Help with Home and Yard maintenance and enjoy the beautiful bushland and beaches of the Central Coast, NSW

Australia

updated

Favourited 283 times

Host rating
Feedback
62
Last activity
31/03/2020
Nº of Facebook friends
753
Reply rate
93.9 %
Average reply time:
within 6 days
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Availability

2020

Min stay requested: at least a week

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Description
We live on the beautiful Central Coast of NSW. A 15min drive from beaches, in a lovely valley, surrounded by wildlife.

General duties could include housework, lawn maintenance, planting, clearing, cooking, painting, helping me with my small design and photography business, and other odd jobs. We have chickens for free range eggs and are building a veggie patch.

Guests will stay in our caravan. We provide linen and towels and all meals (we encourage you to feel at home) :)

Guests work from 9am till lunch, have the afternoon off and then help with cooking/clearing up at night. However this is flexible :) and may vary on different days.

We can accommodate singles, couples and friends. Mostly it will be just our family here, however there may be other Workaway guests.

We can pick up from our local station, Ourimbah.

We love meeting people from other countries and sharing experiences.
Type of help
Gardening
Building
General Maintenance
Cooking / shopping
Farmstay
Help in the house
Animal care
Help with Computers / internet
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
We live in a natural bushland setting surrounded by local birds and animals. Locally we have many beautiful bush walks and a Reptile park (mini Australian animal zoo).
You will interact and eat with our family (and the people who come and go here) and see how a pretty typical Aussie family lives :) At the moment we only have 1 son living at home - with the other 2 popping in at times.
Help
Daily housework, yard maintenance, gardening, cooking, painting, office work
Languages spoken
english
Accommodation
Guests will stay in our caravan that we are doing up. Its a little rustic, but has a comfy mattress and a tv. You will have access to our second bathroom in our home and also our kitchen. You will eat up in the house or on our back deck with us. So the caravan is mainly just for sleeping. Many backpackers have said how much they enjoyed camping on our land, waking to the sound of all the amazing birdlife we have :)
What else ...
We live in a beautiful area of Australia, the Central Coast. With beautiful beaches 15 mins drive away,
and state forests and bays close by. We live in a quiet area, with some lovely native birdlife around. We are close to 2 major cities. Both Sydney and Newcastle are an hour's drive away. We are on the train line for easy access. Its a 20 minute walk to the train station if you don't have a car. We can also drop you there :) We have a university close by where we go for internet access, as ours is very limited.
The Australian Reptile Park is close by, it has an abundance of native Australian animals that guests love to see.
A little more information
- Internet access
- Limited internet access
- We have pets
- We are smokers
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Hours expected
(max 25 hours/week) Usually 3 - 4 hours in the morning then 1 hour helping with dinner and clean up.

Photos

Feedback left by and about host (62)

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)

07/03/2020

Left by host for Workawayer (Jakub)

Jakub was a lovely fella, and a pleasure to have as part of our family for a couple of weeks. He was always polite and courteous and a fantastic help around our home and land. He worked really hard and created an awesome garden feature on our property. Thanks so much for all your help Jakub, You are welcome back any time!!

(Excellent )

07/03/2020

Left by Workawayer (Jakub) for host

I was lucky to stay with Ali and Geoff for two weeks and the time spent with them was perfect! They welcomed me in their home and were happy to show me around as well as lend me their car to explore the beaches and parks in the beautiful area. The work is mostly oriented around the house with some cleaning inside the house. It was just what I… read more

(Excellent )

31/01/2020

Left by host for Workawayer (Yvette & Raquelle)

Where do I begin with these two sisters! We LOVED having them in our home. They are so much fun to have around and they fit in like family. They made us some delicious meals - and even a Thanksgiving Dinner. Nothing was to hard for them to do and I appreciate all their cleaning and organising skills to get our home in order!
They will be a… read more

(Excellent )

03/01/2020

Left by Workawayer (Yvette & Raquelle) for host

Ali & Geoff are the best! My sister and I planned to stay ~2 weeks, but ended up staying a month! Fountaindale is a really nice place to be, close to beaches, bush walks, and small towns (we recommend Block 'n Tackle for beer paddles and cheese board). We loved exploring the Central Coast area and getting to use the car is a major plus! The work… read more

(Excellent )

31/01/2020

Left by host for Workawayer (Kate & Frederic)

We enjoyed having Kate and Frederic stay with us! They were great company and taught us many new games and delicious dishes. They were very helpful around our home, taking care of everything that needed to be done. I appreciate all your help!
Thanks again!
Ali and Co.

(Excellent )

30/01/2020

Left by host for Workawayer (Jan & Denisa)

We loved the time we had together with Jan and Denisa. So many wonderful stories and conversations - I wish we could have spent more time together. We are forever grateful that they were both soooo wonderful with our doggies and that we were able to entrust them into their care while we went away for a week. These guys are both so trustworthy and… read more

(Excellent )

06/01/2020

Left by Workawayer (Jan & Denisa) for host

Ali@Geoff are the best host ever! We stayed 2weeks. It was our first Workaway both of them are very patient and kind to explain everything you need to know. They are very warm welcome. Caravan is little bit rustic but it's a good adventure. It was also nice work at the mornings and have a free afternoon we had plenty of time to explore Central… read more

(Excellent )

29/01/2020

Left by Workawayer (Agata) for host

Ali and Geoff were simply amazing!! I’ve stayed in their beautiful house for two weeks that I will always cherish. Right from the beginning I felt like I was part of their family. I really loved the conversations cooking together and the overall atmosphere in the house. If you’re looking for a place where you can truly experience a life of an… read more

(Excellent )

29/01/2020

Left by host for Workawayer (Agata)

We loved having Agata to live in our home with us! She is a gorgeous girl who worked hard and helped us in many ways. She is an absolute delight to have around and we very much enjoyed her company and conversations.
She was flexible with times, easy going and happy to do everything asked of her. Thanks for everything Agata, I am so happy to have… read more

(Excellent )

02/05/2019

Left by Workawayer (Jeanne) for host

Thank you Alisson for the very warm welcome. She immediately put me at ease.
I had some very good dinner, thanks a lot!
Indeed, the caravan is a bit rustic, but it's a good adventure. To sleep is reasonable, but dress up well with the cold nights that are coming :)
I don't have my international driving licence, but Goeff and Alisson are here to… read more

(Excellent )

16/03/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Rintaro)

Hi Rintaro!
Oh yes that was a funny moment - he is very affectionate! It was such a pleasure having you stay with us. We enjoyed your kindness and attention to detail. Thank you so much for all your hard work, we appreciate it very much. You are very welcome to come back any time! I still have the lovely origami star ball you made me - what a… read more

(Excellent )

22/09/2018

Left by Workawayer (Rintaro) for host

It was a wonderful experience staying with your family! I will never forget the moment I got into your car and Daz ran up to me.
It was my first Workaway experience and did not no how it works but Ali and Geoff told me so kind. My work were cleaning the kitchen, helping sort and clean the bathroom and downstairs and so on.
Going back to… read more

(Excellent )

15/03/2019

Left by Workawayer (David & Johannah) for host

We found Geoff and Ali and their family to be very warm and kind. David was given gardening tasks and Johannah generally cleaned and tidied the house but tasks are usually given accordingly depending on your ability or skills. Ali let us use her car and there are nice beaches nearby. I was unwell when we were there and Ali and Geoff were very… read more

(Excellent )

03/01/2019

Left by Workawayer (Farina & Sofea) for host

Alison & Geoff was very welcoming and accommodating right from the very beginning.. Unfortunately they had to fly off to Mexico for work-come-holiday commitments, yet they trust us to stay in their beautiful house in their absence and even offered us to use their car if we wanted to, in exchange for easy household chores. Not to mention the… read more

(Excellent )

12/08/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Isobel & Jonah)

We all absolutely LOVED having Izzy as part of our family while she was in Australia. She was always fun and enthusiastic, easy going and just super lovely to be around. Nothing was every a problem for her and she helped us with everything that needed doing with gusto. Izzy you are always so welcome in our home, so we hope we see you again! Hope… read more

(Excellent )

10/08/2018

Left by Workawayer (Isobel & Jonah) for host

As I reminisce on my time in Australia, I have to say that staying with the beautiful Brown family in Central Coast was definitely a highlight. The entire family is so kind, funny, generous, and loving. I was there for 10 days and enjoyed every single moment. I cannot recommend this experience enough!!
Thank you Ali, Geoff, Toby, Daz, Jake, and… read more

(Excellent )

19/04/2018

Left by Workawayer (Alexandre & Alexandra) for host

We stay with Goeff and Ali for almost a month and it was a great workaway experience for us. Since the very first day we arrived in their family we feel at home. The job was pretty easy, the food was good and the caravan was comfortable. There is lot of things to do in the central coast, the train station is close and they to let us take their car… read more

(Excellent )

27/02/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Duncan)

Duncan came to stay with us for a short while. Unfortunately his time was cut short due to an emergency he had to fly home for. Even just knowing him for a small amount of time it is very obvious that Duncan has great character. He is super easy to get along with and was very willing to help, offering to do things whenever he could. I hope that… read more

(Excellent )

27/02/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Jackson)

It was really great to have you stay with us Jackson! Thank you for all your work with the chickens and daily jobs keeping our house running smoothly! I'm sorry you couldn't get to have more of a holiday in your time off, but I can see you are a very dedicated young man and your students would have appreciated you tutoring them while you were… read more

(Excellent )

24/02/2018

Left by Workawayer (Jackson) for host

I had a fantastic time with Geoff and Ali! You welcomed me immediately into your home and set the bar immensely high as my first stay in Australia. Everyone was extremely nice and I had an amazing two weeks. Ali is a lovely cook and Geoff and Toby are always fun to be around. The area is beautiful and even though I got stuck doing a lot of calls… read more

(Excellent )

27/02/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Hannah)

Oh such fun times with you Hannah haha. I'll never forget the wombat in our hallway, that water monster in the front garden and hearing you talk about the bat in your room. Haha - it sounds like we live in a zoo! Seriously it was truly fab having you here, you fit in like family from the very beginning. I appreciated your 'do anything', cheerful… read more

(Excellent )

26/02/2018

Left by Workawayer (Hannah) for host

Just had the best 4 weeks that flew by staying with Ali and Geoff who are so welcoming, friendly and funny! This was my first workaway experience and I didn't want it to end because I had so much fun everyday. My general tasks were cleaning the kitchen, helping sort and clean the bathroom and downstairs and I helped in the chicken farm on one of… read more

(Excellent )

17/01/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Dominika & Martin )

Thank you so much for all your help Dominika and Martin. We are missing you so much already. We got used to having you as part of our family!! I'm so glad you felt so comfortable with us - and were able to cope with our busy schedules. What can I say about your organisational and cleaning skills Dominika?? Wow!! You were so awesome and helped me… read more

(Excellent )

16/01/2018

Left by Workawayer (Dominika & Martin ) for host

Thank you Ali and Geoff for this opportunity - to stay in your awesome house in a beautiful location. We really feel very comfortable from the first day we arrive until the last one... We spent there more than month which was our longest workaway but we did not even realize it - we enjoyed it very much! I was happy when I saw that you have little… read more

(Excellent )

02/12/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Petra)

Petra - what can i say? You were a lifesaver!!! Without doubt one of the most trusted and reliable workawayers you could ever hope for!
My house was organised, we were fed, and you were lovely to have as part of our family for this little part of your journey.
All the best for your future and come back any time!
Ali and Geoff xx

(Excellent )

18/03/2017

Left by Workawayer (Petra) for host

Alison and Geoff, thanks again for the stay in your beautiful house. I felt very welcome from the first moment and it was a pleasure to work for you.

(Excellent )

02/12/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Catherine)

Catherine was amazing to have around our home. nothing was ever a problem for her and she helped me get organised and stay sane (somewhat :)) She even helped me out on a photo shoot :) (Remind me to send you the pics!)
She fit in perfectly and was a lovely person to have in our home.
Maybe see you in the Isle of Skye one day!
ali and geoff xx

(Excellent )

09/09/2017

Left by Workawayer (Catherine) for host

I had a really lovely few weeks staying with Ali, Geoff and family in Fountaindale! Most days consisted of a bit of cleaning each morning then the rest of the day to yourself. I had a really great time on my days off, with Ali either driving me to visit different areas or taking me to the station so I can catch a train. I'll also really miss… read more

(Excellent )

02/12/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Johannes)

Johannes was amazing to have around! He took full responsibility for my husband's chicken farm, while he was OS. He was trustworthy and hard working - and fit in VERY well with our family. And he's a super nice guy! I'm so glad you had fun with us and all the best for the rest of your travels!
See ya in Germany for the wedding ;)
Ali, Geoff,… read more

(Excellent )

30/11/2017

Left by Workawayer (Johannes) for host

Thanks Alison and Geoff !
I stayed at your house for 2 weeks and they were definitely 2 of my best weeks in Australia ! I already miss your whole family, the surf and the little puppy.
The food was so good and you helped wherever you could. I had the opportunity to use your car after I finished my work, which was never to hard.
A big thank you… read more

(Excellent )

29/10/2016

Left by Workawayer (Joanna) for host

It's taken me FAR too long to write about staying with this awesome family. I stayed for 10 days with them at the central coast and have never been more chilled out. Their home is gorgeous and I loved curling up on the sofa on the terrace with a mug of coffee and my book in the sun spot and cuddling up to Sam the dog.
The work is easy and they're… read more

(Excellent )

26/09/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Joanna)

Joanna was fantastic! We loved having her as part of our family for this little time. She was a lot of fun and very helpful - with great organising skills! Come and visit us again some time :) xx

(Excellent )

27/09/2016

Left by Workawayer (Tabea & Adrian) for host

They are a really nice family and I felt welcome in their house from the very first minute. As the house is a little bit remote, Ali would always take me along when she was going somewhere. The work consisted mainly in housework and was very much appreciated. I always enjoyed dinner time, the result of the "magical" cooking of Ali was always… read more

(Excellent )

26/09/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Tabea & Adrian)

Tabea was wonderful to have at our home. She was very friendly, polite and helpful - and nothing was a problem for her! We really enjoyed her peaceful nature and good conversations. All the best for the rest of your travels and come back and visit us again soon! xx

(Excellent )

26/09/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Katerina)

Katerina was amazing! We loved having her as part of our family. She was brilliant at cleaning, organising - and folding!!! She has a lovely friendly nature - and loves chocolate brownies for breakfast ;) Come back and visit us one day! Hope life is going well for you! xx

(Excellent )

30/04/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Andrew)

It was such a pleasure to have you stay with us Andrew! You just seemed to fit in with the flow of our family so well :) Thanks for all the help you gave us, getting on top of things around the land and home - really appreciated it!!
Hope all is going well with your travels - and drop back in if you are nearby again!
Ali, Geoff, Darcy, Toby and… read more

(Excellent )

07/04/2016

Left by Workawayer (Andrew) for host

I contacted Geoff and Ali and was looking for a place last minute for the next day, and was not expecting it, but they told me I was welcome to stay. It was a great week! Lots of good food, the work was nice and relaxing, and they took me around to some nice local spots. They have a wonderful family and you couldn't ask for better hosts. Thanks so… read more

(Excellent )

30/04/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Felipe & Tatiana)

Aww thanks guys! We seriously loved having you to stay with our family!! You were so much fun and such great helpers. My house was always so clean and organised with you here. And believe me it was you guys who were the great cooks!! Loved all the meals you made :)
Haha you should have told us it was cold down there and we could have given you… read more

(Excellent )

30/04/2016

Left by Workawayer (Felipe & Tatiana) for host

We stayed with the Browns for 16 days and we had a great time with them! Ali, Geoff, Toby and Darcy shared with us many experiences which we really enjoyed a lot. We had some great meals that Ali prepared (musaka and massaman curry were awesome!) and we played cards with Toby and Geoff many times. We also learned from Darcy how an Aussie brekky is… read more

(Excellent )

27/03/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Lena & Pascale)

Lena and Pascale were amazing! We really loved having you here girls. Thanks for all the delicious meals and thorough cleaning jobs and painting you completed. It was a blessing to have you here this week! Enjoy the rest of your travels and keep in touch.
White Lane Studio Vimeo is the place for the films :) And don't forget to go to Cockatoo… read more

(Excellent )

26/03/2016

Left by Workawayer (Lena & Pascale) for host

Alison and Geoff were great hosts. We had a really good time there. The area is really beautiful, we enjoyed to walk around and we enjoyed the beaches.
The caravan were we stayed is confortable.

Thanks all of you for that great time :).

(Excellent )

17/10/2015

Left by host for Workawayer (Tianmin)

Thanks Ren and Lu for all your help!!
Our land and home are looking so much better after your stay. We really appreciated all the hard work you did and enjoyed your company and conversations very much!
'Mi Casa, tu Casa' is true - come back some time!

(Excellent )

17/09/2015

Left by Workawayer (Tianmin) for host

"Mi casa, tu casa." That's what the host said and did.It's just great!

(Excellent )

02/04/2015

Left by host for Workawayer (Leonard)

Thanks for your kind comments Lenny! It was so great to have you here. We really appreciate all the help you gave us around our home and yard. Haha the card games! You were so fun to play with - you got so good at 'the M Deal' - its holidays now - I finally have some time to learn your game! Sorry we ran out of time while you were here. You'll… read more

(Excellent )

02/03/2015

Left by Workawayer (Leonard) for host

I stayed with the browns 2 weeks and I really enjoyed it. From the beginning I felt welcome and as a part of the family. The work was nice and not too one-sided (was so fun to catch the chicken :D ). The food was always very tasty and in the evening we often played cards together (thanks for showing me Monopoly Deal, was always a lot of fun!).… read more

(Excellent )

10/01/2015

Left by host for Workawayer (Roisin & Finlay)

Finally on hols and time to reply! It was wonderful having you guys here. I enjoyed our D and Ms, discussing wedding dreams and our photo shoots :) We really appreciated all the much needed help you gave us and the lovely meals you prepared while you were here. Hope the rest of your travels are going well - and yay for Scotland!
Ali and Geoff xx

(Excellent )

15/12/2014

Left by Workawayer (Roisin & Finlay) for host

This was our first ever work away experience and it was brilliant. Ali and Geoff are such warm people, they really made us feel welcome and were interested in us. Our work was always appreciated and they really made an effort to show us the area which is lovely! Toby is such a funny and witty guy and Darcy really helped make us feel comfortable.… read more

(Excellent )

10/01/2015

Left by host for Workawayer (Lucas)

It was a pleasure to have you here with us Lucas! Despite not being able to understand each other very well with the language barrier, lots can be said with smile and laughs - of which we had plenty :) You are a great worker and a kind-hearted boy. You are welcome to return any day!!!
And yes, Go here! :)
Ali and Geoff

(Excellent )

28/12/2014

Left by Workawayer (Lucas) for host

I passed 2 nice week at Ourimbah.
The family of Alison and Goeffrey is very nice.
They live in a beautiful place, with bird and all their chickens.
Goeff and Tobby have me bring see the beautiful beachs and a match of football.
I hope I could return see you one day.
Thank you for this 2 nice week with you.
And long life the Mariners… read more

(Excellent )

02/11/2014

Left by host for Workawayer (Carly & Laura)

Yes, we would have loved to have had you both for longer! Even though it was a short time, we felt like we got to know you well and we appreciate all the help you gave us! Hope all the rest of your travels go well - and that all your dreams come true when you get back home :)
ali and geoff xx

(Excellent )

24/10/2014

Left by Workawayer (Carly & Laura) for host

Although we were only with this family for a long weekend, we were made to feel very welcome straight away and the atmosphere is very relaxed. Ali went out of her way to show us some local sights and was really helpful with local knowledge. Even showed us a fab Aussie movie and we hand fed local wild birds from the balcony which was lovely! Whilst… read more

(Very good )

17/08/2014

Left by host for Workawayer (david & yeye)

Sorry its taken me ages to write a review too - we are still super busy! We really enjoyed having your lovely family stay with us, despite us not having much time to spare! Thank you for all the jobs you did and for cooking meals and sustaining us :) I miss coming home from work and getting my cuddle from Tito! Hope you are all well and life is… read more

(Excellent )

16/08/2014

Left by Workawayer (david & yeye) for host

We were lucky to live with this family for a couple of weeks. They were very busy by that time, but they were still nice even when they arrived home very tired. They always had a smile and they were all very easy-going. Ali and Geoff treated us really well and they were great with our son too. They’re football fanatics, so I felt like I was in… read more

(Excellent )

14/07/2014

Left by Workawayer (Nikolai) for host

It's already a while ago, that I stayed with this family. But I really enjoyed my stay. They are a very friendly and nice family.
I stayed together with a swiss girl and we had a great time. We've been able to take the car for trips in our free time.
The work was also good, many different things to do.

(Excellent )

30/04/2014

Left by host for Workawayer (Nikolai)

It was fabulous to have you stay with us Nikolai! We really appreciate all the help you gave us with making chicken fences, mowing, cooking and all the other jobs! Plus helping us with all our broken appliances (you are full of good ideas :) ) and for letting me take pics of you :)
We really enjoyed your company and friendship. You are a great… read more

(Excellent )

22/06/2014

Left by host for Workawayer (Holger)

It was such a pleasure to have you here Holger, and yes! I agree the time was way too short - lots more conversations and sharing of adventures still need to be had! You are always welcome back at our home - so hope it works out with your world travels somehow :) We really appreciated all your hard work around our home - and your friendship - and… read more

(Excellent )

12/06/2014

Left by Workawayer (Holger) for host

Hi Ali, Geoff and Toby (the world-champion in handball !). Thanks so much for the warm welcome to your home. Unfortunately it was way too short, because it's still a lot to do and way more to talk about ! It was good, to do some good old physical work, after the 8 weeks of being a bit lazy while sailing. Let's see, if i have the opportunity, to… read more

(Excellent )

12/06/2014

Left by host for Workawayer (Nele)

ah it was a good reminder for me to write one too :) Nele was fabulous! We loved having her as part of our family and hope she comes back to visit more! She is a hard worker, great painter and so much fun to have around. She really did feel like one of the family :) And she's a great cook too! We really appreciate all her help and her friendship.… read more

(Excellent )

11/06/2014

Left by Workawayer (Nele) for host

I can't believe it took me this long to write a review! The time I spend in Ourimbah was truly wonderful! The Browns are a loving family, who take time to get to know you and make you feel part of the family. It makes the hours working more fun than actually working! If it is important for you: they also have a splendid taste of music ;) if this… read more

(Excellent )

30/04/2014

Left by host for Workawayer (Corinne)

Corinne is a gorgeous gal, with a happy and friendly nature. She was a fabulous help to us, cooking and running our home while I have been working. We really appreciated it! She is a great cook - En guete!! We really enjoyed your company Corinne, with lots of laughs and good times :) Thanks for putting up with all our broken appliances and for… read more

(Excellent )

30/04/2014

Left by host for Workawayer (Kirran Sean)

Thank you for your kind words Kirran!
It was SUCH a pleasure to have you to stay with us. You are such a polite and friendly young man and everyone in our family enjoyed your company immensely. We really appreciate all the help you gave us with building fences for the chickens, mowing lawns, fixing our driveway - and being a model for me :)
We… read more

(Excellent )

29/04/2014

Left by Workawayer (Kirran Sean) for host

I can't believe that nobody wrote something here for you! The stay with Alison and Geoff and their family was terrific :)
The area in Fountaindale is beautiful and there are a few lovely beaches to go to swim. You can improve you knowledge of caring about chickens by Geoff or you might have the chance to be a part of a photoshoot taken by Alison… read more

(Excellent )

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