Australia
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We live on Raymond Island in the middle of Australia's beautiful Gippsland Lakes. Our home has a large garden (1.2 hectares) with food crops and Australian native plants. Our garden is home to many animals (including kangaroos and koalas) and birds.
We're an easy-going couple who moved from the city to rural Victoria for a sea/tree change. Jane's background is education (university and technical) and Tom's background is international marketing. We've decided to be Workaway hosts after enjoying an unexpected visit in 2015 from two German exchange students.
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
We can help you to improve your English, no matter what skill level you already have. You'll learn more about Australian culture - not just the Crocodile Dundee image that you see at the movies. You'll have the opportunity to participate in Island life and meet other Islanders. We can teach new cooking and other practical skills if you're interested. Our aim is to provide a fun and rewarding cultural stay.
Raymond Island is located 4 hours east of Melbourne on Australia's largest lakes system in internationally recognised RAMSAR wetlands. It is 8km x 2km and home to arond 500 people. Apart from discovering the challenges of organic coastal gardening, there's lots of local wildlife to see in a natural habitat. We're happy to spend time with our travellers exploring the local region on the mainland (mountains to ocean beaches), especially at the weekends.
We enjoy sharing our lovely garden and ask for general help around the property and especially in the garden in return. Help could be anything from painting to planting trees, cooking dinner, spring cleaning or puppy-sitting. There's no fixed schedule and work is active but doesn't require great physical strength.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
This 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.
Our house is large and comfortable and you can share our home with your own bedroom/s. We have good Internet access to contact home but avoid downloading movies (there's a largish DVD collection instead). We have two friendly dogs who love attention and walks.
In summer the water's great for swimming and in winter curl up with movies or books in front of the fire. We have a strong local music culture and you're likely to have at least one opportunity to see a live performance.
We cook a wide range of foods and can accommodate special dietary requirements, for example if you are a vegetarian.
We are a no-smoking house.
There are no shops on the Island but have a short ferry ride to the mainland shops at Paynesville. We have bicycles to explore the Island. Public transport is limited and we are happy to help with transport from the country trains at Bairnsdale (our nearest town).
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
They could work from their own bedroom/sitting room.
We live on over a hectare so plenty of room.
Friendly dogs yes. We have two Labradoodles.
Two
Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week
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:
(4.9)
Communication:
(4.9)
