who knows her own mind. Good luck with your future Rian.
(Excellent
)
23 Jul 2018
Left by Workawayer (Rian) for host
Thank you Nina for the amazing experience at your home. I could feel the love you have for the animals and the care you have for them. And don't forget the volunteers that you host, it is basic and perfect. And thanks to the other volunteers, you guys really made my stay so nice.
23 Aug 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Nate)
Wow what a man! well this will be a long feedback. Nate was a kind ,friendly ,gentle person. What a lovely person to find on the internet. He tackled all the projects with gusto and determination. Every one of his tasks was completed with a high degree of excellence. If you are luck enough to have him show an interest in your place then you would… read more
(Excellent
)
11 Aug 2018
Left by Workawayer (Nate) for host
It’s not easy to sum up my time here. For starters, I booked a month and ended up staying 2. It would have been longer but my time is Australia is a little limited. It truly is a special place. Nina is an amazing host and very accommodating. She tells great stories and really includes you in her life. Her husband Malcom took me fishing for the… read more
9 Nov 2017
Left by Workawayer (Karen) for host
Wow, wow, wow - an amazing experience at a wonderful sanctuary with an absolutely super host! I spent 4 wks amongst the wallabies, kangaroos, tawny frogmouths, possums, & sugar gliders, cutting fruit (actually fun!), collecting food dishes, giving bottles to joeys, learning to build an aviary, and listening to Nina's hilarious & inspirational… read more
9 Nov 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Karen)
Well where do I start!. Karen, Karen ,Karen. My lasting friend! I know Karen and I have formed a wonderful friendship. She's kind ,fun-loving, and most of all she cares with all her heart about the animals. She has the most amazing adventures to tell you about.From sloths to Chimps I loved hearing about it all. And the pictures Well !!! I hope… read more
(Excellent
)
9 Nov 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Luis Carlos)
Luis was very polite and friendly. He struggled with the heat but this is the worse time of year in the North. Even locals dislike the weather. He preformed all the jobs given to him with a smile. His work was done well and he kept the animal enclosures really clean. I had a lot of fun with him and he even cooked sometimes for himself which I… read more
(Excellent
)
16 Sep 2017
Left by Workawayer (Luis Carlos) for host
I had a great experience living with Nina and the kangaroos! I found myself sleeping and waking up in a room surrounded by lots of roos passing by and stopping at my doormat. I also enjoyed being a waiter of possums and sugar gliders. Work was hard sometimes but very rewarding! Sunset and the night sky were my favourite time of the day, gorgeous!… read more
21 Jul 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Valerie & Ben)
What can I saw . Wonderful, Wonderful, Wonderful. This couple was great . Friendly and hard working. Loved all the animals and gave them the best care. Ben cleaned the possum cages every morning spotless! They brightened my day with their good natured attitude. Always willing to give a hand in fact Ben needed something to do all the time. A man… read more
(Excellent
)
24 May 2017
Left by Workawayer (Valerie & Ben) for host
We stayed nearly three weeks with Nina and it was a great experience. Nina is a really tough Aussie-Outback-Lady with deep knowledge about the bush and its inhabitants. She also is very warm-hearted and we laughed so much together. She has great stories to tell. To care for the many caged and wild animals was a great pleasure. The work on projects… read more
21 Jul 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Natacha & Johan)
This couple were really lovely. They tackled any job I gave them with a smile. They did an excellent job on the Kangaroo shelter they built together. It was their first attempt at this kind of work. But they gave it their all . I was happy hosting them. They both loved the animals and treated them with love and kindness. All I ask is for… read more
(Excellent
)
18 Jul 2017
Left by Workawayer (Natacha & Johan) for host
We stayed with Nina and Malcolm for 2 weeks and it was amazing.
Nina really does a wonderful job, we admire everything she does for all kinds of animals. She really makes a difference, there should be more people like her.
Nina showed us some photos of the place before all the cages and shelters, what a huge difference, all that hard work out of… read more
Nina really does a wonderful job, we admire everything she does for all kinds of animals. She really makes a difference, there should be more people like her.
Nina showed us some photos of the place before all the cages and shelters, what a huge difference, all that hard work out of… read more
26 Apr 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Charlotte)
This was Charlotte's first workaway experience. I found her to be polite ,quite but with a willingness to complete jobs allocated to her. She's a city girl but worked well in this isolated environment. Charlotte loved the Kangaroos and this is the utmost important thing to me. Animals in her care were looked after well. I wish her all the best in… read more
(Very good
)
18 Apr 2017
Left by Workawayer (Charlotte) for host
I left Nina's today after a three week stay. It's a beautiful place, very remote and a wonderful place for the animals. Nina has a wealth of knowledge about the animals and the bush that she is happy to share. She also has some very interesting life stories! The work isn't difficult so long as you're up for physical tasks, it's also very varied.… read more
19 Dec 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Caroline)
Caroline,
What a lovely girl. I enjoyed having her so much. She was a great help on the Sanctuary and to me. She was respectful to my animals and her love for them shown through. She was quick to learn that it can be quite a challenge to work with Kangaroos as they are flight animals. All movement and chores must be completed with a steady pace… read more
What a lovely girl. I enjoyed having her so much. She was a great help on the Sanctuary and to me. She was respectful to my animals and her love for them shown through. She was quick to learn that it can be quite a challenge to work with Kangaroos as they are flight animals. All movement and chores must be completed with a steady pace… read more
(Excellent
)
14 Dec 2016
Left by Workawayer (Caroline) for host
I spent almost 4 weeks here and I just loved it!!! Nina is a awesome person, warm hearted and funny, and she teached me so much about wildlife and the outback! It was interesting to listen to her stories and help her with projects in the property. Surrounded by hundreds of wallabys and kangaroos,cute possums, rats, birds and also an funny emu I… read more
31 Oct 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Judith)
I so enjoyed hosting Judy. What a lovely young woman. She was hard working and self motivated . And she is so funny she kept us entertained. I would welcome her back to the Ark any day. She was very caring and loved the job of looking after wildlife. You can just tell if a workawayer is loving this life or just killing time. Judy loved all the… read more
(Excellent
)
12 Aug 2016
Left by Workawayer (Judith) for host
For about 7 weeks I stayed here and I feel so lucky! What a special experience living in the middle of nowhere surrounded by all these sweet and beautiful animals.
Sleeping in a room outside on the property with a wallaby guard on my doormat, so cool!
We did lots of different chores like feeding animals, gardening, painting, fencing, helping… read more
Sleeping in a room outside on the property with a wallaby guard on my doormat, so cool!
We did lots of different chores like feeding animals, gardening, painting, fencing, helping… read more
27 Jul 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Gavin & Michelle)
Gavin and Michelle,
Wow what to say? What a wonderful couple. Hard working ,caring, honest and lots of fun! We completed so many projects . They never once complained about anything and let me tell you the heat can be trying even for us locals. They were always excited to tackle any job ask of them. Michelle raked the joeys cage so well even the… read more
Wow what to say? What a wonderful couple. Hard working ,caring, honest and lots of fun! We completed so many projects . They never once complained about anything and let me tell you the heat can be trying even for us locals. They were always excited to tackle any job ask of them. Michelle raked the joeys cage so well even the… read more
(Excellent
)
23 Jul 2015
Left by Workawayer (Gavin & Michelle) for host
Just left Nina's and miss the place already. If you are lucky enough to stay here you will have the experience of a lifetime. The animals are very special and so is Nina. You will feel very welcome in her home and will laugh a lot. The work is varied and the food is great. You may even get to meet long time volunteer Ariane who is wonderful… read more
