Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
9 Oct 2025
Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 4 days
Feedback
22
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Details
Description
Welcome!
My passive solar home is on the edge of the Blue Mountains National park. You will occasionally awake to the laugh of the cookaburra or warble of the Australian magpie. But you won't be woken to the sound of traffic. The passive solar design of my house ensures we are warm or cool depending on the weather.
I am within 3 km of several of the most beautiful bushwalks in the Blue Mountains. But there are dozens of amazing walks within 2-3 train stations or 15 minute drive. As well, there are heaps of great coffee shops, restaurants and things to do.
I am about 2 hours by train from Sydney, 20 minute walk to the nearest train station, 5 minutes to the nearest bus stop, or if you come by car, there is plenty of parking on the verge. If I am free, I am happy to drop off or collect at the station.
My garden has abundent herbs - and weeds , so there is always jobs there that I need help with. (As well as some home maintenance )
I eat a simple diet and eat before 6.pm of an evening (boring health issue) which I prepare. Guests prepare their own lunch and breakfast, but I supply a nice range of options.
Workawayers tend to work for about 4 hours a day for 5 out of 7 days. On the other days, you can explore bush walks, shopping, movies, art galleries or just lazing in the hammock under the pergola. (meals, dishes and keeping the place clean are a shared responsibility.)
Occasionally, if the weather is good, I will take the workawayers to an area where we might spot some kangaroos. Never guaranteed, but fun if we are lucky. They are very shy here and hop away as soon as they see us.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Interests
Nature
Camping
Beach
Outdoor activities
Plant care
Art & design
Gardening
Writing
Drawing & painting
Animals
Politics / Social justice
Culture
Sustainability
Van life
Self development
Movies & TV
Farming
Charity work
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
I am a passionate organic gardener, having previously had an organic farm and more recently founded the Edible Garden Trail which started here in the mountains and is slowly spreading around Australia. So I have lots of information about how to grow without chemicals.
I have a busy life with the community here, so you might enjoy being part of a music group, a garden group, a meet up group; being interviewed in on my radio program (Green Thumbs); you might just enjoy discovering the many artistic and musical events around the area.
The only pets I have are in the worm farm - thousands of them and a small, affectionate Cocker spaniel/King Charles cross.
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
The garden always needs some love and attention. My garden is chemical free.
The house needs a good spring clean. Outdoors always needs some sweeping and tidying.
I would hope that you would look around and see what needs to be done and don’t need to be guided all the time. There are lots of jobs that I can’t do and need help with.
Please only come if you are happy to do some hard work.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Accommodation
Your room has a double bed and all linen is provided. It is a shared bathroom.
Preparation of meals and washing up etc are a shared responsibility,and not part of your daily tasks as is keeping the house and your bathroom clean.
It is a non smoking house and garden.
What else ...
People love to come here to enjoy the multitude of glorious bushwalks that are famous in the Blue Mountains.
There are the famous three sisters, cultural tours, historic buildings, art walks, galleries, cafes, markets, festivals and fabulous sunset lookouts. I volunteer at the Cultural Centre, so can help you discover the delights of the mountains.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
There is good Wi-Fi reception here.You can access my Wi-Fi free.. The mobile phone reception is very poor. Telstra is the only one that seems to work.
Space for parking camper vans
You can park your campervan on the verge. And you can use my indoor facilities ..
Can possibly accept pets
Small dogs that live outside. Not cats as this a wilderness area and sadly cats can kill the beautiful birds that play in my native trees. I have a small Cavalier King Charles cross spaniel.
How many Workawayers can stay?
One
My animals / pets
Tashi
Very friendly cocker spaniel/cavalier king charles mix.
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
Feedback (12)
The balance between work and free time is very fair.
I truly enjoyed Susanne’s company, our conversations (thanks to her patience with my English level 😅), every dinner prepared with so much care, and my walks with Tashi.
Susanne is an incredibly… read more
They were appreciative of all the little things. And particularly fun to have of an evening with all the games we played together. I welcome them back any time.
Evenings were especially enjoyable, as we shared dinners… read more
Photos
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
Feedback
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Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
(5.0)
The balance between work and free time is very fair.
I truly enjoyed Susanne’s company, our conversations (thanks to her patience with my English level 😅), every dinner prepared with so much care, and my walks with Tashi.
Susanne is an incredibly… read more
They were appreciative of all the little things. And particularly fun to have of an evening with all the games we played together. I welcome them back any time.
Evenings were especially enjoyable, as we shared dinners… read more
Mel worked hard in my garden and transformed several spaces from weed beds to garden beds and even a new thriving strawberry patch. She entertained my curmudgeonly brother and helped him with his technology. I’d love to have Mel… read more
We had some lovely conversations and a few games nights to top off the pleasure.
If you get a… read more
I would have them back anytime and wish them good… read more
The work itself was simple garden and house work in the peaceful setting of… read more
I loved staying with Suzanne, having great conversations about so many things, working in her marvelous garden with the best landscape one can ask for! taking her magnificent dog on a walk and just experiencing life in the Blue Mountains, which were only… read more
Each night we shared a meal and Caroline always made a wonderful job of cleaning up the kitchen. It was great to come out and see it sparkling… read more
Susanne is an amazing lady who has devoted her time and efforts in helping the community, and she is the founder of the Garden trail in Blue mountains area too.
During my stay I helped with Susanne’s garden. Each morning I spent about two hours to pull out the… read more
