Host Profile
My Property
Business Type
Farming methods
Short Property Description
Can do the 88 days for 417 visa extension. Our property is approx 160 acres. We are a registered cattle station but we don’t have many cattle. We are in the process of planting tropical fruit trees in orchards with a difference. We are situated 4 hrs from Cairns near Cooktown in Far North Qld. Unfortunately we are not a “certified organic” farm but we strive to maintain this regardless. Biodiversity being the main point . A lot to learn for those that want to learn.
Would like people willing to volunteer for their board, wifi & food, (personal items and snacks not included). You will have your own private clean lockable room in the main house, We all live like a big family. The work is not hard with plenty of things to do around the farm mostly gardening but other jobs include fencing, mulching, weeding, painting and cleaning. There is no mobile reception here But You will have unlimited wifi.
This position would suit mature, outgoing people and someone who just wants to experience a different way of life. Must be reasonably fit and easy to get along with. Having initiative and working independently is appreciated. Prefer non smoker, Asian cultures tend to be the majority of people doing the 88 days in this area But Any nationality, culture or gender is OK and poor English is OK , English being the preferred language to communicate or translate. We ask for 5 hours per day (7am starts) though this is flexible everything depends on the weather , Ocean tides, rain, Bush walks , ETC . We try to offer outings to see the area and have a break from work, but is weather dependent.
This is the tropics so weather can be hot and humid in the middle of the day . Hence the early start . Wild life is abundant and you may have the opportunity to see & handle abundant wildlife first hand. We have 4 dogs . horses,cattle, free range chickens. Free range pythons ( Non poison snakes ), Etc. The Property is on the river with good fishing. Public transport near by with the drop off point at our iconic “Lions Den Hotel”. With prior notice we can offer to pick up & drop off from Cairns.
We also offer you bush walks with links to others in the area that also host 88 day helpers. So you have other options to mix your 88 day hosts
Organic/Biological methods we use
As I do not have a farming background so I am learning the latest scientific discoveries & am doing cram planting with fungi as the root highway and 2 different biomes for each tree & no 2 trees of the same breed in direct proximity with pruning as the main controlling element. All trees are considered as fodder trees for cut, drop & mulch, Definitely not following mono culture. Actively joining new groups with new ideas, Learning new things every day .
My Details
The Stay
Can Accommodate
Preferred length of Stay
2-4 weeks, Longer stays by negotiation
Accommodation
In Our Home, BYO Accommodation
Other options
No Smoking Inside, No Pets please
Meal Procedures
Share most meals, Share cooking, Food provided, cook your own
Languages spoken
English, Very patent for those that have poor English
Diets we cater for
Mixed meals, some meat, some vegetarian, Fish based meals, Meat based meals, BYO Special diet foods please
Work and Study Remotely here
Work and Study Remotely here by arrangement
Why I became a WWOOF Host
I am a grease monkey by trade, mechanic, life guard, swimming instructor, heavy machinery operator; truck driver, raised 2 boys, motocross rider, photographer, battery technician, jack of many trades master of some. I always dreamed of having a farm. My partner, Nora, works in town and helps on the farm and shares my dream to establish a farm. I left the city and bought a cattle station in the subtropics. Have some cattle but my ambition is to grow tropical fruit trees so far I have approx. 7 thousand plants in pots and over 200 variety’s ready to start planting. I have an old shop out front on the road with a fruit stall attached that we hope to grow and provide access for other farmers to sell produce. I have traveled all over Australia and many parts of the world. I chose this place as I think it is as close to paradise as possible. Weather is warm all year round. Barrier reef for snorkeling, fishing, good locals. Lots of waterfalls, Bush walks and wildlife, etc.
There is so much to be done and having help is invaluable. We like getting ideas from helpers especially from countries with similar climates or tropics & who have traveled. also with ideas for the shop & house & property & like to have some input. It is great to understand what other countries do and if we can apply their processes here.
