A firm favorite of our students on the North Queensland program this year was having the chance to experience real Australian culture away from the tourist trail and stay in a farm stay accommodation. The farms students stayed on ranged from beef to permaculture to buffalo in the remote areas surrounding Malanda. Pictured right, AUIP’s Donna and Virginia Tech teaching assistant Lauren Rode helped at their farm stay by bottle feeding a young calf whose mother wasn’t producing milk.

Now there is an opportunity to expand on the fun that was had at these farms and really get into Australian living. Willing Workers On Organic Farms Australia (WWOOF) gives travelers the opportunity to work and live on a working farm.

You would be expected to work four to six hours each day in exchange for all meals and accommodation. You can choose from 1,900 farms on which you will learn aspects of organic growing, bio-dynamics and permaculture. “WWOOFing” can be flexible, allowing you to arrange days off with your host family to give you ample time to explore the surrounding area. Plus, with consultation with your hosts, you can choose your “WWOOFing” length of stay from two days to six months!

Did you participate in a farm stay this year? Leave a comment and share your experiences with others.