Workaway & WorldPackers Volunteers at Bawley Ridge Farm

Accommodation for backpacker volunteers on Workawayer & WorldPackers

Bawley Ridge Farm - Great food, accommodation and laughs. Learn new skills on a beautiful farm close to awesome beaches NSW South Coast, Australia

Our host listings

https://www.workaway.info/en/host/839583627422

https://www.worldpackers.com/locations/bawley-ridge-farm-nsw-south-coast

Description

We have a small 8-acre hobby farm near the beach, on a ridge overlooking the sea with alpacas, goats, geese, chickens and peacocks. We have work-from-home day jobs so we could use some extra help around the place; gardening, maintenance and DIY. You would be living in a self-contained 3 bedroom wing of the farmhouse with all food provided (and we are keen cooks making the most of some of our own produce) we eat a fair bit of locally produced fish beef and dairy so probably not suitable for vegans but can and accommodate vegetarians, we love vegetarian food would like to become more proficient at cooking a broader range of dishes. There are 2 double beds, 1 bunk bed (2 people), so we can accommodate 4 people (2 pairs) our preference is for couples or 2 friends travelling together. We are looking for people who have practical skills or are keen to learn new skills, our workawayer work hard but live well, our food is high quality, we have a well-stocked fridge (free beers, cokes & wine) and your accommodation is pretty nice.

There is the possibility of some additional paid casual work from our neighbours.

We're late fifties and It's just the two of us plus guests in a cottage & one wing of far house that we rent out. We have two grown-up kids overseas who appear very occasionally and a daughter at Uni who occasionally comes home for weekends. We're 10 minutes from Bawley Point and its many beaches, and 20 minutes to Ulladulla and 30 to Batemans Bay, both small thriving towns. The highway is 2km down the hill where there is a service station and bus stop with regular service to town. We have two cars that we are happy for our work-awayers to use once we are comfortable that you will drive responsibly, so far all but one of our work-away folks have been able to borrow our two cars.

If you want to speak with some of our past workwayers to hear first-hand from them what life at the Farm is like we can connect you with them. Or scroll down for excerpts from some of our reviews from workaway or read them in full at https://www.workaway.info/en/host/839583627422/feedback

Types of help and learning opportunities

GardeningDIY and building projectsAnimal CareFarmstay help creating/ Cooking family meals help around the house, General Maintenance

Help Needed

We are looking for general help around the property but a lot of this is general clearing of the garden and grounds (raking, mowing, trimming, strimming) and assistance with some basic building, eg: decking. Also we will help you develop new skills, past workawayer have learnt valuable practical skills including tiling, fencing, concreting etc.

Hours expected

25 hours a week, we are flexible as to when these are done (sunny days are best for hanging out on the beach )

Your Accomodation

You will be staying in the farmhouse which has two separate wings a 2 bed room wing which we live in but sometimes rent out at weekends and a 3 bedroom wing that you will stay in, it has been renovated and is very comfortable with a big deck with sea views and outdoor fireplace, there are two rooms for workaway folks a double bed room for couples and a room with bunk bed for 2 people travelling together. we also have a small cabin /. shack that has a fireplace and kitchette which many of the couples staying with us like to stay in.

Location

We are only 10 mins from Bawley Point's pristine beaches, with a backroad to Shallow Crossing on the Clyde River, and there are many beautiful walking trails and wineries nearby. For surfers, you are spoilt for choice up and down the coast, and the bus at the bottom of the hill makes for easy access to the local towns, Mollymook, Milton, Ulladulla and Batemans Bay.

Internet

We have a fast wifi with back up internet connection if you are working part time remotely.

Our reviews from backpacker volunteers

Extracts of feedback from workawayers by topic:

1. Hosts & welcome 

2. Local area 

3. Accommodation

4. Food & meal times

5.Work

1. VOLUNTEER FEEDBACK ON HOSTS & WELCOME:

​​“From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed with open arms and instantly felt like part of their family.”

— Audrey & Remi

“Bill and Cam are truly exceptional hosts—kind, supportive, and genuinely invested in the well-being of their volunteers.”

— Audrey & Remi

“We had a truly wonderful experience at a place that really felt like home.”

— Christian & Frances

“They are lovely, lively and fun people to be around—and you’re treated as a member of the house rather than just a worker.”

— Sebastian

“It’s clear their workers mean a lot to them. They put care into building a good team and looking after everyone involved.”

— Gemma

“Working with Bill and Cam was an ideal first Workaway experience. Even before arrival, communication was fast and helpful.”

— Sebastian

“They welcomed me warmly, and made every effort to ensure I had a great experience.”

— Kinga

“Our stay at the ridge was one to never forget. Bill and Camilla hosted us with great care and we felt very welcome!”

— Leendert Jannus & Julia Cornelia

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2.  VOLUNTEER  FEEDBACK ON LOCAL AREA

“The area is beautiful and relaxed, with quiet beaches and nature close by—great for recharging.”

— Martin & Warinka

“It’s a gem in the NSW countryside—just 5 minutes by car to the most beautiful, non-touristy beaches like Gannet and Termeil.”

— Irene & Emanuele

“The area is full of beautiful beaches and close to cute towns like Milton and Ulladulla.”

— Zach

“During our free time, we had lots of chances to explore—using their car to visit nearby beaches and scenic spots.”

— Audrey & Remi

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3.  VOLUNTEER  FEEDBACK ON ACCOMMODATION:

“Our accommodation in the farmhouse was wonderful—we each had our own space.”

— Thomas

“We stayed in a small shack on the property that had everything we needed, even a wood stove.”

— Lucie & Charles

“It was very special to have that space to ourselves.”

— Kit & Florencia

“The accommodation was great, and you immediately feel at home living with Bill and Cam.”

— Sebastian

“The accommodation is ace—we especially loved the fire.”

— Lucy & Harry

“The accommodations were cozy and comfortable, making us feel right at home.”

— Audrey & Remi

“Bill and Cam were tremendously hospitable, offering spacious and generous accommodation.”

— Christian & Frances

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4.  VOLUNTEER  FEEDBACK ON FOOD & MEAL TIMES:

“There was always great food and drinks. Everyone took turns cooking one evening a week, and it was lovely to gather for interesting conversations over dinner.”

— Martin & Warinka

“Cam and Bill are friendly, welcoming, and very generous with food, drinks, and conversation.”

— Paulina & Max

“We ate really well and had many insightful conversations with them.”

— Héloïse & Elie

“After a hard day’s graft, Cam and Bill cooked us lovely meals in the evenings—it was amazing.”

— Thomas

“Evenings and dinners were filled with lively conversation, and Camilla and Bill even introduced me to some of their friends.”

— Kinga

“We had ‘family’ meals, cooked together and full of big laughs.”

— Lynn & Lotte

“These meals—fun, full of conversation, and flowing with wine and beer—were some of the best moments we shared.”

— Audrey & Remi

“Bill and Cam are passionate about cooking to show their appreciation. You’ll always feel looked after.”

— Gemma

“They’ll make sure you’re well fed and watered—with good home-cooked meals, wine, and beers.”

— Lucy & Harry

“They take a real interest in your culture, which makes for great conversation over dinner.”

— Sebastian

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5.  VOLUNTEER  FEEDBACK ON WORK

“We worked on a variety of interesting projects where we weren't micro-managed—we were given responsibility and ownership, which we loved.”

— Christian & Frances

“Bill and Cam provided a great balance of direction and independence.”

— Charlie & Ella

“Camilla and Bill trusted us to plan and execute projects with other Workawayers and were always available to advise when needed.”

— Kit & Florencia

“The work was varied—from caring for the animals to chopping wood, gardening, and other creative projects.”

— Audrey & Remi

“Every project was engaging and allowed both of us to learn new skills.”

— Lucie & Charles

“You’re not just a worker here—they take an individualised interest in the skills you want to develop. I felt empowered, respected and motivated.”

— Gemma

“Bill’s patient guidance and focus on safety made every task enjoyable and empowering.”

— Audrey & Remi

“If you want to learn valuable new skills in a beautiful part of the world while still feeling at home, then look no further than this farm.”

— Sebastian