Experience station life on a sheep and cattle station near Port Augusta, South Australia

Details

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  Description

  In Australia, a large land holding used for livestock production is known as a station. My wife, children, another worker and I live on this station which has a main residence and the outbuildings of a typical Australian pastoral property. The main homestead was built in the 1920's replacing the earlier one from the 1860's. The property has been with the family since the 1890's.
  
  Most stations are stock specific, however we have both sheep and cattle on Yadlamalka which is just under 1000 square kilometres in size. We also have lots of wild Australian native animals such as kangaroos, emus and prolific bird life.
  
  Our place is located in the Far North region of South Australia and lies at the southern tip of Lake Torrens, the second largest salt lake in the southern hemisphere. It is 60 kilometres north of Port Augusta City, on the western side of the Flinders Ranges. Evening sunsets highlight the spectacular ridge-tops of the ranges. We can accept people all year round and given that we are just north of the Spencer Gulf we tend to be cooler in the summer than other stations.
  
  We constantly have lots of projects on the go, and given that there are only a couple of us here full-time we are always happy to host a couple of enthusiastic work-awayers. We have started a large tree planting revegetation project and fruit - tree / homestead garden. Below we've listed what you're likely to expect. We are also really keen to share how to bake bread or make a cake in a traditional cast iron oven over the camp fire coals. We see this an opportunity to exchange skills and culture, and want your stay with us to be enjoyable and memorable.
  
  We consider it will be an advantage if you have an interest in being around livestock, feel emotionally & mentally strong and physically able. We are in a remote location and do not have easy access to medical care of any kind that supports physical, emotional or mental well-being.
  
  No work is available for pay or visa requirements as we already have locally based paid staff/contractors who work with us as required for business purposes.
  
  If you'd like to come and experience the outback station lifestyle please contact us with the following info -
  ~ something about your life experience and why you'd like to visit us.
  ~ we only accept travellers with their own travel / health insurance - we'll need an emailed copy
  ~ at least one reference who can vouch for you.
  ~ date that you'd like to visit, and a rough idea of how long you'd like to stay.
  ~ whether you'll need a pick up in Port Augusta S.A or you have your own transport.
  ~ if you have a drivers licence - motorbike licence - truck licence
  ~ if you have any past station / ranch / farm experience with sheep and cattle
  ~ your best contact information including email and phone number
  
  We also want to be upfront and say we're a simple country family and won't tolerate -
  ~ drugs of any kind - if you arrive with drugs you're gonna have a long walk back to town or immediate drive out
  ~ we've got young children and ask that bad language be kept away from them
  
  We agree to provide you with a safe place to stay & enjoy outback Australia and ask -
  ~ that you show respect and care for other work-away people and the family living here
  ~ we ask that you work with us and not on your own unless asked; some stuff out here has taken a lifetime to learn
  ~ for your safety and that of others we ask that you arrive agreeing to follow our safety guidelines at all times
  
  That's it ... if you're up for a serious adventure then make contact.
  
  P.S we don't have great internet out here ... but you'll get connected to the land, sky and lifestyle!

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Gardening

  General Maintenance

  Creating/ Cooking family meals

  Farmstay help

  Help with Eco Projects

  Help around the house

  Animal Care
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  UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  We have grown up in outback Australia with a 'can do' resourceful attitude. Living a long way from shops and general services fosters an independent way of thinking and being. Most often if we need something we make it. Chances are you'll see us welding or building during your stay, and we're happy to share these skills with those of you interested. Our experience with livestock management in semi-arid landscapes is extensive and a stay with us could set you up with experiences that assist with further adventures on station's elsewhere in Australia. We like outdoor camp oven cooking and consider it essential that everyone learns how to make the famous Aussie damper bread!

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  Help

  It's a really busy life out here -
  
  We have started a large revegetation project planting Australian native trees that require continual care. We are also continually improving the homestead gardens, planting new species and propagating seeds and cuttings.
  
  You'll be able to observe sheep and cattle work. We'll share our interest in handling them with patience and confidence. You might assist us making observations about livestock like judging an animal's age by examining its teeth, treating injuries and illnesses as well as routine care requirements such as feeding, watering, mustering, castrating, ear tagging, weighing, vaccinating and dealing with predators such as town dogs that have turned feral.
  
  There's lots to learn for those of you who would like to see what it's really like on a working sheep and cattle station.We also inspect, maintain and repair fences, gates and yards damaged by storms, fallen trees, livestock and wildlife.
  
  No work is available for pay or visa requirements as we already have locally based paid staff/contractors who work with us as required for business purposes.
  
  Station meat and food is supplied and everyone gets involved with meal preparations, we're happy to taste your cultures signature dishes!

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  Languages spoken

  English: Fluent

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  Accommodation

  We offer basic comfortable accommodation within the old Shearer's Quarters adjacent the main homestead. It's private and allows for separate accommodation for males and females. Cooking, bathroom and living areas are shared.

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  What else ...

  The landscape here is vast and ruggedly beautiful incorporating ranges, open plains, sand dunes, and the salted Lake Torrens, showcasing native flora and fauna . The possible walking / hiking options are endless. Volunteers in the past have hiked into our very own section of hills taking in spectacular, elevated views out to the west. Sunsets here will stay with you forever and it seems this is everyones favourite time of the day. We personally enjoy soaking up the peace and calm, watching for native birds, building an evening camp fire and boiling the tea billy. Its learning about the simple pleasures in life that enrich the spirit.

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  A little more information

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    Internet access

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    Limited internet access

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    We have pets

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    We are smokers

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    Can host families

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  Two

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  Hours expected

  Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week

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