Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
21 Apr 2024
Feedback
48
Email verified
Badges (2)
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Description
We live on a beautiful 100 acre property halfway between Sydney and Canberra. We have a 6000 litre aquaponics system and a greenhouse which grows produce all year round. We operate on biodynamic and permaculture principles, and are passionate about growing healthy soils, plants, and produce. There is always plenty to do here, and we are constantly researching and implementing new holistic farm practices.
We grow much of our own food and we like to eat a healthy diet which includes lots of vegetables and some fish and meat. We do not have sweets and sugary drinks available, and pasta and desserts are not often on the menu. We prefer to host people who enjoy a healthy and varied diet.
Due to our rural location this is a perfect getaway for anyone wishing to recharge and rejuvenate in a stunning natural environment. There are plenty of nature walks throughout the area, kangaroos and wallabies galore, and so many different types of birds, we haven't managed to identify them all yet!
Types of help and learning opportunities
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Farmstay help
Help around the house
General Maintenance
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
We have travelled extensively and lived in the UK and Hong Kong. We enjoy learning about other cultures and cuisines and usually ask our workawayers to cook some of their favourite dishes during their stay. We are passionate about growing nutrient dense food and rejuvinating the land and will be running workshops to teach people how to do this in our climate.
Help
We are always looking for help with a range of projects on the go at any one time, from building dry stone walls, to preparing garden beds, planting trees, and more.
During August and September, we are spring vegetable planting for the summer bounty.
Being able to work unsupervised is a bonus and if you have had any previous experience working on the land that would be great.
We prefer people to stay with us for a minimum of 2-3 weeks and longer stays (up to 6 weeks maximum) will be considered once we have met you. We do not normally take anyone over Christmas and January (20th December to 26th January) as it gets unpleasantly hot but we could be persuaded if you have skills that we would appreciate.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Accommodation
We have two spare bedrooms in a wing of the house, both with double beds, and access to a bathroom. Meals are shared.
What else ...
We are located 10 minutes drive from the Bungonia Gorge, which is a popular tourist campsite, and has great walks, caves, and canyoning. Goulburn is our nearest town and is 30 minutes drive away and we go into town 1-2 times per week. There are some beautiful walks and scenery around the area, and it is a quiet location for a getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
This host has indicated that they love having digital nomads stay.
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Hours expected
25 hours per week (4-5 hours per day) usually Monday-Friday
Host ref number: 968967662946
Feedback (28)
9 May 2023
Left by Workawayer (tonyandmila) for host
Thank you David and Melissa for hosting us.
This is our first workaway experience and it was FANTASTIC. David and Melissa were very kind and funny. Since they lived in HK for a while, we found lots of common topics to chat and never get bored.
We stayed in the farms for almost a month and mainly planting organic garlics from scratch. This was a… read more
This is our first workaway experience and it was FANTASTIC. David and Melissa were very kind and funny. Since they lived in HK for a while, we found lots of common topics to chat and never get bored.
We stayed in the farms for almost a month and mainly planting organic garlics from scratch. This was a… read more
21 Nov 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Sabrina & Djen)
Sabrina and Djen are a dream team. They work well together to achieve their tasks and come up with creative solutions when problem-solving. While weeding wasn't one of their favourite tasks, once we had discovered their preference for more creative endeavours (like using chainsaws to clear overgrowth), they came into their own.
We can highly… read more
We can highly… read more
(Excellent
)
20 Nov 2022
Left by Workawayer (Sabrina & Djen) for host
We stayed two weeks with Melissa and David and had a wonderful time! They are very caring hosts, easy to talk to and with lots of knowledge and wisdom to share. The tasks were varied: weeding, preparing flowerbeds, planting veggies, hunting thistles, cutting trees, clearing shrubs... It was physical work, but doable and very rewarding. Food was… read more
15 Nov 2018
Left by Workawayer (Maryam) for host
It was my first wirkaway experience and the first time of being that far from home but with Melissa and David and their friendly sister, Fiona, I never felt homesick because I was trearmted like a part of family. The farm is quite and beautiful and the food if fresh and healthy. They are well educatd and everything is scientificly set in their… read more
30 Oct 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Maryam)
Maryam is an excellent Workawayer, we really enjoyed her stay and hearing about Iranian life. She is happy, helpful, easy going, quick to learn, and has good attention to detail. Maryam was keen to learn about growing food in Australian conditions, and worked well planting seeds and potting up in the greenhouse, and preparing vegetable beds. She… read more
(Excellent
)
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Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
(5.0)
9 May 2023
Left by Workawayer (tonyandmila) for host
Thank you David and Melissa for hosting us.
This is our first workaway experience and it was FANTASTIC. David and Melissa were very kind and funny. Since they lived in HK for a while, we found lots of common topics to chat and never get bored.
We stayed in the farms for almost a month and mainly planting organic garlics from scratch. This was a… read more
This is our first workaway experience and it was FANTASTIC. David and Melissa were very kind and funny. Since they lived in HK for a while, we found lots of common topics to chat and never get bored.
We stayed in the farms for almost a month and mainly planting organic garlics from scratch. This was a… read more
21 Nov 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Sabrina & Djen)
Sabrina and Djen are a dream team. They work well together to achieve their tasks and come up with creative solutions when problem-solving. While weeding wasn't one of their favourite tasks, once we had discovered their preference for more creative endeavours (like using chainsaws to clear overgrowth), they came into their own.
We can highly… read more
We can highly… read more
(Excellent)
20 Nov 2022
Left by Workawayer (Sabrina & Djen) for host
We stayed two weeks with Melissa and David and had a wonderful time! They are very caring hosts, easy to talk to and with lots of knowledge and wisdom to share. The tasks were varied: weeding, preparing flowerbeds, planting veggies, hunting thistles, cutting trees, clearing shrubs... It was physical work, but doable and very rewarding. Food was… read more
15 Nov 2018
Left by Workawayer (Maryam) for host
It was my first wirkaway experience and the first time of being that far from home but with Melissa and David and their friendly sister, Fiona, I never felt homesick because I was trearmted like a part of family. The farm is quite and beautiful and the food if fresh and healthy. They are well educatd and everything is scientificly set in their… read more
30 Oct 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Maryam)
Maryam is an excellent Workawayer, we really enjoyed her stay and hearing about Iranian life. She is happy, helpful, easy going, quick to learn, and has good attention to detail. Maryam was keen to learn about growing food in Australian conditions, and worked well planting seeds and potting up in the greenhouse, and preparing vegetable beds. She… read more
(Excellent)
22 Sep 2018
Left by Workawayer (Juraj) for host
I had an amazing time in Bungonia with David and Melissa, it was my first workaway experience and I'm not sure if I'll ever find a better host. From the moment I arrived till I left it felt like being home. If you are interested in sustainable farming and growing wine this is the place to go. I really enjoyed all the tasks and would stay longer if… read more
25 Jan 2018
Left by Workawayer (Salomé) for host
It was my first time as a workawayer and I couldn't dream of a better place to come. Melissa and David are lovely people always keen to have a talk (with or without Melissa's delicious date-cake).
Tasks were always different and I learned something new everyday. I felt really welcome and it was hard to leave this very nice place.
Hope to see you… read more
Tasks were always different and I learned something new everyday. I felt really welcome and it was hard to leave this very nice place.
Hope to see you… read more
26 Dec 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Salomé)
If you are looking for someone who is helpful, positive, observant, capable, and delightful company then you should look no further than Salome. She helped us in the vineyard, in the greenhouse and in the vegetable gardens. No job was to much trouble or too difficult although chipping tussock wasnt her favourite. She takes pride in what she does… read more
(Excellent)
11 Nov 2017
Left by Workawayer (Cynthia) for host
I've stay 3 weeks at Melissa and David home. I felt very welcome at the very first moment. Everyday were different at the farm and it didn't feel like I was working. The meal are delicious and very healthy. On days off, they were always offering me a lift to the Bungonia National Park when they didn't have market. Wich was really nice of them. I… read more
14 Oct 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Camille & Sihame)
Sihame and Camille were perfect Workawayers! They helped with pruning the vines, weeding the garlic, potting up seedlings, planting out vegetables, and building wicking beds. They were able to work unsupervised after some initial training, and all their work was high quality. They asked lots of interesting questions, and we had plenty of… read more
(Excellent)
13 Oct 2017
Left by Workawayer (Camille & Sihame) for host
We really had a great time with David and Melissa in Bungonia Creek! The place is amazingly beautiful the farm being situated in a little kangaroo-populated valley, quiet and peaceful. We were very well received and felt like in a home away from home, with a nice room, very tasty and healthy meals and all the comfort you might expect.
Last, but… read more
Last, but… read more
19 Sep 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Michele)
We enjoyed having Michele come and work with us. He is easy going, has a good work ethic and is very thorough in everything he does. Michele worked well unsupervised, and made good suggestions for how to better achieve what he was asked to do. Michele helped us with pruning in the vineyard, cleaned out all the aquaponics beds, which was a major… read more
(Excellent)
13 Sep 2017
Left by Workawayer (Michele) for host
The perfect Australian experience with a great lovely couple like David and Melissa. Thank you for the wine, thank you for the vines, thank you for the kangaroos and for the delicious food. I felt like home, Marco and Polo made it warmer and you made it special. If i didnt write ot yet...Thank you !!!
14 Mar 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Joël & Joanna)
Thank you Joel and Joanna for all your help on the farm. We would have been unable to get the garlic ready for sale without you. You did an excellent job cleaning and weighing it. The fence for the shelter belt looks 100% professional, and we will remember you every time we look at it. Thank you for cooking some delicious vegetarian meals, and… read more
(Excellent)
8 Mar 2017
Left by Workawayer (Joël & Joanna) for host
Thank you Melissa and David for hosting us during nearly three weeks. We felt like home.
The work was always interesting and varied. Now we know how to build a fence and ,of course, how to process garlic. We learned a lot about alternativ gardening/farming and we are really grateful for that.
The animals living on this farm are very lucky too.… read more
The work was always interesting and varied. Now we know how to build a fence and ,of course, how to process garlic. We learned a lot about alternativ gardening/farming and we are really grateful for that.
The animals living on this farm are very lucky too.… read more
25 Nov 2016
Left by Workawayer (Sarah & Ben) for host
We both had an amazing first work away experience with David and Melissa, the 5 weeks we spent with them were great and we thoroughly enjoy all of the different jobs, especially the garlic harvesting! The food was delicious as well as the wine! Was lovely to meet Magnum too we will miss him!
We learnt so much from both David and Melissa. Thanks… read more
We learnt so much from both David and Melissa. Thanks… read more
27 Oct 2016
Left by Workawayer (Karen) for host
It's really hard to think of superlatives that haven't already been written! The glowing reviews are all true and it was indeed a wonderful place to start my workaway experiences in AU. David & Melissa were very gracious & generous hosts, and I felt welcomed into their home from the 1st moment. Their property is exquisite and feels almost like a… read more
22 Oct 2016
Left by Workawayer (Tabea & Adrian) for host
It was my first workaway experience with melissa and david. And my 3 weeks on the farm were just perfect! I felt comfortable from the beginning. It was a warm welcome when David picked me up at the train station. They teached me in so many things and I was able to learn a lot of farming, gardening and how to make good wines. I really enjoyed every… read more
29 Sep 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Tabea & Adrian)
Adrian joined us for 3 weeks and it was a delight having him stay with us. He was always enthusiastic about the different tasks we performed and he seemed to especially enjoy doing new and different things. Adrian showed lots of initiative, and was actively engaged in everything he did. His weeding and organisation of plants in the shadehouse was… read more
(Excellent)
8 Sep 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Chihiro)
We enjoyed having Chihiro to work and stay with us. Chi has a strong interest in farming, and has a good knowledge base of farming principles, combined with a curious mind that is quick to pick up new concepts. Her pruning was fast and accurate, and helped to put us ahead of schedule! Chi's English is excellent, and she cooked us some delicious… read more
(Excellent)
2 Sep 2016
Left by Workawayer (Chihiro) for host
This farm is my first workaway and it is very wonderful experience for me! I stayed here for 4 weeks. I appreciate for Melissa and David so much! They are so kind to teach me many things about Aquaponics, way of pruning, planting and so on. They are so thoughtful to lend me materials to learn Aquaponics, to give me some work to understand it and… read more
28 Apr 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Heather & William)
We really enjoyed hosting William and Heather. They are very hard workers, and we appreciated their help with picking, especially considering William wasn't feeling at all well. It was a great treat to have such wonderful cooking at the end of some busy days at market.
They are easy going and fun to have around, and it was a pleasure to spend… read more
They are easy going and fun to have around, and it was a pleasure to spend… read more
(Excellent)
28 Apr 2016
Left by Workawayer (Heather & William) for host
It's hard to explain how much we enjoyed our time at David and Melissa's home. After 3 short weeks we left feeling like we were leaving our good friends. We had such an amazing time helping out with the harvest of their grapes, planting garlic, and gathering produce to sell at the markets. We even enjoyed doing a little weeding, especially when… read more
28 Apr 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Jan)
Jan is very thoughtful and considerate, and is a pleasure to host. Always hardworking and interested to learn new things, we really appreciated his sense of humour. We had many interesting discussions around the dinner table.
We wish Jan all the best with his future plans.
We wish Jan all the best with his future plans.
(Excellent)
19 Feb 2016
Left by Workawayer (Jan) for host
What a beautiful place is this with 2 very nice hosts. It was a very nice place to start my workaway experience. Dave and Melissa are an excellent couple to have as hosts. They are open minded and relaxed. But at the same time they work very hard. They know a lot about gardening and I learned a lot from them. It was hard work especially when you… read more
28 Apr 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Sophia)
Sophia is an extremely hard worker and she tackles all tasks with enthusiasm. She is particularly good with animals, and helped to look after the chickens and our Maremma. Her cooking is great, and we really enjoyed chatting with her about her experiences and travels.
Sophia is an asset to have in any Workaway situation.
Sophia is an asset to have in any Workaway situation.
(Excellent)
30 Mar 2016
Left by Workawayer (Sophia) for host
I stayed with Melissa and David on their beautiful property for almost three weeks, and learned so much during my stay... they are very intelligent, friendly and outgoing. I enjoyed every moment there... and absolutely loved their dog, Magnum.
I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the winery and permaculture too... it was all very new to me and… read more
I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the winery and permaculture too... it was all very new to me and… read more
3 Apr 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Sophie)
Sophie is a model workawayer. She is very organised, insightful, practical, with a keen can-do attitude, as well as being fun and easygoing. She was a delight to host. Sophie participated in every facet of the farm. She helped the mamoth task of netting the vineyard, planted row after row of garlic, picked grapes, attended every market, peeled and… read more
(Excellent)
22 Mar 2016
Left by Workawayer (Sophie) for host
I stayed with Melissa and David for 4 weeks. It was a fantastic experience. I learnt so much. They are lovely, generous and kind people. I felt comfortable from day one. The land is beautiful and peaceful. I loved it! Thank you so much for answering all my questions. This experience has exceeded my expectations.
30 Sep 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Keith)
We enjoyed having Keith come and work with us. He was very keen to learn, always helpful, and took pride in doing a good job. Keith showed lots of iniative, and worked well on his own. He helped with the pruning in the vineyard, and is particularly good at rock edging! Keith cooked some delicious vegetarian meals, and we had many fascinating… read more
(Excellent)
27 Sep 2015
Left by Workawayer (Keith) for host
David and Melissa are fantastic hosts. Their farm and vineyard is a beautiful and really enjoyable place to work, with a huge variety of things to do and skills to learn. I spent a month here and had a great time learning all about a number of different approaches to growing crops and cultivating the land. We also had wonderful chats about farming… read more
24 Aug 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Andre & Nathalia)
Nat and Andre are a delightful couple. We really enjoyed their company and their invaluable help pruning the vineyard.
We learned alot about Brazil, and especially enjoyed the unique Brazilian BBQ experience! Thanks, and enjoy your travels!
We learned alot about Brazil, and especially enjoyed the unique Brazilian BBQ experience! Thanks, and enjoy your travels!
(Excellent)
23 Aug 2015
Left by Workawayer (Andre & Nathalia) for host
This was our first time as workawayers and we just loved it! We had an amazing 2 weeks experience with David and Melissa, learned a lot about farming, environment and health. They are a really special couple and Melissa is one of the best cookers in the world. : )
We already miss talking during our meals about all kinds of subjects!
Their wine… read more
We already miss talking during our meals about all kinds of subjects!
Their wine… read more
2 May 2015
Left by Workawayer (Lina) for host
It was such a pleasure to stay with Melissa and David! I already miss the delicious food, watching midsummer murder, the chimney and the amazing view from their beautiful veranda.
They are both so loveable and open-hearted and from the beginning it felt like home.
Thanks for all the things you taught me and for all the nice talks and thanks for… read more
They are both so loveable and open-hearted and from the beginning it felt like home.
Thanks for all the things you taught me and for all the nice talks and thanks for… read more
6 Feb 2015
Left by Workawayer (anythingispopsicle) for host
We had an utterly magical time at this gorgeous vineyard and piece of permaculture living art. David and Melissa are gracious and supportive hosts with big hearts. We especially enjoyed the excellent meals full of healthful fresh veggies and experimenting with paleo cooking and baking together. Also loved the wine and conversation on a wealth… read more
8 Jan 2015
Left by Workawayer (Ryan) for host
I stayed for two weeks on this vineyard and farm and really loved my time here. David and Melissa were incredible hosts, and they have a beautiful, peaceful piece of property and a lovely home. Unfortunately I had an injury from my last farm when I arrived, and they were both so kind and understanding, giving me tasks that wouldn't aggravate my… read more
18 Dec 2014
Left by host for Workawayer (Ines & Zoltán )
Ines and Zolli are fast learners, hard workers and excellent cooks! They spent four weeks with us and during that time they helped with thinning and de-suckering the grape vines (this was a big job!), built high-quality stone edging, mulched garden beds, planted a border garden, and cooked some delicious Hungarian meals. We wish them a fabulous… read more
(Excellent)
11 Dec 2014
Left by Workawayer (Ines & Zoltán ) for host
We stayed 4 weeks in this great, peaceful paradies, learned a lot about wine, aquaponics and Australia. Chooks, lizards, mops of kangaroos, a variety of birds and even a lace monitor was part of our experience. Thank you for the wonderful food and wine, all the strawberries, ice creams, guava on ice :-) and all the great topics over dinner. We… read more
29 Nov 2014
Left by host for Workawayer (Sam)
We consider Sam as a treasured friend after his month with us. From the get-go he was easy company, and very comfortable to be with. Sam has a wealth of experience and practical knowledge, and his years as a field engineer meant he was very helpful at fixing equipment (and furniture!) around the farm. His photography is stunning, and we greatly… read more
(Excellent)
12 Nov 2014
Left by Workawayer (Sam) for host
What can I say? I have been doing work-away experiences for a couple of years now and this was my best experience yet. David and Melissa treat you like family and are some of the most generous people I know. You gain insight on what good, sustainable, country life is like in Australia and a varied amount of work. I found a peace in this kind… read more
29 Nov 2014
Left by host for Workawayer (Michaela)
Michaela was only with us for a short time and was full of energy and enthusiasm for everything she did with us on the farm. From planting trees, to building shade houses, she showed herself to be an adaptable and versatile worker. We enjoyed her gourmet salads, and will never forget her pancakes! Learning about the Canadian lifestyle was an added… read more
(Excellent)
19 Oct 2014
Left by Workawayer (Michaela) for host
I am so lucky to have spent 10 days on David and Melissa's winery. The property is drop dead gorgeous and the food is delicious and fresh. Lizards, chickens, cat, cows, birds and kangaroos galore! There are jobs for every type of person, and each one is educational, enjoyable and often accompanied. I will miss tea times and the Ace Ventura-esque… read more
29 Nov 2014
Left by host for Workawayer (Andreas)
Andreas was a great help on our farm. He was a very fast learner and was able to do things well with only initial guidance required. Always happy to learn new things, he became expert at setting up and lighting bon-fires to clear dead wood, pruning the grape vines, and using the crowbar to extract granite boulders:). We enjoyed his company and… read more
(Excellent)
26 Sep 2014
Left by Workawayer (Andreas) for host
It was my first workaway trip and I think I couldn't get it better. Melissa and David are two great characters. The work was varying and I learned some things too. The meals were always tasty and the bed was comfortable. I loved my own bathroom :-). I really enjoyed my one month staying and I got a valuable present...a nice memory of my first… read more
25 Mar 2014
Left by host for Workawayer (Romain & Chloe)
Chloe and Romain are a terrific couple. Their skills and abilities complement each other perfectly, and they were a pleasure to work (and live) with.
They were enthusiastic and interested in everything they did, and many times had valuable suggestions to contribute. Their ability to pick up new skills meant they were able to work independently… read more
They were enthusiastic and interested in everything they did, and many times had valuable suggestions to contribute. Their ability to pick up new skills meant they were able to work independently… read more
(Excellent)
13 Mar 2014
Left by Workawayer (Romain & Chloe) for host
We spent two weeks with David and Melissa in Feb 14, and it was just amazing.
First, the work was really diversified : thinning the vines, digging a trench, set up temporary electrical fences, mowing the paddocks, shifting things... It reflected well how innovative they are, always trying different agriculture techniques. They worked with us… read more
First, the work was really diversified : thinning the vines, digging a trench, set up temporary electrical fences, mowing the paddocks, shifting things... It reflected well how innovative they are, always trying different agriculture techniques. They worked with us… read more
1 Dec 2013
Left by host for Workawayer (Olivier)
Olivier is an excellent Workawayer. Always willing to help, he applied himself to everything he did with enthusiasm and thoughtfulness. Olivier has an excellent grasp of language and culture, and we had many interesting discussions about the French/English contrast. He has a gentle touch with animals, and they respond well to him. We enjoyed… read more
(Excellent)
1 Dec 2013
Left by Workawayer (Olivier) for host
I had a wonderful time with Melissa & David in their beautiful property. They are such nice and generous people who make you feel so comfortable since the first day, where i ended up spending 1 and a half month. I had the opportunity to learn so many different things in gardening and farming each day so it was never boring or repetitive. I also… read more
