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Like most organic farms, we depend on WWOOFers when there's
a lot of work to be done. Organic farming is generally more labour-intensive
than conventional farming, and WWOOFers are a real Godsend at busy times.
See the WWOOF website for details
about the scheme, including how to join, either as a host or a WWOOFer.
Briefly, WWOOFers are people (usually young travellers) who work 4 or 5
hours a day in exchange for accommodation and food. We have WWOOFers
from all over the world.
This is a great scheme for all concerned. For our part, we get
the help we need, and the company of interesting people from far-off places.
They get clean, comfortable accommodation, plenty of food, and a real Aussie
farm experience. Many travellers are able to extend their stay in Australia,
because they don't need to spend any money while WWOOFing.
Accommodation is in a self contained two bedroom house some distance
from the main house. This allows both our guests and ourselves to
have privacy when we want it, and good companionship at other times.
Everything is supplied. We provide you with a good lunch at our house
during working times, while other meals are self-catered, using food that
we supply. You can cook your own meals in your own kitchen.
Many people really like this arrangement. Some of our young people
have never cooked for themselves before, and have needed a little guidance,
but have enjoyed the experience. People also seem to enjoy the possibility
of relaxing in their own environment after work. We've had quite
a few long-term WWOOFers, who have enjoyed the peace and quiet, and beautiful
surroundings so much that they haven't wanted to leave. Some people
stay for several months. Others may have only a few days before they
need to be on their way again.
Our farm is situated beside a small national park, and some WWOOFers
like to walk there, although there are no walking tracks. There are
other places to walk, too. But DO ask us where to go first!
There's plenty of wildlife to see, including platypus, wallabies, all
kinds of exotic insect life, and, of course, Batty - our visiting fruit
bat.
If you are thinking of joining us as a WWOOFer here are a few things
you should know:
-
The farm is a half-hour drive away from the nearest town, and there are
no shops, public phones or internet facilities closer than that.
So, if you need anything you should try to attend to it before you come.
-
If you have your own transport, call for directions. If necessary
we can meet you in town and guide you here. It's not hard to find,
but the road is sometimes difficult.
-
If travelling by bus, we will pick you up in Malanda. The Whitecar
bus will bring you from Cairns to Malanda, leaving Cairns mid-afternoon
and arriving around 6 pm.
-
We have a very strict policy regarding smoking. It's not allowed.
Simple as that!
-
The same applies to drugs, perfumes and any kind of chemical (e.g. pesticides).
Not only because of our certification, but also because I'm allergic to
them - especially in the car!
-
You will be given clean, comfortable accommodation, and you will be expected
to keep it clean, and leave it ready for the next person when you leave.
If all this is order, a very enjoyable stay can be had at Jaragun.
You will have many good memories and photographs to share when you get
back home. We, also, have many lovely memories of our visitors,
and look forward to meeting many more.
Please call us on 07 4096 8282 is you would like to join us. |
