Host Profile
My Property
Business Type
Farming methods
Short Property Description
Paperbark Place is 1.53 acre property in a remote rural community across the harbour from Darwin. I am a solo mum, with two children, who has taken on a big task of tidying up this property and improving its function and usage. I have big dreams but need a hand with some of the practicalities.
Paperbark Place has many pre-existing dwellings and sheds but the spaces need support to become functional and more maintainable. Previous owners left it in a bit of a state. So I am slowly tidying it up and getting it to a state where it can flourish and grow without being overtaken.
It’s a beautilful space with a very peaceful, engaging energy. The wildlife is incredible and the sounds from the ocean always remind you it is close by.
Organic/Biological methods we use
The veggie garden is being established very slowly with organic plants and seeds. I don’t spray anything but have used companion planting methods. The establishment of the veggie garden is tricky in this climate and there is a lot of other things to do first to set up the space properly. Local termites and soil quality mean the task is harder than expected.
The other garden spaces are watered and tended by love and the occasional conversation.
I compost and have a green waste pile. We do burn when there is an excess of green waste that has broken down and dried. The ash is put back on the garden.
I’m hoping to learn more methods and implement ongoing organic methods as we establish the property more. Clearing and improving the space with more native shrubs to balance the amount of trees and lower canopy plants is going to be important over the next year.
My Details
The Stay
Can Accommodate
Preferred length of Stay
Accommodation
Separate Building, BYO Accommodation
Other options
Non-Smoking, No Smoking Inside, Children allowed by arrangement, Pets allowed by arrangement
Meal Procedures
Share some meals, Food provided, cook your own
Languages spoken
Diets we cater for
Fish based meals, Vegetarian meals, Gluten free meals, BYO Special diet foods please
Why I became a WWOOF Host
I love where I live and love sharing it with others. This is a great opportunity to learn about the Top End of the Northern Territory and experience many of the things it has to offer. I hope to get some support to tidy up the property and rework the gardens into a more manageable state and improve on its sustainability, vegie garden, water drainage and increase the number of native edible plants.
Darwin is a multi-cultural city full of surprises and free events, particularly in the dry season (May-October). There are a multitude of festivals and weekly markets, beach walks, art galleries and amazing places to eat. It is closer to Asia than other Aussie capital cities so it’s feel is different to anywhere else in Australia. It is laid back and, be aware, there is such a thing as NT time. 🙂
