If you'd like to experience life on an organic farm, just WWOOF.
WWOOF stands for World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms. The organisation was founded in England in 1971 and today has chapters all over the world. The premise is a simple one – volunteers are placed with organic farmers and work four to six hours a day in exchange for food, accommodation and the experience. It's similar to a farm stay arrangement, only you are working instead of paying.
All
WWOOF Australia hosts are sustainable farmers and a large percentage is
certified organic. The farms range from smaller properties to commercial farms; some are co-operatives or communal living facilities; and the range of products harvested is wide.
To organise a WWOOF stay, you will need to purchase the Australia WWOOF Book for $60.00. This contains the contact details of all the host farms and is also proof of your WWOOF membership. All the information you need to make a decision is in this book. Once you have chosen a farm, you can make a booking by calling or e-mailing the host. You will need to give them you WWOOF membership number, your passport or driver's license number and your contact details. You should also tell them about any skills or restrictions (such as allergies) you have that will affect your stay.
The minimum stay on a WWOOF farm is two nights; the maximum is entirely at the host's discretion. A reasonable level of fitness is required.
