Here are the golden rules for WWOOFing, a WWOOFer should:

• Be a willing worker, prepared to exchange 4-6 hours organic farming/gardening type work for their food and accommodation.

• Be an ambassador for their country of origin.

• Treat their Host with consideration and respect.

1. This WWOOF Book is issued to the member whose name and signature appears on the back cover, it is not transferable. This book remains the property of WWOOF P/L. The host contact details in this book are only to be used for arranging WWOOF visits, any other use of these details is in breach of Australian Privacy Laws.

2. You must present this book and your photo ID on arrival at a host property and record your details in their guestbook. If you are NOT a member of WWOOF, the host can arrange for you to join before you can stay.

3. The minimum stay is two (2) nights, the maximum is as agreed by WWOOFers and their Hosts. We suggest short visits at first, with longer stays by negotiation. If a host property description is not accurate, please advise us, you do not have to remain at a host’s property if conditions there are unacceptable to you.

4. Exchange is the key. WWOOFers exchange 4 to 6 hours each day of organic gardening / farming type work for their food and accommodation. This is flexible and you should check with your hosts before arrival about work patterns or any other issues of concern. You will do 4 to 6 hours work for a full days keep, on average, a maximum of 42 hours in 7 days.

5. What sort of work? The work varies depending on the place you choose to go to, it may be gardening, weeding, planting trees, environmental works, feeding animals; the work is as varied as the farms. Ask your host before arriving about anything you need to know. Please note: hosts are not permitted to involve WWOOFers in the use of chemicals.

6. WWOOFers should be able to cope with the physical and mental demands of the WWOOF experience. Participants should have at least average physical fitness. The nature of the program is such that it is generally unsuitable for a person suffering from psychiatric or psychological conditions. If in doubt, please contact WWOOF and/or your Medical practitioner to discuss the matter.

7. Contacting Your Hosts: WWOOF Hosts welcome WWOOFers into their homes, they are not Hostels.

It is best to phone your hosts between 5.00 pm and 9.00 pm, local (Hosts) time, do not call after 9.00pm. If calling from interstate or overseas, check local Australian times, so your call is not received at 4am! If you leave a phone message, please speak slowly and clearly so the Host can understand your message.

Most Hosts do not answer bulk e-mails or text messages. E-mails telling the hosts about your interests and skills, as well as why you would like to WWOOF on their property, are more successful. Our website has a WWOOFer application form you can use as a guide.

Always book ahead and having booked, please turn up. If you can’t, please do the right thing and inform your hosts as they will be worried about your welfare. Don’t expect the host to be able to pick you up at a moment’s notice as some hosts may have to travel long distances to the nearest pick-up point.

Children and pets will only be accepted on WWOOF Host properties with the prior approval of the host.

8. WWOOFer etiquette: Treat your Host and their family with consideration and respect.

Most farms rely on rainwater tanks for water supplies. Do not waste it, and never assume there is plenty of it. There is always a drought somewhere in Australia!

Do not raid the refrigerator, or use telephone or internet/e-mail facilities without asking. Taking without permission is theft. You are expected to eat the food provided by your host ‑ if you are on a special diet, discuss this with the host before your visit, and if needed bring your own food. Alcohol and drugs should remain at home.

You are expected to keep your living area tidy and clean up after yourself, help with meals or washing up, as you would if staying with a friend or relative.

9. What to bring? Most accommodation is in a spare room within the family home, check the individual Host entry for variations, usually bedding would be supplied, but always check. Hats, sunglasses, boots, gloves & torch: while work can be anywhere in a garden or farm situation, always anticipate the worst weather and wear these to protect yourself from sunburn, injury, bites and stings.

WWOOF reserves the right to amend/update these guidelines as required.

NOTE: WWOOF cannot condone the breaking of State and/or Federal laws. WWOOF reserves the right to cancel a WWOOFers membership immediately if we believe the WWOOFers’ actions may bring the name of the WWOOF program into disrepute.

Complaints:

If you have a complaint about a WWOOF Host, we ask you to contact us. If you are not happy with the house rules of the host, please respectfully move on, of course if you think that there is a serious problem, please contact the WWOOF Office with your concerns and they will be investigated. (See Complaints procedure)