new host  

Sustainable living, land restoration and community life in the Dandenong, Australia

Availability

  2026 

 Min stay requested: at least 2 weeks

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Details

  • Description

    Description

    We have been restoring an acre for the last few years. Removing invasive weeds and planting indigenous grasses and trees. The property is managed following ecological and permaculture practices. Water and green waste is managed on site, being put back into/onto the land through grey water, solarisation of weeds (seeds removed) and bark to keep weeds at bay. There are 30 fruit trees in the meadow, planted amongst 1500 native grasses. It is a big job. Spring is the time of year where weeds sprout, removing them, mulching and maintenance is an ongoing activity which we would appreciate some help with. Located on the eastern escarpment of the Mt Dandenong Range in Victoria, Australia, with views towards the Great Dividing Range. The property boasts an abundance of native fauna species. It is quiet and serene.

  • Types of help and learning opportunities

    Types of help and learning opportunities

    Help with Eco Projects
    Gardening
    Animal Care
    Creating/ Cooking family meals
    General Maintenance
  • Interests

    Interests

    Events & social
    Sustainability
    Culture
    Charity work
    Music
    Art & design
    Gardening
    Cooking & food
    Performing arts
    Camping
    Nature
    Fitness
    Dancing
    Mountain
    Sailing / Boating
    Outdoor activities
  • UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

    UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

    UN goals
    No poverty
    Zero hunger
    Good health and well-being
    Quality education
    Gender equality
    Clean water and sanitation
    Affordable and clean energy
    Decent work and economic growth
    Industries, innovation and infrastructure
    Reduce inequality
    Sustainable cities and communities
    Responsible consumption and production
    Climate action
    Life below water
    Life on land
    Peace, justice and strong institutions
    Partnerships for the goals
  • Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    At our place, cultural exchange is woven into the revitalisation of land and community. Visitors are invited to participate in real, hands-on work restoring the property to ecological and biological viability through permaculture principles and land restoration practices. This includes soil regeneration, weed management, erosion control, habitat creation and water-sensitive design, all grounded in sustainable and environmentally responsible methods.

    We also offer opportunities to engage with the broader local landscape by participating in site assessments of neighbouring properties. Through these shared experiences, knowledge about land care, regeneration and sustainable living is exchanged in a practical, collaborative way. A strong focus is placed on the promotion and planting of indigenous flora species, fostering a deeper understanding of local ecosystems, biodiversity and culturally significant plants.

    Cultural exchange here goes beyond land care. Guests are encouraged to connect with local life by visiting community food markets, participating in local events and gatherings, and engaging with residents. These experiences provide insight into regional traditions, seasonal food systems and the social fabric of the community. The Yarra Ranges in Victoria Australia is an agricultural area, food production includes berries, stone and orchard fruits, dairy production, egg production and cattle raising.

    Overall, the exchange offers an immersive experience that blends ecological restoration with community connection, supporting both environmental stewardship and meaningful cross-cultural learning.

  • Help

    Help

    Maximum 3-5 hours a day, 5 days a week

    I’d like some help with weed removal, weed suppression and planting. You need to be fit and able bodied as the land is sloping. I am a local gardens for wildlife consultant and love sharing knowledge and experiences of land restoration with interested others.

  • Languages spoken

    English: Fluent
    Spanish: Beginner
    French: Beginner
    Italian: Beginner

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation

    An onsite caravan, with a double bed, kitchen, fridge and wardrobe. Fully fitted out with cookware and crockery, cutlery and bedding. Overlooking the front garden. It is quiet and picturesque. Continental breakfast is provided along with ingredients for lunch. Dinner can be shared, contribution to food costs would be appreciated.

  • What else ...

    What else ...

    Built in 1956, the property sits on an acre on the hill overlooking the great dividing range in the bush surrounded by mountain ash, tree ferns, camellias and rhododendrons. It is a quiet, serene, kind space. There is a food forest in progress in the backyard, a grotto under the deck and a variety of sculptures and flora and fauna at your doorstep.

    Bus stop into Monbulk or Olinda a five min walk away. Nearby there are delicious forest walks, cafes, supermarkets, post office, banks, three opp shops (😊) and then more in Kallista and Belgrave which are a 4 minute and 8 minute drive away respectively. Olinda and Sassafras are similar distances and offer a variety of options to entertain and delight your senses.

    Our home is communal and environmentally minded.

    Supermarket, post office, chemist, cafes are all available in Monbulk or a short drive/bus ride gets you into any one of the local tourist areas of Sassafras, Olinda, Kalista and Belgrave.

    There are over 1,000 bush walks in the area and it is popular with cyclists because of the areas natural beauty.

    If you are considering other stays, we’d appreciate you letting us know when you get in touch, as it helps everyone plan with care and consideration. Please be aware that late cancellations can affect your profile, including the possibility of negative feedback or a report to Workaway.

  • A little more information

    A little more information

    • Internet access

    • Limited internet access

      Limited internet access

    • We have pets

    • We are smokers

    • Can host families

  • How many Workawayers can stay?

    How many Workawayers can stay?

    Two

  • My animals / pets

    My animals / pets

    Profile photo of Mischief

    Mischief

Host ref number: 886681323312

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Join our forest home where music, nature, and community meet in Newham, Victoria, Austalia
Handy active folk needed on beautiful land in Mullumbimby, NSW, Australia