General/Mixed Farm

If you’re not interested in a farm with horses or a livestock farm, you might be a better fit for another type of farm instead. Australia boasts hundreds of fruit and nut orchards, guest farms, vineyards, vegetable farms, alpaca farms, and other types of biodynamic or organic farms – and we can help find you a placement in an area of your choice.

During your placement, you’ll get the chance to experience daily life in an Australian farming family. You’ll be expected to help out around the house, participate in family social events, and help with the daily running of the farm.

Tasks will depend on the season, the type of farm, and your intended program duration, but may include some of the following:

  • helping with meal preparation and cooking
  • cleaning
  • grocery shopping
  • harvesting fruit and vegetables
  • mowing lawns
  • fertilising crops
  • spraying weeds
  • pruning
  • irrigation
  • looking after guest rooms
  • mending fences
  • collecting eggs
  • feeding animals
  • water blasting
  • general maintenance
  • helping and playing with the children (if you’d prefer not to live with children we can find you a family without)
  • If you would like to predominantly help with the children we can find you a farm where this is your main role

Accommodation is included in your placement. You’ll have a private bedroom in the main family home, or in a cottage or detached sleepout on the property.

Meals are included in your placement and most meals will be with your host family. If you’re travelling with friends or living with other volunteers, you may have some meals in your own cottage, but the food will be supplied. In general, you’re expected to help in the kitchen. If you’d like additional snacks, you’ll need to buy these yourself – and with regard to alcoholic drinks, you must get permission from your host family to bring this to the farm, and do so at your own expense. You are also responsible for buying any food that meets specific dietary requirements, such as vegan milks or gluten-free bread.

Most families have wifi that you can use for basic purposes, such as contacting your family, checking your emails, and occasional Skype calls. Please ask your host family before using the wifi, as some locations have very limited reception and high usage charges. You’ll be able to buy data for your own mobile phone or personal device.

  • Aged 18-45 (depending on visa type)
  • A love of animals
  • Keen to learn and motivated to help
  • Generally fit and healthy
  • Ability to effectively communicate in English
  • Understanding that farm animals are raised for human consumption
  • 4 – 12 weeks for those without previous experience / 4 – 24+weeks for those with previous experience (horse riding or farm work experience)
  • Able to obtain Working Holiday Visa, Work Visa, Visitor Visa or work rights in New Zealand
  • Criminal background check
  • Health check
  • If vegan / vegetarian, be willing to purchase your own food
  • Completed online application and provide documents (motivation letter, experience levels etc)

What’s Included?

  • Online interview

  • Placement Supervisor

  • Farm placement with suitable host family

  • Accommodation and meals

  • Pre-departure support

  • Flights, visa and insurance assistance

  • 3 Night Arrival Package (Airport transfer, 3 nights accomodation, breakfast, WIFI)

  • Welcome Orientation

  • 24-hour support service

  • Travel and local advice to placement and beyond