Go beyond the traditional Australian farming experience by working with one of the most prized spices in the world! Saffron farm volunteering in Australia might be for you – especially if you want to explore New South Wales. Check out all the details here:
Overview
- Location – O’Connell, NSW
- Host – Angela
- Duration: 10 days
- Minimum Age – 18+
- Available Spots – 4 helpers
- Weekly Hours – 25 hours
- Room Type – Double Private
- Meals – Full-board
- Nearest Airport – Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD)
In O’Connell, NSW, help with saffron harvesting for 4-6 hours daily in exchange for a room with an en-suite and meals.
Located on the Fish River in the historic hamlet of O’Connell, 2.5 hours west of Sydney, this small farm specializes in growing garlic and saffron. Despite being a small operation, the farm owners manage their regular jobs alongside farm chores.
Saffron, known as the most expensive spice globally, is a prized endeavor for them. The farm is situated in one of the few regions in Australia blessed with the perfect climate, soil, and conditions for its cultivation.
The saffron flowers are triggered by frost, typically occurring around the end of April or early May, and the harvest period spans only about 3-4 weeks in total.
In exchange for a comfortable room with its own bathroom and wholesome, fresh meals, they offer an enriching experience to individuals interested in learning about saffron cultivation.
Participants will assist with the morning harvest before moving indoors to sit around the table near the log fire, where it’s warm. Here, they will delicately remove the valuable saffron stigmas from the flowers, which will then be dried using a custom dehydrator.
The work is not physically demanding or strenuous, unlike many other forms of farm labor.
Tasks
The type of work required isn’t difficult. As long as you can crouch down to the level of the raised rows, it’s quite straightforward.
You’re not obligated to rise at the crack of dawn unless you choose to. Feel free to wake up and enjoy a leisurely, home-cooked country breakfast whenever you like.
The flowers need to be harvested promptly after they open, typically after the morning sun has kissed them. This involves walking along each row and picking the flowers, a task that’s very easy to learn with their guidance.
Once harvested, participants gather indoors around the table by the fire to delicately remove the stigmas from each flower. These prized saffron threads must be processed daily as the flowers open.
Work hours will fluctuate depending on the flowering schedule. Additionally, the number of workers and individual work pace will influence the hours required. On average, expect to work around 4 hours per day.
Accommodation
They offer a cozy room featuring a queen-sized bed, a smart TV, and an en-suite bathroom for your comfort.
Additionally, if you’re traveling with friends, they can accommodate up to four people. However, please note that the second bathroom would be shared in this case.
Location
The nearest international airport is Sydney, approximately a 3-hour drive from the farm. If you’re arriving by train, they can arrange to pick you up from Bathurst station, which is only 20 minutes away from the farm.
O’Connell, NSW, offers a serene escape with its rich history and natural beauty. Nestled on the Fish River, this small hamlet is an ideal destination for those looking to unwind in a rural setting.
The area is known for its picturesque landscapes, perfect for leisurely walks or scenic drives through the countryside. You can visit the historic O’Connell Hotel, a classic country pub that has been a central gathering place for locals and visitors alike.
Nearby, you’ll find the O’Connell Heritage Village, where you can explore old buildings that give a glimpse into the region’s past. The surrounding region is dotted with farms, and if you visit during the saffron harvest season, you might witness this unique agricultural process.
The climate in O’Connell is cooler, especially in the autumn, when the area is at its most vibrant, with crisp mornings and clear, sunny days.
For those seeking outdoor activities, the nearby Abercrombie River National Park offers hiking and wildlife spotting, while the Fish River is a peaceful spot for fishing or picnicking.
If you’re interested in a day trip, the town of Bathurst, known for its motorsport history and Mount Panorama Circuit, is just a short drive away. Whether you’re there to relax or explore, O’Connell provides a tranquil retreat with the charm of rural New South Wales.
