Experience the Sunshine Coast region in Australia like a local! Volunteer in Queensland doing gardening, property maintenance, and hospitality duties, in exchange for a free stay and food. Check out all the details of this awesome volunteering gig in the land down under:
Overview
- Location – Palmview, Queensland, Sunshine Coast region
- Host – Kristi
- Duration: 5 days
- Minimum Age – 20+
- Available Spots – 5 helpers
- Weekly Hours – 30 hours
- Room Type – Double private
- Meals – Full board
- Nearest Airport – Sunshine Coast Airport (MCY)
Join Kristi in the beautiful Sunshine Coast hinterlands, just 50 minutes from Brisbane! She is looking for help with gardening, clearing, and room cleaning on our 15-acre property – no weekend work is required.
The property hosts up to 12 guests and is often booked for weekend events, leaving weekdays open for individual stays.
You’ll stay in a separate three-bedroom house, with one room occupied by the caretaker and two available rooms with a shared bathroom. There’s also a studio with another bedroom and bathroom, just a 300-meter walk away, providing more privacy for couples.
They need assistance with garden maintenance and development, including creating new guest spaces. Landscaping or carpentry skills are a bonus! They are also building a vegetable garden and would love any expertise in that area. Additionally, help with post-guest room cleaning and Monday towel laundering is needed.
In exchange, they provide a bedroom, Wi-Fi, and pre-made meals. Couples and single travelers are welcome. Work hours are Monday to Thursday, 6 to 7 hours per day. With weekends off, you’ll have plenty of time to explore the area and enjoy local events.
Tasks
- Daily Routine: Start with 2 hours of clearing part of the property, including burning old trees in a fire. Followed by morning tea. Then, 2 hours working on the vegetable garden—clearing, planting, picking, and watering. Lunch follows.
- House Prep: If new guests arrive, 3 hours of house prep (changing beds, cleaning, mopping, laundry). Not needed every day, depending on bookings.
- General Maintenance: On days without cleaning, focus on clearing roads, roofs, and tracks of debris, and creating new guest spaces. Creativity is valued, and you’re welcome to leave a personal touch.
Responsibilities
- Manage your own laundry and meal cleanup.
- Pre-made meals provided, reheat as you like.
- Sunday nights feature a family roast dinner with everyone.
- The owner’s father, the caretaker, is easy-going and lives on the property.
Accommodation
- Three private bedrooms, each with a double bed. Shared bathrooms.
- Additional space in the studio (no kitchen), accommodating either 3 couples or 3 individual travelers.
Location
To reach Palmview, the nearest airport is Sunshine Coast Airport (MCY), about a 20-minute drive away. Brisbane Airport (BNE) is another option, approximately an hour’s drive.
If you’re driving, Palmview is conveniently located off the Bruce Highway, making it easily accessible. It’s about an hour from Brisbane and 20 minutes from the Sunshine Coast.
For public transport, you can take a bus or train from Brisbane to the Sunshine Coast, then use local transport or car hire to reach Palmview.
Things to do:
Aussie World is a family-friendly theme park offering rides, games, and entertainment, perfect for a fun day out with kids. The Big Pineapple is a heritage-listed tourist attraction with markets, a zoo, and adventure activities like a treetop challenge.
Nearby beaches like Mooloolaba, Maroochydore, and Caloundra are great for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports.
Explore the scenic hinterlands, including towns like Maleny and Montville, known for their charming shops, cafes, and stunning views. Eumundi Markets, open on Wednesdays and Saturdays, offer a wide range of local crafts, food, and entertainment.
Dining
Local cafes and restaurants offer fresh, local cuisine, with some great dining spots in Palmview itself. Join a food tour to sample local delicacies, including fresh seafood, artisanal cheeses, and craft beers.
Visiting local farmers markets is also a great way to experience fresh produce and homemade goods, as the Sunshine Coast is known for its vibrant market scene.
Nature and Adventure
Explore the iconic Glass House Mountains, which offer trails for all fitness levels and breathtaking views. Discover the beauty of national parks like Kondalilla National Park and Noosa National Park, ideal for hiking, picnicking, and wildlife spotting. Enjoy water activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, and jet-skiing in the nearby coastal areas and rivers.
Travel Tips
The Sunshine Coast enjoys a subtropical climate. Summers (December to February) are warm and humid, while winters (June to August) are mild and dry, so always pack sunscreen and a hat.
Renting a car is the most convenient way to explore the region, although local buses and taxis are available. Australians are generally laid-back and friendly, so it’s customary to greet people with a smile and a “hello.”
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. The Sunshine Coast is generally safe, but always follow beach safety guidelines and be cautious when hiking in remote areas.
More Information
- They are looking for someone proactive and self-motivated, as you’ll sometimes work independently.
- If you have specific dietary needs, please discuss them beforehand to see if they align with what can be provided.
