Feedback from WWOOFers and WWOOF Hosts

UPSIDE DOWN is a wonderful story written by English WWOOFer, Georgina Carr about her year long adventure of a lifetime, travelling & WWOOFing in Australia. Upside Down will have you packing your bags and heading off around Australia for your very own adventure!

Gratitude! My first WWOOF trip to Australia I visited a site a week for a week for five weeks from Sydney, to Fraser Island. Then Tasmania for nine for nine weeks, a new location each each week. This time I will go south from Sydney, one location per week, as far as Adelaide. So looking forward to it! Just under three months each time to keep myself moving and not need a visa. Fabulous! WWOOFer Katherine i10/1598 July 2010

Hello, I'm currently WWOOFing on the Whitsunday Coast and loving it, this program rocks!! Thanks, Whitney, WWOOFer i10/63123 June 2010

Hello to you all, sending you some photos of four of our German girls who have been WWOOFing with us for a few months.. These girls came separately and are now the best of friends. Steph, Johanna (Joey), Linda & Svenja (Celery) have spent time between Millrose and 2nd WWOOFing place, Glen-Ayle.

We have enjoyed having WWOOFers come & stay and it's always sad when they have to leave. We feel very privileged when they come back to visit. These four girls have been exceptional not only as workers but with friendship and support. We have been a member for 9 years now and would like to thank you all for such a great organisation for the WWOOFers as well as the WWOOFing Hosts.  Thank you again, Norma & Rex, WWOOF Hosts WN060 July 2010

Belgian Couple Stephanie & Servaas,WWOOFers I09/5500 talk about their WWOOFing adventures, travelling in Tasmania, Victoria & Western Australia, where they stayed with WWOOF Hosts WN133

Hi all, My name is Tom and I'm 20 n from the UK. I have been WWOOFing for the last 3 months in order to obtain my 2nd year working holiday visa. I'm just coming to the end of a 2 month stay on kangaroo island, I have have some bad experiences with WWOOFing before I arrived on kangaroo island. I arrived here just under 2 months ago and have had such an amazing time. Heather and Dennis are absolutely wonderful people and I have had nothing but fun and fantastic experiences. They took me in into their family and showed me such brilliant hospitality. When i started WWOOFing I just wanted to obtain my 2nd year visa and experience how farm life was, But since visiting Heather and Dennis farm I've learnt so much more, They have really taught me a lot and I am forever grateful to them for that. Its like my second home here and I will always keep in touch with them. I'm from a city in the UK and have never done any kind of farm work before but now im able to do all sorts of things! I have grew very close to them and even my grandad has a trip planned out to their farm in the next few months. I just wanted to reassure people that their are some brilliant host's out there although it can be hard to find them. I really don't think i could have found more honest and decent people. We go fishing, catching yabbies, take trips to the city, Night fishing with a camp fire and so so much more! The only problem is i have put on about 10 stone! I'm going to help them get there profile up on the WWOOFers website so everyone can get in touch with them. Their host number is SA280. Thank You Heather and Dennis. Tom, WWOOFer i10/61510 June 2010

Me and my friend Carolin had a very pleasant stay at WWOOF Host VM197, Steve's farm outside Melbourne called Kinglake Homestead for one week in March 2010. Steve has a garden where he grows Chinese herbs and he also has a trail riding business. In the weekdays we were alone on the farm and our tasks were such as picking and planting herbs as well as different chores around the stable. We had our own accommodation and Steve was happy to let us write the groceries shopping list and cook whatever we wanted. In our free time we could go fishing and canoeing in a small lake close by as well as taking a walk in the beautiful Kinglake National Park. There’s also an abundance of wildlife around Steve’s farm, we saw foxes and wombats. Steve is very kind and generous and arranged a barbeque with a bonfire under the stars with his friends and family one night. They were also very friendly and we enjoyed it a lot! And our last day he took us for a horseback ride through the beautiful forest and we had so much fun! I truly recommend wwoofers to go to Steve’s farm, both young people and older. It can be a good idea though to be two people or it might get a bit lonely in the days. I hope to be able to come back one day for a visit! Lydia, WWOOFer i10/60724  June 2010

Hi all, I WWOOFed for 3 months for WWOOF Hosts NI172 Kate & Rob. Located in the Horton Falls, Barraba. They are able to sign off for 2nd year visa. They live on 1000 acres, have abundance of wildlife and are keen to answer any questions you throw at them. Work is light and done in the mornings mostly. They have a veggie garden and an orchard. They do not run cattle etc. Whilst I was there a fire shelter was built, fences made and now they are working on one of the dams I believe. They are always keen for a pitfire and have people regularly visiting them. Situated 40 mins out of town but WWOOF mum goes in to town at least every Monday, you can go with her and use internet facilities at local backpackers or spend some time in the town. EVERYONE is friendly and interested in what brings you there etc. I had no car and went on my own (Will pick up from bus station) and didn't leave for 3 months. Am still in regular contact with them now and other WWOOFers I met there. Any queries let me know - def an experience I recommend! Cheers. (I am a 28 year old female Pommie) WWOOFer I09/53898, June 2010

Hi All, I've been WWOOFing for WWOOF Hosts TN160, Bill and Lisa in Sisters Creek, Tassie since January. We've had heaps of wonderful wwoofers come for a month or so, it has been wonderful to meet so many people on their permaculture journey. Bill and Lisa look after us extremely well, we are well fed and the work is varied and interesting. There are lots of opportunities to learn more about permaculture, lots of resources and places to study as well as talking to Bill and Lisa. We have pigs with piglets, 2 horses, geese, ducks and chooks, all well looked after in their own permaculture systems. I have enjoyed working with the animals as well as being in the garden and on the 17 acre property. All I can say is please come and join us for a while, it is definately a permie's dream come true. Love Tamara WWOOFer, i10/9169 May 2010

Dear WWOOF, I love your organization and appreciate how well planned out you are.  I have been doing the WWOOF thing for the last 4 years now and had some great experiences, thanks! Michele, WWOOFer i10/8150 June 2010

Hello, Our first WWOOFing experience at Nova & Mikes place, WWOOF Host TH182, in Tasmania was really nice so we would like to have another WWOOFing experience before leaving Australia.  Best regards Delphine, WWOOFer i10/9375 June 2010

Hello WWOOF Team, Thank you all for the great job you do. My children and I have loved having all the different WWOOFers in our lives over the years.  I can look at certain trees in the garden and think of the WWOOFers who planted them, or the big job that's been completed after I thought it would never be done and my heart is warmed at the thought of the hard work done by wonderful WWOOFers. The positives greatly outweigh the negatives without a doubt. All the best Alex, Host NW039 March 2010

Hi WWOOF, I am a Chinese girl from China mainland and just come back from Aus. I have 2 hosts while the 20 days in Perth...WP118 & WP123.  They are both lovely family and treat me kindly.  WWOOF is quite a meaningful association and I really experience much during these days. Thank you very much. And as I seldom see WWOOFers from China mainland (most Chinese WWOOFers are from Taiwan and Hong Kong) and many foreign countries' people know few about China mainland.  It may be some political reasons lead to this phenomenon and it is really no easy for mainland people to get so close to foreign people, but WWOOF can play an important role for more Chinese people to exchange their life style and different views with other countries' people. I hope WWOOF more widespread in China in the future. I send some feedback pictures sharing with you my happiness there and I am happy if you like pictures.  Best wishes Enlu,WWOOFer I09/8672 February 2010

I recently just finished my first ever week of WWOOFing in Healesville with WWOOF host VM212.  It was my first experience, and it was their first time having WWOOFers, and I can honestly say I had a terrific week and wish I could have stayed longer, but travel plans didn't allow it!  There was lots of work to be done, and some of it was hard, but I never once felt like I was overworked, and no matter what, the host family always made it fun! Nice private room, fantastic food all week, an absolute joy to have been there for a week, I would highly recommend this little gem in Healesville to anyone passing through. Thanks again for all the memories guys, good luck!  Andrew, WWOOFer I09/8577 January 2010

Hi, That is so kind of you to forward the comments from our first WWOOFer. We must say we were lucky too. Andrew was a complete delight to have around and we would have liked him to stay longer.  Our second WWOOFer arrives today, so here's fingers crossed! Also, I would like to say a big thank you  to WWOOF Australia. Since we listed with you we have had a steady flow of enquiries. The Bulletin Board has been a terrific way to get started and we are so excited to have such a wonderful way to get our work moving along and, at the same time, meet lovely people from far and wide. Thanks so much, we are very grateful to you. All the best Doris & Stephen, WWOOF Hosts VM212 January 2010

Hi, We are really enjoying the WWOOF experience, we have been to two different places already and are looking to do more. Thanks for putting the book together! Thanks, Grant & Rachel WWOOFers i10/60809 January 2010

The Los Angeles Times - Environment has an interesting article by Krista Simmons about her WWOOFing adventures in Australia from December 2009

Hello WWOOF, I am very sad we cannot renew our host role as the WWOOFers have been of great assistance in our operation. I cannot state how beneficial it is for the land to have goodwill of these young people from all over the world pouring forth from their work. Thank you to the WWOOF team for the support that you give that enables Organic and Biodynamic practitioners to be companioned in their often lonely/isolated rhythmic tasks, to provide labour when it is required.....to allow the mixing and sharing of cultures at grass roots level of Earth care and high regard for life.  All the best wishes to WWOOF, regards Linda for Aracaria WWOOF Host NV151 November 2009

Hi, I am Rotion from Korea, from August I am travelling Australia with WWOOFing which is very nice to experience Australia :D. I had stayed at Guluguba with WWOOF Hosts QG249 in July, just in a word , it was HEAVEN. everybody was kind. I could feel that I was loved by people. and we worked and played each other. I just felt that I am one part of their family. it was so lovely.  I hadn't seen the most fabulous skies before. this place is the most beautiful memory I have ever travelled. just love it and have travelled by myself.  WWOOFer I09/50700 September 2009

We do Have quite a number of WWOOFers. They usually like it very much to work on the different projects. So far we had 105 coming through. Generally they stay 1 to 2 weeks. Some had previously bad experiences and said that they would only stay a couple of days.......but stayed for 2 months. Our biggest challenge so far are the Koreans in regard to communication.  They have a strong work ethic and work very well, but it is hard to communicate. We usually invite the WWOOFers to cook a traditional meal from their country, which is usually well received.  Our breakdown of WWOOFers in regards to positive ti negative: 60% are plain positive experiences, 30% are so-so (not really positive or negative) and 10% where we are glad to see them go.  I think WWOOFing is a tremendous cultural exchange and even as an older person I intend to do some WWOOFing in Europe. Congratulations!!!!!!! WWOOF Hosts NN145 September 2009

I went to Wilderness farms for 2 weeks with WWOOF Hosts NT002 near Katherine NT and that was the highlight of my trip. It was a real, huge working farm. We ate a lot of their produce supplemented with meat and fish caught on the property, there were many travellers passing through and a few long term WWOOFers staying to learn, the kitchen and river were great.  Half a days hard work and half a days freedom and Caroline brought everyone together around the evening meal. WWOOFer Alana I08/21657 July 2009

We are up to WWOOFer No. 255 & with the exception of 2 or 3 we would have them all back again, in fact many have come back to Australia just to stay with us - and brought mum and dad and or family.  We have had to teach city-dwellers how to use a wheelbarrow & have been taught other skills by experienced WWOOFers.  We have had 3 East Germans - the youngest of whom was 57 - out-work anyone else & we have had wonderful WWOOFers who have operated our business, taking bookings and keeping accounts.  The local community love them & treat them with kindness and care. Thank you WWOOF Australia, Eden & Rebecca WWOOF Hosts NH059 September 2009

I had an amazing experience in this farm, WWOOF Hosts QU138 are beautiful people, generous, open minded, and everything was fair.  I was working 4 or 5 hours a day in a beautiful farm. My work was to feed the fish, to clean the ponds, to do some gardening and to help in the shop-restaurant .  It was really nice to be there with them and I would advise everyone to go for WWOOFing in their place. I had a lot of great experiences as a WWOOFer, I am at this moment in my WWOOF number 10 in Northern Territory and I have to say thank you to this organisation, it is a really good way to discover a country and its people. WWOOFer I09/6029 Laura

Being a single woman of less than full flush of youth, living in a equally aged, 100 year old weatherboard house, set in 1/2 acre of rambling wilderness, but also high upkeep garden, I simply couldn't manage without the help and friendship of my WWOOFers, many of whom have become really good and dear friends and part of my extended family.  I stayed with a French couple this year and the renewed friendship was wonderful.  And right now I have another wonderful French couple who I want to kidnap and never allow to leave.  Also my initial dream, written in my first WWOOF Book, is gradually becoming a reality with thanks to WWOOFers, I have a new secret sunken bird attractive native garden, the vege garden expands to be a delicious addition, and we are now preparing the site for a 11 metre railway carriage, previously used in Gidgegannup for WWOOF living space, but here in suburban Swanbourne will be used more as an Art, Craft and Jewellery Studio.  Thank you WWOOF Australia and WWOOFers and may we continue this deep and meaningful relationship for many years to come. WWOOF Host, Jan, WP057 October 2008

I've been WWOOFing at 3 Host properties so far and they've all been rewarding experiences.  I was in Daylesford, Vic. for 5 days in November '08 with WWOOF Hosts VM168, helping them with their very large garden.  They were great people and I learned a bit more about vegetarian cooking (Sarah was an amazing chef!)  I spent 10 days in February with WWOOF Host TN147 on her property right outside Sheffield, Tasmania; she was an absolutely phenomenal woman whom I greatly admire and learned a lot from. I got to bottle feed baby wombats and rid her paddocks of nasty thistles (a thorny, but necessary job!), as well as learn how to build a retaining wall for the garden and general help around the house and yard. WWOOFing has been an awesome way to experience your country and has given me the opportunity to meet with 'real' Australians and learn about their day-to-day lives, as well as Australian and Aboriginal culture, gardening, animal care, pioneering, growing organically, vegetarian cooking, painting... the list goes on.  I'm so happy I signed up in October! Thanks for the wonderful memories! Hopefully More to come.... WWOOFer Amanda I08/31226 April 2009

Dear WWOOF Team, We have sold our farm and will be moving to the suburbs in January. Thankyou for your continued support and the opportunity to be a part of s great experience. We couldn't have achieved half of what we did in ten years on a rural property if we hadn't been involved in the WWOOF program for the past 5 years.  WWOOF Hosts Jacqui & Alistair NV128, November 2009

Hi, I have included some of our favourite pictures of our wwoof experiences (my dream is to be on the cover of the WWOOF Book!!!) We LOVE WWOOFing and can't imagine how inferior our experience of Australia would have been without it. We have met some of the most wonderful people through your scheme, learned many skills and made some very solid friends who we know we will have for life.  We are hoping to settle in Australia and one day be WWOOF hosts ourselves. THANKYOU!  WWOOFers Benjamin & Lianne I08/21708 January 2009

Hello everyone, I have been WWOOFing quite a lot since I arrived in Australia 4 month ago and every single host was good but my last host Glenda (WWOOF Host VN132) was just amazing. She runs a wildlife shelter in Victoria and gets lots of injured wildlife. I helped feeding, showed the tiny kangaroos how to hop and took them on walks through the bush, took wombats on walks, cuddled the koala bears and just had lots of fun. Glenda lives in the middle of a forest (so she lives very natural) and releases the wildlife back into the forest once they are old enough. In the evening you see lots and lots of kangaroos, possums and wombats coming in to eat some oats and biscuits. It was definitely the experience of a lifetime. There is always something to do and I never got bored. I wanted to stay for 4 days and ended up staying for almost 4 weeks.
The animals get fed every four hours and need to be taken on walks in between. Glenda manages all of this by herself and could really need some helpers that love and care about animals. So if you want to have a unique Australian experience give her a call and you won't regret it. I can't wait to get back in winter to see what happened to my favourite kangaroos. Ulrike WWOOFer 07/13963 March 2008

Dear WWOOF, I wish to tell you of the best time of my life. In fact it has been life changing for me. I have been helping a lovely lady called Glenda (WWOOF Host VN132) with caring for injured wildlife. Every moment was a joy for me and I hope to return to Australia some day and work for wildlife. Anyone who cares about animals has a great deal to learn from Glenda who is a terrific teacher and totally devoted to her charges. Thanks for the opportunity. Eric, French WWOOFer I07/91351 See a newspaper clipping

I recently spent several weeks with Glenda (WWOOF Host VN132) at the wildlife that she runs in Yakandandah.  I had an amazing time and hope to return soon.  A couple of people have commented on their stays with Glenda and I wholeheartedly agree with everything they said.  I would like to add that this is not a place to go if you are looking to relax for a few days.  In order to truly help Glenda out, you need to be prepared to work from the minute you wake up until bed time, which , which can be 11.00 or 12.00 at night.  It is also helpful if you are able to stay for AT LEAST two or three weeks.  To come for just a few days is not terribly beneficial for Glenda  because by the time she teaches you how to do everything it will be time for you to leave.  Glenda is one of the hardest working, determined individuals that I have ever met and needs someone who is willing to spend the time & energy necessary to learn the ropes and keep up with everything that needs to be done in a day.  If you are a hard working, unselfish person who loves animals and enjoys helping people, you will have a wonderful time.  However, if you are looking to work for a few hours a day and relax & explore the area for the rest of the day, you may want to consider somewhere else as it is a full time job and requires a high level of dedication and hard work.  Lisa, USA, WWOOFer I08/4272 November 2008

We have been very fortunate to have two hard working and helpful WWOOFers from Germany. This is the first time that I have used the Bulletin Board to recommend WWOOFers.  They have both picked up nuts, sorted nuts, cut grass, and helped prepare and cook meals regularly. We are also building a house and both are competent in renovations and use of power tools, (nothing is broken). Such progress has been made since they arrived almost two weeks ago. This is a recommendation of the highest order. We live in Valla, which is on the Mid- North coast and Hanna and Johannes are travelling North. They only have 3 months left in Australia. WWOOF Hosts NM111 May 2006

Hi, I bought my WWOOF Book in Byron Bay and been WWOOFing 2 and a half week now.  The experience, surroundings and people are great and I finely see Australia for what it is. Thanks! Greets Thijs WWOOFer I09/43204

I have been one year ago for 3 month in Australia (for WWOOFing) and I have to tell you, that you helped, supported me and gave me the chance to have the greatest time of my life!!! It really was my best experience - thanks a lot for everything and everybody who made it possible!!!! WWOOFer Helene 2007

Hi, I just wanted to say how very pleased I am to have won the long sleeved jumper (I think it was for being best looking Host?) Since I received the jumper I had a holiday to Russia, Iceland and Scandinavia I wore the jumper every day as living in North Queensland I do not own many long sleeve jumpers, every where I went people would ask about WWOOFer written on my shirt, and seemed very surprised to learn of WWOOFing in Australia. So don't be surprised if you get lots of new prospects from Iceland and Russia. I felt very smart in my jumper and found it of very good quality and smart looking. So thank you a lot. Host QU1O1 2007

In June I travelled up the East and visited Coffs Harbour, Byron Bay, Surfers Paradise and Brisbane. Then I went to Mount Barner (100 kilometres south-west from Brisbane) and had an amazing time with my WWOOFing family.  The family is running a small business and I was able to use my marketing skills to help them with a business plan.  I really enjoyed my stay with these real Aussies! WWOOFer Jeroen September 2007

It has been a wonderful experience having all the lovely young people come and stay with us. Many staying a few days longer than intended and some even keeping in touch afterwards. It has been great, thank you so much for your Organisation that has enriched our lives. Host QR115 2007

I would like to say thanks to you for helping me to have a fantastic time in Aus last year. I spent two weeks each with Ben and Lena (SA 144), Errol and Pamela (SA 186) and with Catherine (SA 067), over the months of September, October and November in South Australia - I'm sorry that this is such a late thank-you note! I would definitely recommend all three hosts to anybody; these people are very wise, thoughtful, intelligent, inspiring friends, as well as being hospitable and caring hosts. I was encouraged to think more about the environment and how it can be better respected and hope that my future will involve caring for it in some way. WWOOF is a wonderful scheme that really provides a unique opportunity to meet real people in real places and adds so much more depth to a general visit for tourism. Many thanks and best wishes for the future, WWOOFer Martin I05/55056 Feb 2006

Hello Friends... Haven't been in touch for a while so I thought I should update you. We had perhaps our most unusual WWOOFers a few weeks ago... An American family. William was 59, a retired vet, his wife Lisa aged 52, a retired biologist, and his remarkable Mum, Betty, who was 80! Now Betty looked 90 but worked like a wharf labourer and had an appetite to match! She was 4ft 10 and 42 kilos of pure energy! She had a great range of food allergies but we were able to work around those and she was great company... and really enjoyed a few glasses of sweet wine with her dinner. Host VM084 2007

After being wwoof hosts for what seems many, many years my family and I decided to follow our dreams and explore further this amazing country in which we live. We changed our wwoof membership from hosts to WWOOFers, setting out on an adventure which will stay in our hearts forever. During our travels with our four children we WWOOFed at many farms, one of which brings back beautiful memories - Goombaragin Host WN026 - coastal east in the Kimberly. For the next two weeks we witnessed and experienced respect, privacy, compassion, joy, teaching sharing and much, much more. These wonderful warm indigenous Australians nourished my soul to such an extent it has changed my life permanently. The children were appreciated and interacted with nurturing and kindness. Host VMO61 2007

WWOOFers have been a huge help to us with our cyclone recovery. It is a terrific organisation. Our WWOOFers have been hard workers, great company and most are now long term friends. We had 3 WWOOFers return, from Austria and Finland, to help us clean up. How great is that! Host QU153 2007

Hello, Just wanted to let everybody know that WWOOFing at Batchelor Butterfly farm NT018 has been a great experience for us. The owner Chris is a very funny and generous man. Work is interesting, food is great and the atmosphere really nice! We wish we could have stayed longer, but have now to go further...WWOOFers I06/9888 Liza and Gilles from France June 2006

We have nothing but praise for the WWOOFers who have stayed with us WWOOF Hosts NV174 September 2006

Had a great time at WN026, after being wwoof hosts for what seems like many, many years, my family and I decided to follow our dreams and explore further this amazing country in which we live. We changed our wwoof membership from hosts to WWOOFers, setting out on an adventure which will stay in our hearts forever. During our travels with our four children we wwoofed at many farms, one of which brings back beautiful memories - Goombaragin- coastal east in the Kimberly. The travel although only 150ks north of Broome was incredibly slow due to thick sand and much to our embarrassment we arrived well into the night. Humbly we approached the camp-fire full of apologies to be greeted with an incredibly warm welcome. For the next two weeks we witnessed and experienced respect, privacy, compassion, joy, teaching, sharing and much, much more. These wonderful warm indigenous Australians nourished my soul to such an extent it has changed my life permanently. The children were appreciated and interacted with nurturing and kindness. As we collected bait and fished, the children swam and played hermit crab races till their legs ached and their bellies laughed. Watching their freedom and uninhibited behaviour brought tears to my eyes and I silently gave thanks for the privilege of being witness to such happiness. We painted ourselves with pindan and watched the sea turn red as we washed ourselves clean again. Andrew took my husband Lawrie out fishing in his boat and a Whale surfaced and blew her spout like a giant blowhole spraying up out of the vast ocean. We watched schools of dolphins jumping completely out of the water and every morning we would sit on the edge of the cliff at sun rise to witness the whales with their calves swimming in the bay below camp. I caught my first fish and many more to follow. I shed tears of joy whilst we were there and tears of sadness when it was time to say farewell. There are so many happy memories which fill my mind about Goombaragin, that I felt compelled to share a snippet of those with other WWOOFers and wwoof hosts. I would also like to personally thank Andrew, Bella and Lynette for their kindness in allowing my family and I to share their lives and land for such a small time but such a big impact. We have arrived back to our luscious green farmlands of home and now looking forward to welcoming future WWOOFers into our lives again. WWOOFers and WWOOF Host VM061 Jenni & Family

Congratulations for the wwoof creation, it is fantastic and will remain the best things we did among all our travels! WWOOFers IO6/70790 Zabukovec Stephane and Cahn Alexandra

Dear WWOOF Team, I wanted to tell you about a WWOOFer called Dao. She was a good example of excellence and companionship in my opinion. I would vote her my choice for the year (have hosted 15 WWOOFers during 2006). Thank you for the good work. Keep it up. Regards, Atika, WWOOF Host TN037

Lovely experience and extra help after Hurricane Larry. Two months ago me and my boyfriend stayed at WWOOF host QU209 (page 224 of the Jan 06 book). We had a amazing experience, the family is lovely!! Each day we ate food which we picked ourselves in the garden and we were showed all the nice places in the surroundings. The work in the garden was both very educative and great for your spirit. They were great hosts! Unfortunately Hurricane Larry hit the garden and a lot of their beautiful paradise got destroyed. Fortunately, the family is all ok and the house is still standing. So WWOOFers are still more than welcome (and can still stay in the house). So if you want to combine a great experience, together with some hard needed help after the Hurricane please call them! You won't regret it! Kind regards, WWOOFers Giulietta & Floris May 2006

Just a note to say very much thank you for the basic itinerancy/ies of the WWOOF guide membership subscription. It has unfolded gradually and delivers a horizon of sweet aspirations regularly. I mention it to many people on my travels and there are many interested and a vast majority who have not ever heard of it to date...here...between sort of Griffith, Colly, Corowa...South NSW area, much grainage afarmin'.... I saw some brolgas near Berrigan...no-one believes me. I have been at Tranquil Hills farm (WWOOF Host VN072) at Cobram this week and especially being a new place, I thought I'd deliver a glowing report of a delightful, inspired, studious and meaningful time spent on the 'tranquil hills' the farm happens to be. Noel and Bev are developing more serious interests in projects ahead and finding more time themselves to enjoy the farm and develop their careers a bit closer to home. I can see very good things for the niche of massage healing and orange picking by the Murray for the future and it has been a pleasure to help them envisage the potentials of the WWOOFing experience. The room they have is LUSH, even to the extent that I felt better in my tent the first night, but I succumbed eventually, meditation music and study desk and all...They have many good camping places and seem more inspired to use these through the warmer months....,I can recommend the best and lest of very sweet oranges, the incredible bird watching and walk through the forest to the river, the bounty of Bev's rich herb garden, Noel's wisdoms and walk tours and good friendly wholesome food and company, I even rode Precious, the pig, tho not very far....I return there to help with a couple of bus tours later this week and then head north Coleambally way....Is there anything else I should be thinking about, or other ways I can potentially help out??... I am hoping to establish some more contacts in region before telling all my friends....Mostly enjoying learning.. thanks again. WWOOFer Sasha September 2006

WWOOFers who change plans, PLEASE Notify hosts!

Hey all, Just thought I would share my experience of WWOOFing at Cheryl's permaculture farm near Maldon, Victoria (WWOOF Host VG049). For me, it is the perfect WWOOFing experience. Starting with a friendly welcome and fun/crazy family atmosphere, this place gives WWOOFers a real taste of self-sufficiency and healthy lifestyle. Cheryl gladly imparts her amazing knowledge of permaculture and nutrition to everyone who works here - I learned A LOT from being here. WWOOFer Demain

Greetings from host VM031-Bruce and Alice- Thanks for newsletter- Have been keeping a book now since the beginning in Jan '98, over two hundred and fifty from 28 countries- no major hassles at all! Absolute win-win, but have heard some interesting stories about conditions at some host farms!!! WWOOF Hosts VM031 Bruce and Alice September 2006

I had a really good experience in a family in Burringbar NSW (WWOOF Host NV135). I have been there for 4 months! I had to stay 2 weeks but finally I stayed there for 4 months! They became like a family! I made the washing, looked after the kids, took care about the horses, worked in the vegie garden, fixed the chicken pen... I had a really great time there! It was really good to live with an Australian family and live a different life style! I read your WWOOFing report (you send to the hosts) and I was a bit disappointed because it was not really positive! People complaining about sheets, internet... I think some host miss a point! WWOOFers are most of the time travellers, they are here in Australia to have a good time and not to be free labour! For my point of view, WWOOFers do WWOOFing to share an experience, Australian culture, meet people... and not to be servants! I think Hosts would take a few minutes to think about it before registration and think about being a WWOOFer in another country and speak an other language! I know some WWOOFers are too lazy and take piss of everything and I am against it too! I think hosts and WWOOFers have to take 10 minutes at the beginning to talk about their expectations. I would advise the hosts to do a realistic list of the tasks and submit it to the WWOOFer. I think it s the best things to do. I think the WWOOFing it s a great experience it s a shame that people are sometimes to close and not enough flexible... to share this experience! Regards, WWOOFer I06/71773 Stephanie Hennen October 2006

Dear WWOOF International, Dear Family Cains, After several months of travelling through the s.e. Asia and Australia I decided to save up some money that my further travel can become a better way to see the world. The first time I heard form WWOOFing was during my travels in s.e. Asia by a Australian traveller. Arrived in Australia I decided to buy a wwoof-book. I red several announcements on my way up from Brisbane to Cairns. I called up a place and I didn't have luck , because the place was already booked for a while. So that I decided to call them later again, but it wasn't the thing I liked. Spontaneous as I am, I called up WWOOF-Host QT096 in El Arish. Their announcement sounded very interesting. My first call was a success and I could start the next day. What I did. My idea was to wwoof about 3 or 4 weeks. For this time I'd like to give you my personal feedback: When I arrived in Tully my Host Scott pick me up on the bus station. Already in the car we talked about travelling and i found out that this couple has also travelled in some part of these world. I visited their homepage before calling them up , so I had a idea what expected me. I like the rainforest and its vegetation and wildlife. And I knew that my host has to be some kind of farmer or agriculture. When we arrived on their property in El Arish I was firstly astonished, because their house was a small one in the middle of the rainforest. Scott told me on our way to El Arish that they have 2 children and 2 dogs. Hit by cyclone Larry, there was a lot of damage on their property. My first impression was that these people have a very simple lifestyle, which I appreciated in s.e. Asia. I knew that I have to work if I want something in return. I also had a slight idea of which kind of work will await me the next weeks, but I was really not sure how long I was going to stay in this hidden paradise. And I doubted that it isn't going to be the time I told them on the phone. But now after nearby one month of working and enjoying Australian family life I am really proud to say, that for me, WWOOFing was very important  experience, which I wouldn't have miss during my year of travelling. And a big part of it was due to my host. I worked 4.5 h per day in very human conditions. I had a few time sore in my back from weeding which isn't very interesting but it has to be done. I could even change from weeding when I felt too much pain. But after 3 days of weeding i nearby finished all the plants and then I got a lot of different kind of work. A bit of mulching, potting, planting, landscaping and so on, gave me the chance to fit up my body and to think about a lot of things in my life. The afternoon was my free time so I could explore the surrounding creeks and waterfalls or even a  bushwalk down mission beach. And I was mostly not alone, than the kids wanted to spend their holidays with me. It was fantastic what kind of activities I could do during my stay here, which I would never have done by myself or just by a tour operator. I had free access to internet and television. And my life become like everyday life at least for a while. The wildlife out here is fantastic and I could learn a lot about it and about tropical plants. Even I have been bitten by 20 march flies a day, this could never stop me from going on until to the end. And today two days before I will leave I can only thanks family Cains to every thing they've done and learned me. I cooked for them and they cooked for me and it was delicious. They even brought me to a marriage. When I wanted to relax I always found a corner to be for myself. I made my own bamboo didgeridoo. I will hopefully never forget this time here in the wet  tropics. I like to express my thank to Family Cains, which are fantastic, warm people in the way of their thinking and open-mindedness. There was always place for a joke or to laugh. I think it is a great opportunity to wwoof by people and in a country which is not your home and at least to become the feeling of being at home. It is not usual in modern world to share your private life with other people, but I am convinced that if there are more people which offer strangers to stay and work with them, our world become to a better place. I endlessly enjoyed my stay here.
With all my respect and love: Thank you ! Best Regards WWOOFer Markus October 2006

Malte came to stay with us for 2 weeks in October 2005. He was 19 & dreamed of being a dive instructor. He hunted around & found somewhere that would give him the hours to get the qualification, but it also meant working long hours out at sea for not much money four days per week. He then needed a home in Cairns the other three days, & that would cost more than he earned. We wanted to give him the chance to achieve his dream, so said he could leave his stuff here when he was out at sea, & be our WWOOFer when home. It all worked; Malte got his instructor's ticket - & then liked it so much here that he didn't really want to move on. He was here for nearly six months, & his total time in Australia was one year.

We spent all day preparing for Cyclone Larry; we had plenty of warning that it was going to be severe. Our main living area is the back veranda, we had to move everything inside. We had cars and animals to secure, shade cloth to take down, groceries to stock up on, a generator to move and fuel...it was a busy day and an early night. We were woken at 4am by rattling windows, & it got worse...by 7:30 we had lost power, & Larry was raging. Malte slept through the lot. The noise stopped at about 9:45, then the sleepy-head emerged! He was amazed by what had happened in our yard, & we are on the south side of Cairns, 75km from Innisfail.

First of all I would like to thank you for making it possible to get to know the Aussie way of life from such a close point of view. I have just returned from one amazing year in Australia and had the time of my life backpacking, working and WWOOFing there.. Steve's country is also a naturist retreat, a place where naturists can happily follow their lifestyle. One of the best things here were the Happy Hours once a week to which Steve and I went down to the camping area of the 'nudist people' with homebrew beer. Some of the stories that were told there I will never forget and I'm still in stitches when I think of them now, e.g. about Horny, the Billy goat. Just wanted to tell you that WWOOFing was a lot of fun and I would do it again anytime. Cheers!" WWOOFer Anja - Germany.

"Here is a pic of Rika, a wonderful WWOOFer from Japan who has been with us for nearly 2 months and managed our property for us while we went away! - she's the BEST! - thank you! keep up the great work" WWOOF host VB120 Rachel

A Mature WWOOFer in Oz
On a dull January day in England it is tempting to fantasize about being in Australia, where the skies can usually be relied upon to be blue, at least for part of the day. Sacrificing an English summer, I spent a few happy winter months there last year. Getting up early to a mist and even a slight frost is no hardship when one knows it will burn off soon enough. For me these early bits of the day are the most precious. Sitting with a drink and watching birds swoop with a small lake in the middle distance was such a delight. Staring out of the kitchen window at a frosty white field with a couple of wallabies feeding more or less in the same place every day was another such pleasure. And in the Northern Territory the sight of a brilliant bougainvillea at my window helped me to wake more willingly to a hot day.
I think my strategy was right, to Wwoof while the weather wasn't too hot. It is about strategy that this article is written. Getting to places can take considerable strategic planning sometimes. The book is dauntingly full of names, and to someone unused to the geography of a place it requires careful logistical planning especially when public transport is used. E-mail has become a very useful tool, but usually a phone call is needed. Speaking clearly on the telephone should go without saying, but I do have to remind people how important that is, especially because of foreign language visitors or because one may be hard of hearing.
I appreciate that hosts are very busy people, who need to juggle a lot of things. From the traveller's point of view it helps if a host has knowledge of whether a bus can be used to an appropriate place, and when. Putting this in the entry may seem obvious but isn't always done! It helps even more if there is clarity about whether a place can be offered. Telephoning isn't as easy as people assume, what with time changes, funny phone codes, noise at public telephone booths etc. I put in a plea for joint hosts (i.e. say married couples) to be aware of what has been said to WWOOFers. It's very off-putting to have to phone long-distance again and again because a wife doesn't know what her husband might want. I know that it's not always clear when a place might fall free, but wouldn't a diary by the phone help with pencilled possibilities? And a few well-chosen words about the seasonal work required.
Conversely it's vital that WWOOFers communicate clearly what their intentions are. It really is inexcusable if a host isn't informed in good time of a change of plan. Common politeness applies well before one gets to know someone. And to WWOOFers my advice is to exercise a little strategy when you apply, to have a piece ready about yourself so that hosts have some idea who they might be taking on. You can cut and paste it into an e-mail or say some of it
My homily to hosts and workers is the one about the willingness to exchange skills, knowledge, time, and cultural differences. Misunderstandings can arise early on if communication hasn't been good. The words have to be said if something doesn't feel right. Pretty soon the habits, or indeed rules of a house are learned. It may take a few days of feeling one's way. Unease about matters related to hygiene or food can occur at first. If one goes to as many homes as I have done, then there are many different household ways to be learned, apart from the work to be done. I have found that with generosity a middle way is always found. In three years I've had about 40 varied placements, so I know what I mean!
What is clear to me is that where hosts are exploiting WWOOFers for their labour only, and don't have an interest in the person as a whole, then the contract is already at risk. Conversely if WWOOFers ask only how many hours are required, and want to stick to their own agenda without blending into the household, then a deal of learning and getting to know each other is lost. Increasingly I find that self-catering is required, but I have to say that it works only up to a point. Sharing food and conversation are important aspects of this exchange, Some shared meals or trips out help to bond people and make for a better working relationship.
Some Wwoof places seem to have only a nominal connection to the word 'Organic'. What is an 'organic mind-set?' 'WWOOFing' has become a kind of catch-all word to mean just a work-exchange, or an interesting cultural placement. Perhaps WWOOFers ought to be more pro-active to report any unease they feel about places that flout the clear principles stated in the book. This a phenomenal organisation that promotes living well on this earth, and its success since its origin in the UK in early 1970's is a testament to how many people have a concern for the planet. The idea of no money exchanging hands isn't always understood. It's about generosity, an attitude that allows for something unique to develop between the different parties. I feel connected to so many people and places because of the welcome, and the extraordinary bond that often developed between me and my hosts.
It is where that doesn't happen that questions should be asked, and reports should be filed. It does take courage and a bit of effort to make a negative report. At the same time I encourage people to write blogs or letters to say how good an experience was. And to promote Wwoof wherever you go! It has changed many people's lives for the better, and now that climate change is inevitable it may help to influence the well-being of our earth.
WWOOFer I05/8503 Verona Bass, Bath, England January 2006

"Couldn't do what I do without wwoof help! Have also had 2 trips this year - both to WWOOFers I had here more than 5 years ago. One to Japan the other to an isolated area in California. Memorable experiences!! WWOOF Host QN014 Heather Worth November 2006

"Hi, I am just wanting to inform you that I am staying with a Wwoof Host QU214 at the moment and I just want to tell you what a pleasure it is to be staying with this young man. He is very generous, obliging and very well mannered. David has a lovely clean separate room in his house and very comfortable indeed. He is at Ravenshoe in Queensland on the Tablelands. He is the best. WWOOFer Denise 106/85017 October 2007

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