Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
7 Mar 2024
Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 2 days
Feedback
61
Facebook verified
Email verified
Badges (3)
Details
Description
Bob is a professional voice actor and Denise is a Doctor. Our place is 4 hectares of heaven with sheep, alpacas and many fruit trees. We love the life of Apollo Bay and enjoy our extensive garden and beautiful geography. We prefer to eat local produce and tread lightly on the planet.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Happy to help with your English.
We can share our experience of Australian customs and attitudes.
We like to share recipes and food preserving tips.
You can also learn something about beekeeping, sheep husbandry, permaculture and pruning fruit trees.
Help
Extensive gardens mean many weeds! Help us in maintaining the garden,
and take care of the sheep and sometimes goats.
We have a couple of bee hives, many fruit trees, a great sense of humor and .... did we mention the weeds?
We love to discover new cooking ideas - You are welcome to demonstrate!
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Accommodation
There are 2 guest rooms in our house. One has a double bed the other a single bed.
You live with in the house with us help, cook, eat and clean with us - but you have your own room and privacy.
We also have a modern onsite caravan with its own shower and toilet - 1 bed - sleeps 2.
What else ...
Apollo Bay is the most southerly village on the Australian mainland. It's a very beautiful place with great surf beaches wonderful mountain surroundings forests there's even a place called Paradise just a few kilometres up the road. We are 5 kilometers from town. Our 4.2 hectares faces north with a view of the town and the surrounding hills.
The great Ocean Walk is just down the road and the area is a alive with birds, koalas and wallabies.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
We have unlimited NBN
Space for parking camper vans
Small to medium van can be parked near power - or up the hill with a view.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Hours expected
Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week
Host ref number: 612369731565
Feedback (25)
11 Apr 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Kei)
Kei was a great help around our little hobby farm. He approached all jobs with diligence.
The beehive frames were cleaned beautifully!
He’s also thoughtful and a good conversationalist.
The beehive frames were cleaned beautifully!
He’s also thoughtful and a good conversationalist.
(Excellent
)
29 Feb 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Charlotte)
Charlotte was an absolute delight to have in our house. She is a hard worker great communicator and has a sharp sense of humour. She also enjoyed foraging for blackberries. We have her back any time.
(Excellent
)
29 Feb 2024
Left by Workawayer (Charlotte) for host
Staying with Denise and Bob in Apollo Bay is a great chance. There are so many things to learn from them. I never lived with people who are so much into food, you will definitely enjoy Bob's dishes always prepared with a pinch of singing ;)
You will learn about gardening, sheep husbandry, trees, international food and spices and also about… read more
You will learn about gardening, sheep husbandry, trees, international food and spices and also about… read more
17 Dec 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Lisa)
Lisa was a pleasure to have in our home. She was meticulous in her approach to the work and fearless around new tasks in the garden. Her nursing skills also shone when we vaccinated our lambs.
Great conversation too!
Great conversation too!
(Excellent
)
12 Dec 2023
Left by Workawayer (Lisa) for host
Denise and Bob were my first Workaway experience and it was absolutely perfect. They are warm and welcoming and they try to find work for you that suits your skills. The house and the huge garden are amazing and perfect to enjoy the nature and the stillness. I was lucky that I wasn't the only workawayer there and we had a fantastic cultural… read more
Photos
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:
(4.9)
11 Apr 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Kei)
Kei was a great help around our little hobby farm. He approached all jobs with diligence.
The beehive frames were cleaned beautifully!
He’s also thoughtful and a good conversationalist.
The beehive frames were cleaned beautifully!
He’s also thoughtful and a good conversationalist.
(Excellent
)
29 Feb 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Charlotte)
Charlotte was an absolute delight to have in our house. She is a hard worker great communicator and has a sharp sense of humour. She also enjoyed foraging for blackberries. We have her back any time.
(Excellent
)
29 Feb 2024
Left by Workawayer (Charlotte) for host
Staying with Denise and Bob in Apollo Bay is a great chance. There are so many things to learn from them. I never lived with people who are so much into food, you will definitely enjoy Bob's dishes always prepared with a pinch of singing ;)
You will learn about gardening, sheep husbandry, trees, international food and spices and also about… read more
You will learn about gardening, sheep husbandry, trees, international food and spices and also about… read more
17 Dec 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Lisa)
Lisa was a pleasure to have in our home. She was meticulous in her approach to the work and fearless around new tasks in the garden. Her nursing skills also shone when we vaccinated our lambs.
Great conversation too!
Great conversation too!
(Excellent
)
12 Dec 2023
Left by Workawayer (Lisa) for host
Denise and Bob were my first Workaway experience and it was absolutely perfect. They are warm and welcoming and they try to find work for you that suits your skills. The house and the huge garden are amazing and perfect to enjoy the nature and the stillness. I was lucky that I wasn't the only workawayer there and we had a fantastic cultural… read more
14 Dec 2023
Left by Workawayer (Burkina) for host
The week spent at Bob and Denise's little slice of heaven was so great - They are very warm and welcoming people who host workawayers for all the right reasons.
Thank you for facilitating an amazing multicultural experience for all of us. It was lovely working alongside two other workawayers (one from Japan, and the other from Germany). Sharing… read more
Thank you for facilitating an amazing multicultural experience for all of us. It was lovely working alongside two other workawayers (one from Japan, and the other from Germany). Sharing… read more
10 Dec 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Burkina)
Burke is a breath of fresh air!
She’s hardworking with a positive outlook and a great sense of humour.
Also loves a chat.
She’s hardworking with a positive outlook and a great sense of humour.
Also loves a chat.
(Excellent
)
4 Dec 2023
Left by Workawayer (Natsumi) for host
Staying with Bob and Denise was an unforgettable experience. It was my first workaway and I was a bit nervous to come at first, but they treated me very kindly. The work included weeding, planting, cooking and other house chores which I enjoyed as I found them satisfying. They often showed me local sights and I was amazed by all the unique… read more
24 Nov 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Natsumi)
Natsumi is an absolute delight!
She worked hard.We enjoyed great conversation and her insights into cultural differences and similarities.
Highly recommended
She worked hard.We enjoyed great conversation and her insights into cultural differences and similarities.
Highly recommended
(Excellent
)
3 Dec 2023
Left by Workawayer (Nathalie & Jan) for host
Denise and Bob are really lovely people. We had our first Workaday experience with them and enjoyed it a lot. We learned much and would always go there again! We can only recommend staying with them :)
2 Dec 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Nathalie & Jan)
A genuine power couple!
Nat & Jan were energetic, helpful and a delight to have around. We would recommend highly - especially if you like to laugh 😆
Nat & Jan were energetic, helpful and a delight to have around. We would recommend highly - especially if you like to laugh 😆
(Excellent
)
28 Mar 2023
Left by Workawayer (Mohammad & Somo) for host
We spent a very nice week with a lovely couple. Very loveyhouse. Denise really had very good information about history and cultures and had a lot of travel experience. Bob is a real cook with very delicious food and a very kind and positive personality who tried to help us in the first days of our migration, for which we are very grateful and… read more
27 Mar 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Mohammad & Somo)
These two brave souls are here in Australia to start a new life. We loved learning about their journey and helping them along the way.
While they were here they also helped us with farm tasks, Iranian cooking (amazing ) and domestics. Good honest people and very easy houseguests.
While they were here they also helped us with farm tasks, Iranian cooking (amazing ) and domestics. Good honest people and very easy houseguests.
(Excellent
)
20 Jan 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Heather)
Heather works with the energy of a woman half her age. What’s more she loves a chat and is a great listener too.
She is one of the most charming and easygoing Workawayers we have had in 15 years.
If she offers to come and help at your place - snap her up!
She is one of the most charming and easygoing Workawayers we have had in 15 years.
If she offers to come and help at your place - snap her up!
(Excellent
)
12 Dec 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Loes)
These two are friendly, dynamic, flexible and hard working! Also fun to have around.
Highly recommend
Highly recommend
(Excellent
)
26 Nov 2021
Left by Workawayer (Ali) for host
Bob and Denise were such a lovely couple. Being there for a week, they really taught me a lot I guess not just about farming and gardening and the different products and techniques, but a lot about life too. Being with them has given me a lot of growth as my first workaway and time outside of the city and from my family. I will never forget the… read more
21 Jul 2021
Left by Workawayer (Elise & Alexandre) for host
Denise and Bob's place is comfy and quiet. They were open-minded to our veganism.
Lots of king parrots and rosellas came to greet us everyday on the deck ! Nice to see the cute superb fairy-wren near the fruit trees. We mostly worked around the strawberries and fruit trees; which was interesting to do. We also did housekeeping during the rainy… read more
Lots of king parrots and rosellas came to greet us everyday on the deck ! Nice to see the cute superb fairy-wren near the fruit trees. We mostly worked around the strawberries and fruit trees; which was interesting to do. We also did housekeeping during the rainy… read more
16 Jul 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Elise & Alexandre)
Two delightful human beings with strong feelings for the VEGAN life.
Hard workers and delightful conversationalists, we would recommend them without reservation.
Hard workers and delightful conversationalists, we would recommend them without reservation.
(Excellent
)
22 Nov 2020
Left by Workawayer (Catherine) for host
Bob and Denise have a lovely property and I weeded a garden bed whilst I was there. The weeding was pretty easy as the soil was well mulched. I stayed in the caravan which was very clean, modern and pleasant. I could also have stayed in the house which was also very clean, bright and pleasant.bob and Denise were good hosts , happy to provide meals… read more
14 Jul 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Nicole )
Thanks Nicole for your great work, weeding, pruning and planting with energy, conscientiousness, efficiency and knowledge. It's wonderful to get a helping boost, get ahead of the game and watch the plants smile with their own pleasure. Thanks also for hauling much needed mulch to our citrus trees. We greatly appreciate all you accomplished.
(Excellent
)
4 Jul 2020
Left by Workawayer (Nicole ) for host
My second stint with Denise and Bob. That says it all. I love being there. Their property is gorgeous, needs lots of weeding, pruning, mulching and planting. Kept me happy and busy. I'm always eager to go back. Thanks to you both.
4 Jul 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Stéphanie & Gabriel)
A great team - wonderful to have around
(Excellent
)
3 Mar 2020
Left by Workawayer (Stéphanie & Gabriel) for host
We spent 10 days at Bob and Denise's beautiful property. We had a very nice time there, we enjoyed doing a lot of different jobs: gardening, weeding, cleaning, moving the compost, preserving, we even saw Bob bringing a new queen for the bees :) and we cannot thank him enough for giving us the opportunity to work at the Lightstation! The house is a… read more
15 Mar 2020
Left by Workawayer (Mylene) for host
That was my first experience as a workawayer... I m lucky to started whit Bob and Denise! What a lovely couple with a lot of knowledge to share! Bob always sing 🎤 make the best coffee, and cook very well. Denise like to share her knowledge and do it with patience and love! They are open and happy welcome people around the world. I felt home as… read more
3 Feb 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Mylene)
Mylene was really helpful during her stay with us. She is keen to learn and works happily together or on her own. On the whole she’s a very easygoing person.
(Excellent
)
3 Feb 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Lydia)
Lydia was a pleasure to have in our home and especially in the garden. She is also a great conversationalist and a happy person.
(Excellent
)
9 Sep 2019
Left by Workawayer (Nick) for host
I had an amazing time with Bob and Denise. They live in a wonderful home. I had an amazing time.
7 Aug 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Michael)
Michael is a great worker and an enthusiastic student of the English language. He was a pleasure to have in our home and loved discovering the local wildlife.
(Excellent
)
30 Apr 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Rebecca)
Rebecca is one out of the box!
She brought all the best of American culture (Especially pie baking) to bear on her tasks and time with us here.
Don't be alarmed if she climbs on your roof!
She brought all the best of American culture (Especially pie baking) to bear on her tasks and time with us here.
Don't be alarmed if she climbs on your roof!
(Excellent
)
30 Apr 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Yun)
Ling Ling was a pleasure to host!
(Excellent
)
21 Mar 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Rachel)
Rachel was a great help, an enthusiastic worker/ learner and very tolerant of my terrible parody of an American Accent!
She will be an asset to your place and your life wherever you are!
She will be an asset to your place and your life wherever you are!
(Excellent
)
21 Mar 2019
Left by Workawayer (Rachel) for host
I stayed 2.5 weeks with Bob and Denise and had such a lovely experience! Their property is absolutely incredible..lots of wildlife including a Koala in the gum tree and a cheese eating kookabura who makes his daily visit! The work is varied and never back breaking. The food and coffee is absolutely delicious, thank you for feeding me so well. Bob,… read more
7 Feb 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Emely & Malte)
A great couple. Happy to work and happy to play. Also blessed with good sense of humour
(Excellent
)
7 Feb 2019
Left by Workawayer (Ruth & Stephen) for host
We shared a very special time with :notes:Bob Bob Bob Bob Bob Bob Bob :notes: and Denise, who treated us to 5 days of concentrated wonderfulness - they really do live in paradise! The work was fun - they were quick to work out what blew our skirts up and set tasks accordingly. The food was delicious - Bob is kitchen king. The company was charming… read more
8 Jan 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Ruth & Stephen)
Two of the nicest human dynamos you’re ever likely to encounter!
Young Charlie is a delight too and a great help in the kitchen.
Great company. Great food. And a great deal done in 5 short days.
Young Charlie is a delight too and a great help in the kitchen.
Great company. Great food. And a great deal done in 5 short days.
(Excellent
)
27 Nov 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Qingping)
A delightful surprise package!
Hard working and fun.
Hard working and fun.
(Excellent
)
16 Nov 2018
Left by Workawayer (Ciaran & Vanessa ) for host
Bob and Denise were wonderful hosts in wonderful location( great for spotting Koalas and beautiful parrots). The work was mostly in the Garden, weeding etc, which we both found relaxing as it is a beautiful garden in wonderful part of the world. When we return to Apollo bay we expect a better Irish accent and an attempt at a Peruvian one(get… read more
13 Nov 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Ciaran & Vanessa )
These two are delightful houseguests and hard workers. Highly recommended!
(Excellent
)
27 Mar 2018
Left by Workawayer (Simon) for host
Never too late, nearly four months after having stayed with Bob and Denise I realise I didn't leave any feedback, what a shame! Was my first workaway experience, I 'll remember it. Huge garden, lots of fruits plantings, sheep,... That was really impressive. They are really welcomed persons and I wish them all the best:)
2 Jan 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Simon)
Simon was an enthusiastic helper with an appetite for adventure!
He also loves to eat.
He also loves to eat.
(Very good
)
26 Feb 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Andrea)
Andrea (Careful with the pronunciation!) was a delight to host.
Busy, interested and VERY HELPFUL!
Busy, interested and VERY HELPFUL!
(Excellent
)
5 Feb 2018
Left by Workawayer (Karen) for host
Dear Bob and Denise,
Thank you very much for letting me come and work with you. Not only did I enjoy Denise's delicious green apples (Swedish style), but the coffee made my day even better. On top of that, Bob's cooking made it even more magical!!
I learned how to pull out weeds, to mulch, to stomp my feet to scare away snakes, and to chop wood,… read more
Thank you very much for letting me come and work with you. Not only did I enjoy Denise's delicious green apples (Swedish style), but the coffee made my day even better. On top of that, Bob's cooking made it even more magical!!
I learned how to pull out weeds, to mulch, to stomp my feet to scare away snakes, and to chop wood,… read more
19 Jan 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Karen)
Karen is 110% and that’s before Coffee! An enthusiastic helper and great conversation
(Excellent
)
19 Jan 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Nelly)
It has been wonderful sharing our home with Nelly these past 2 weeks. Her English has improved out of sight and her weed pulling technique is second to none!
(Excellent
)
19 Jan 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Ascension & Fuensanta)
These two women were a pleasure and a privilege to host. Funny, hard working and great conversation!
(Excellent
)
2 Jan 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (AnneVeerle)
Anne was a delight to host.
A thoughtful conversationalist, great worker and (possibly) a great sailor.
Seriously, we enjoyed her company.
A thoughtful conversationalist, great worker and (possibly) a great sailor.
Seriously, we enjoyed her company.
(Excellent
)
20 Nov 2017
Left by Workawayer (Leo) for host
After half a month of reclused life at Bimbipark, for which I owe another debt of gratitude to Bob and Denise, finally can I leave a comment.
First of all, they are both very well-informed and have very distinctive and valuable views in life, culture and the like. Although learnt a great deal from them, I still regret that I wasn't very well… read more
First of all, they are both very well-informed and have very distinctive and valuable views in life, culture and the like. Although learnt a great deal from them, I still regret that I wasn't very well… read more
18 Nov 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Leo)
It was a pleasure and a privilege to host Leo. Is it hard worker with a great sense of humour and a wonderful capacity to exchange ideas about the behaviours and beliefs of different cultures. He is welcome back here any time
(Excellent
)
2 Oct 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Ngoc Thanh Truc)
Truc was a delight to host. She is polite, gentle and a VERY HARD WORKER.
She did great things in our Garden and cooked a scrumptious Vietnamese meal.
Thanks a million Truc!
She did great things in our Garden and cooked a scrumptious Vietnamese meal.
Thanks a million Truc!
(Very good
)
18 May 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Sophie & Ludovic)
Sophie & Ludo were easy to live with and great to have around.
(Very good
)
24 Feb 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Gina)
Gina and Bryan were a delight to have a round. They are the best of all things American. Enthusiastic, Hard working, intelligent and very friendly. If you're looking for a true "can-do" attitude, these two are the real deal.
(Excellent
)
24 Feb 2017
Left by Workawayer (Gina) for host
Bryan and I had an amazing time with Bob and Denise for 2 short weeks! We had lots of outside work of course, especially weeding. I learned more about permaculture, worm composting, and bee keeping. They went out of there way to get us some other experiences that fit our interests with neighbors. Food, conversation, and being introduced to new… read more
18 Nov 2016
Left by Workawayer (Averi) for host
I stayed with Bob and Denise for about two weeks and had a great time! I was able to spend a lot of time outside and learn about gardening. The views from their house are fantastic and Apollo Bay is just gorgeous. Bob and Denise are both extremely welcoming and made me feel right at home. I would highly recommend them to anyone! And there are… read more
17 Nov 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Averi)
Averi was a pleasure to have around. She quickly adapted to some very tedious tasks and we shared many interesting conversations.
Highly recommended
Highly recommended
(Excellent
)
25 Jul 2016
Left by Workawayer (Antoine) for host
I spent two weeks with Bob and Denise and it was a very nice moment. I have really enjoyed the work in the garden and I have learnt a lot of things! The job is not so hard and the food is really good! (especially the soup of fresh vegetables). I really recommend you to stay with them at Apollo Bay!
4 May 2016
Left by Workawayer (TinaBlaz) for host
Our time with Bob and Denise was a very pleasant experience. Good food, great property with astounding views and very hospitable and nice hosts who really made us feel as at home. Work wasn't hard and there are many nice things to do at and around Appolo Bay. But you can also just read a book in the garden and/ or enjoy the views of the tranquil… read more
29 Apr 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (TinaBlaz)
This is a great couple! If you enjoy hard work, good baklava, and interesting conversation, these are the people for you. We had to leave them on their own for a couple of days and they held the fort beautifully - even defended the house from a Zombie attack!
Highly recommended!
Highly recommended!
(Excellent
)
15 Jan 2016
Left by Workawayer (Nicole & Jeff) for host
We, Jeff and Nicole, had a fabulous experience with Bob and Denise. Their farm is gorgeous, with many fruit trees and Australian native trees and shrubs. We enjoyed working in the garden and other special projects. We made a unique and wonderful connection with this couple and hope to return again sometime.
14 Jan 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Nicole & Jeff)
The only problem with these two is that they didn't stay long enough! Great company, great workers.
(Excellent
)
14 Jan 2016
Left by Workawayer (FlavieP) for host
If You like play pétanque, eat a fresh and delicious foods, live with a lot of animals and still more weeding
8 Jan 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (FlavieP)
Flavie (and Fred) were a delight. Helpful, energetic and a great sense of humor.
(Excellent
)
