Narara Ecovillage Community Garden

Our Ecovillage is a sustainable community located on the beautiful Central Coast, just over an hour north of Sydney. We are an intergenerational community currently of about 90 adults and 40 children. Nestled in the bush and not far from pristine beaches, the Ecovillage is located just off the freeway to the city, minutes from modern conveniences and the train station, yet surrounded by magical Strickland State Forest which has several walking trails.
It now includes about 50 eco homes in different styles, all built to a 7-star eco rating. We have our own smart grid for the village and a large dam for swimming and possible future irrigation.
Volunteers are able to join in regular community activities such as community meals, talks, films, working bees, parties and beach trips.

My partner and I enjoy community and connection, which is why we are part of an ecovillage! :) We love permaculture and retrofitting old houses to be more sustainable. We enjoy meeting people from different backgrounds and working together to make a more locally based sustainable world. Being a volunteer host is a great opportunity for meeting a variety of people and giving an opportunity to interesting travellers.

All experiences

Help us with Community Garden at Ecovillage 1 hour from Sydney

Gardening

Central Coast Council, Australia

Reviews

4.0
(4 reviews)4

Staff & Host

4.0

Hours & Tasks

3.5

Hostel

5.0

Learning & Fun

4.5

France

4

Narara was a beautiful experience where I lived in a tent surrounded by nature, sharing daily life with kind and inspiring woofers from around the world. I learned a lot about permaculture and sustainability thanks to Rosemary and Rafaele, who were also very caring when I got sick. I recommend this experience for anyone looking to reconnect with nature and learn in a community setting.
That said, I recommend being clear about your needs from the start. For trans individuals, just be aware that some conversations might feel a bit challenging in this environment.

4 months ago

Rafaele replied

Clara was a great worker and contributor- hardworking, generous and considerate.
It’s true that as feminists, we believe women should have the full range of gender expressions open to us – without the need to become male. And the same for men.
We are also concerned about the dangerous and irreversible medical procedures that trans people undertake.

But our primary concern is the liberation of all women on issues such as equal pay, access to education and freedom from violence.

Germany

5

I had a great time with rosemary and rafaele! Thank you for hosting me and giving me the chance to learn more about gardening!
I took a lot out of our conversations during lunch and dinners! ;)
The Village is a nice place to connect with other people and surrounded by a beautiful forest and a damm!

7 months ago

Rafaele replied

Victoria was a fantastic helper and friend. We totally enjoyed having her with us for a month. She joined all our projects with a passion- tending the garden, cooking for parties and events, helping out wherever she could.
We knew we would miss her when she left--- and we do!

China

5

From the beginning of my arrival, I was welcomed by the kindness and warmth of my host, the friendliness and the hospitality made me feel right at home. Also, I’d like to express my gratitude for the guidance and the knowledge they shared . Their enthusiasm for sustainable farming and the commitment of nurturing this land have been incredibly inspiring , I will always cherish the joyful memories and fruitful achievement we created here as a team,
so
They have not only shown me the beauty of nature, but also demonstrated the beauty of community and friendship

Eric



8 months ago

Rafaele replied

Eric was an absolutely delightful visitor, not just for us but the whole village.
He brought such enthusiasm and passion to all his work, making a huge difference to the productivity of our community garden. He also helped several other villagers with their gardens and other tasks and was truly loved by all.
We look forward to him visiting again.

United States

1

I stayed with Rosemary and Rafaele and sadly and surprisingly they were outwardly transphobic towards me. They apologized after I said I was leaving but still was a very uncomfortable experience especially with the power dynamic between a host and a volunteer. I was supposed to be there for 3 weeks but left after 2 days. The Ecovillage itself is great; the events are really cool, it’s easy to meet people, and the nature is great.

9 months ago

Perfect for you if you're looking for

Contact with nature

Rural

Wilderness