The image depicts a cozy living room with a dining area, featuring a couch, table, and dog, bathed in natural light from a large window.
A cozy living room with green walls, white trim, wicker and upholstered furniture, a small dog on a chair, and a view into a sunlit kitchen.
A young man and woman smile in warm sunlight, standing by a wall with a “No eating or drinking on the range” sign above their heads.
The image depicts a single-story house with a red roof, grey siding, and a white fence, set against a blue sky with clouds.
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Spend Xmas summer in Melbourne, Australia

Availability

  2025 

 Min stay requested: at least 2 weeks

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Details

  • Description

    Description

    Hello!... our family is myself, Annabelle, and my 20 year old son, Dylan. We also have a loveable mutt named Angel.

    We live in a leafy, inner north suburb of Melbourne in a renovated 1950s house. This is a family home, so it will suit you if you're looking for somewhere quiet and peaceful when you're at home.

    If you want cafes and nightlife, etc, the 'hipster area' of Melbourne - 'High Street' Thornbury - is only about 2 kms away. In fact, we're not far, in any direction, from good cafe's, pubs and public transport. Train to the city is 15 mins walk, or bus is one block away. The house has evaporative aircon... so it's cool in summer.

    The nearest beach is 40+ minutes away, and there is a country river about 30 minutes away that makes for beautiful swimming in summer. Actually, if you are game, the Yarra River is only 5 minutes drive away from my house. My friends and I swim there regularly - but many people don't like to swim in city rivers - so, you be the judge of that for yourself.

    There are two bikes here that you can borrow. One e-bike, one normal.

    As we will be away for some of the time over xmas, you will be in charge of your own food. You are welcome to use the food that is here, but you will need to buy most food for yourself. The kitchen is well stocked with basics and there is food in the freezer.

    We're looking for house sitter and garden minder. It is hot and dry in Melbourne over summer, so definitely daily watering of the garden is needed. Maybe some weeding if you feel inclined.

    We have great (for Australia) unlimited internet. A comfortable, light and airy three bedroom house. A small back garden and trees out front. As you would have the house all to yourself for some of the time, it would be great if you have some references or feedback from a previous workaway experience... You need to be super honest, reliable and self motivated for this workaway gig, please. We will be trusting you.

    I'm looking at dates from around December 18th (ish) to around second week of about January 8-10ish. Dates not fixed yet.

    As for me, I teach into the creative arts at a Melbourne University and I'm a writer/filmmaker. Dylan goes to university doing Science.

  • Types of help and learning opportunities

    Types of help and learning opportunities

    Gardening
    Help around the house
    House and pet sitting
  • Interests

    Interests

    Astronomy
    Cooking & food
  • Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    I travelled alone a lot when I was younger so I get the excitement, and sometimes vulnerability, of being so far from home and we want you to feel comfortable and safe here. I have also traveled widely in Australia, so can talk with you about where to travel next, etc.

    I also think it could be a lovely rest break from the stress of travelling for you to be here for two weeks to chill out. I know I would have loved that when I was hard core travelling.

    I have a lovely neighbour out the back of my property (two houses on one large block), who I'm sure would be helpful if you were in need.

    We're excited to meet you!

  • Projects involving children

    Projects involving children

    This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.

  • Help

    Help

    Tasks might involve:
    Watering the garden
    Weeding a bit. (It's not a big garden).

    The back garden has just been planted and needs to be watered every single day - so this gig would not suit someone who wants to go away for, say, more than one day, during the two(ish) weeks you are at our house.

  • Languages spoken

    English: Fluent
    French: Beginner

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation

    You will have a private bedroom in the house. As we will be away for some of the time, you will have run of the house during that time (except for the main bedroom of course) ... We have a very well stocked and equipped kitchen and a comfy lounge room. The location is suburban but really well placed - unless you want quick access to a beach. We are in the inner northern suburbs, surrounded by cafes, night life, etc. Loads of public transport within easy walk.

  • What else ...

    What else ...

    Melbourne is a great launching pad for the Great Ocean Road, the Grampians, Wilson's Prom, the surf coast and much more. Melbourne city has been frequently voted the world's most 'liveable' city.

    We've had three workaway guests before and it has worked out really well each time. A great experience for all involved.

    kindly

    Annabelle

  • 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

  • Can host digital nomads

    Can host digital nomads

    The wi-fi is good all over the house. Smoking and vaping outside only is fine. There is a nice area to sit.

  • Can possibly accept pets

    Can possibly accept pets

    A quiet dog would be welcome. There is a park next door to our house (on lead) and a larger park at the top of the street. (off lead).

  • How many Workawayers can stay?

    How many Workawayers can stay?

    Two

  • My animals / pets

    My animals / pets

    Angel

Host ref number: 887888661492

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Photos

A cozy living room with green walls, white trim, wicker and upholstered furniture, a small dog on a chair, and a view into a sunlit kitchen.
A young man and woman smile in warm sunlight, standing by a wall with a “No eating or drinking on the range” sign above their heads.
The image depicts a cozy living room with a dining area, featuring a couch, table, and dog, bathed in natural light from a large window.
The image depicts a single-story house with a red roof, grey siding, and a white fence, set against a blue sky with clouds.

Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host

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