Host Profile
My Property
Business Type
Farming methods
Short Property Description
I have a large property in the beautiful rainforest area of Kangaroo Valley in the Southern Highlands of NSW. Unfortunately, we were badly hit by the Australian bushfires in January 2020, and much of the work on the farm still centres around bushfire recovery and construction.
We live a pioneering lifestyle without all the usual comforts: we have a composting toilet, off-site shower, outdoor 2-burner gas stove for cooking etc.
We do now have a small solar power system, and internet.
Accommodation is basic but comfortable. Food is good – that’s important!
You can also bring your own van, or sleep in your own tent if it has a sewn-in floor.
WWOOFers can learn building (often using timber we fell ourselves), including earth building, developing vegetable gardens and food forests, and many other diverse skills as we work together on a wide range of projects.
No prior knowledge is needed, as I am happy to teach you everything you need to know.
The purpose for the property ultimately is to establish long term accommodation for homeless or at-risk young people. My background is in social work, and I have many years’ experience working with children and families in difficulty.
I really want to emphasise to all prospective WWOOFers that we still have a long way to go in restoring the property. In many ways it still looks like a disaster zone. Life is difficult here and I don’t want you to be under any illusions that there is something romantic about colonial living. It is hard, and it is not something that just anyone can cope with. I need WWOOFers who understand this, and who thrive on working hard and making a contribution. So far, WWOOFers of this kind also find the experience deeply rewarding in a range of ways, as they have expressed in the reviews submitted below.
Organic/Biological methods we use
We are committed to being organic and keeping the property free from toxins and poisons of any kind.
We have now planted the orchard. Just beginning to establish garden beds following permaculture principles, and establishing accommodation and water collection.
My Details
The Stay
Can Accommodate
Preferred length of Stay
1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, Longer stays by negotiation
Accommodation
Separate Building, Caravan, BYO Accommodation
Other options
Non-Smoking, Children allowed by arrangement, No Pets please
Meal Procedures
Languages spoken
Diets we cater for
Mixed meals, some meat, some vegetarian, BYO Special diet foods please
Why I became a WWOOF Host
I have good knowledge and skills in construction, including mud building and building with timber in the round, as well as in organic gardening and in building good connections with animals both domestic and wild, and I enjoy sharing this knowledge with wwoofers who are keen to learn. Since my property was burnt out in the bushfires, I have had an increased need for the help that wwoofers bring, too. It is important to me that wwoofers enjoy their wwoofing experience with me.
