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A Photo of Lucille and her horse Jed in the hills along the Murray River between Jingelic and Ournie.
Lucille and Jed with Hilltop Views along the Murray River, NSW side, between Jingelic and Ournie.

Wwoofing Interview – A Ticket to Budget Travel

February 7, 2013 By Jan Robinson 39 Comments

This post may contain compensated links. We may earn a small percentage if you book through a compensated link, but it won’t cost you any more by doing so. You can read our full disclaimer here.


 

A Photo of Lucille and her horse Jed in the hills along the Murray River between Jingelic and Ournie.
Lucille and Jed on the High Plains of Pretty Valley, Victoria

Today Budget Travel can mean just about anything to anybody.

What is expensive to one person is dirt cheap to another, but the following definition sits well with me.

“To Travel as Cheaply as Possible while still experiencing the thrills that a different culture can offer”.  B.H. and I sometimes stay in private hostel rooms, but mostly we use budget apartments, budget hotel rooms or house-sits.

WWOOF (Willing Workers on Organic Farms) provides another way to explore and connect with a Country while keeping within your travel budget.  Jobs can be as diverse as building a clay pizza oven, raking piles of poo or picking fruit.  In return for working the agreed amount each day, you receive free accommodation and food and the opportunity to explore the area in your time off.

Lucille, a 25 year old French Girl has been Wwoofing in Australia since February 2012.   It has been her ticket to travel on a budget.  She can also thank Wwoofing for finding her the perfect travel partner for the journey – her horse – Jed. Lucille has agreed to share their budget travel story with us.

 

Welcome to BTT, Lucille.

 

Did you have your first Wwoofing job arranged before you arrived in Australia?

About one month before I was due to arrive, I contacted a few hosts around Melbourne. One in particular was very interested but was not ready to take me on straight away. I decided to look around until they had room for me. I ended up Wwoofing at three other places instead and I found Jed.

Did you have previous Wwoofing Experience?

I had stayed and worked on an organic orchard in Colorado, U.S.A., and on a small organic farm in Norway, but never as part of the Wwoof Organization.

Tell us about the Wwoofing jobs you have had so far in Australia.

I have had lots – so far seven places – all in Victoria.  The work experiences have been very, very, different to each other.  Weather permitting, the work has mostly been outside in the open air.  At some places I did every-day jobs, of which there are many on a farm, while at others I worked on improvements like painting or building. You are welcome to follow my BLOG and FACEBOOK where I share my experiences.

There are many different Wwoofing experiences to be had. Here Lucille is Mulching, Painting and Shovelling

Lucille a 25 year old French Girl is Wwoofing in Australia.

Lucille, how many hours are Wwoofers expected to work and how much free time do they have for fun.

Well, it depends, as every host has different work requirements and the Season plays an important role also.  The Wwoof Guidelines say:

“You will be expected to exchange between 4 and 6 hours per day of your time for your accommodation and food”

At some places, I have worked a little every day, while at others I have worked a lot on one day and then had another day free. 

I really enjoy working with the host as we can exchange ideas and I think that is nice.  Most of my Wwoof hosts have taken me everywhere with them, and I especially love visiting the farmers’ markets.  As long as I am outdoors and in a nice place I always manage to have fun.

Keep in mind that as a Wwoofer you do not have to do something if you really don’t find it enjoyable – the Host will always find something else for you to do.

I always find time to go for a ride on Jed, read or write on my blog!

Lucille and Jed Talking and School Children get to meet them both.

What led you to Australia (and Jed) and What does a typical travel day for the two of you entail?

I rode different horses for ten years in France and then stopped nine years ago because I preferred to wait until I had my own horse, with whom I could build a real relationship.  But first of all I wanted to travel and find a great location to keep a horse and other animals.

While Wwoofing at Nathalia, a town in northern Victoria, I began riding young horses on the same road around the same block every day.  While riding this boring route, I started dreaming once again about travelling with my own horse, so I asked my host if she thought it would be possible to travel on a horse in Australia, and if Jed was for sale. 

A photo of green pastures, horses grazing, and Lucille working horses while Wwoofing.

Amazingly she answered yes to both questions – so I purchased Jed and started living my dream life in my dream country.

On arrival in Australia last February, all I wanted was to get to Queensland before the winter set in as I hate the cold.  But the amount of time required to ride a horse to Queensland would mean travelling during Winter, so I stayed in Victoria.

From Central Victoria, the plan is to get to Queensland and the tropics – but stopping before we reach the crocodiles!  Jed and I walk between 30 and 40 km per day for two or three days and then rest at a farm while he grows more hoof  (I ride him bitless and shoeless).  At night I get permission from a farmer for Jed and I to camp in his paddock.  This way Jed gets to feed properly and I get to meet real Australians, and so far I have met only good friends.

Jed packed ready to travel
Jed had a bit until I discovered the bitless bridle when Woofing at Waterfall Creek, Tallangatta Valley.

Taking back roads we hope to join up with the Bicentennial Horse Trail around the town of Yass.  The trail is one of the longest in the world, covering a distance of 5,330 km from Healesville (60 km north of Melbourne) to Cooktown in far North Queensland.  I hope to stay at Wwoof places that interest me and that are not far from our route.

I have no idea how long the journey will take, and am open to any experiences and opportunities that come our way.

What will happen to Jed when you leave Australia?

Buying Jed and travelling with him is my dream come true and I will never leave him.  I had always planned to stay in Australia, and now that I have a horse to care for I have a good excuse that will satisfy my family.  When I do visit my family in France Jed will spend some quality time in a nice place with other horses around.

Do you need farming skills to be a Wwoofer?

Not at all – most Wwoof hosts are happy to teach you and not all jobs are even farming related.  It could even be office work.

What advice would you give other budget travellers contemplating Wwoofing?

To have some idea of the places, and experiences you are interested in as there are a lot to choose from, but if you keep an open mind and a positive attitude you will have a great time wherever you end up.  Wwoofing and travelling from place to place by horse is a fairly cheap way to travel (after you have bought your horse!).

Thanks for sharing your unique budget travel story Lucille – I know you will have great experiences, Wwoofing your way to Sunny Queensland.

If you would like to share your Wwoofing story contact me on jan@budgettraveltalk.com.

For these and other travel photos visit TRAVEL PHOTO THURSDAY AT BUDGET TRAVELERS SANDBOX.

 

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Filed Under: Australia Travel Blog, Budget Travel Tips, Interviews

About Jan Robinson

Jan Robinson writes about travel on her Budget Travel Talk blog. A solo traveller in her teens, for the last 40 years Jan has travelled through Australia, Asia, Europe, Turkey and New Zealand with her husband. They specialise in road trips, caravanning and Independent travel without spending a fortune. Her favourite destination is Turkey and she is currently dreaming of Myanmar and Mexico.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. jenny@atasteoftravel

    February 7, 2013 at 1:38 pm

    An interesting interview Jan and what a great way for people to travel around Australia. If only I was younger…!!

    Reply
    • Jan

      February 7, 2013 at 2:36 pm

      I agree that it is an amazing story. I think it would take courage to travel in a strange country by yourself on a horse, but then I think Lucille is a courageous and resourceful person.

      Reply
  2. Jennie

    February 7, 2013 at 2:19 pm

    Wow, sounds amazing!

    Reply
    • Jan

      February 7, 2013 at 2:27 pm

      I know. It never amazes me the different ways people find to travel. This way would be very fulfilling because you are connected to the land at the same time that you are exploring. It would take guts as well!

      Reply
  3. Johanna at ZigaZag

    February 7, 2013 at 2:49 pm

    What a wonderful and heartwarming story. I really hope it all continues to go well for Lucille and Jed. Wwoofing is such an interesting concept for working your way around Australia.

    Reply
    • Jan

      February 7, 2013 at 7:42 pm

      It is a wonderful story, I agree. The Wwoofing organization is a world-wide organization and offers a great way to experience the real country.

      Reply
  4. jade

    February 7, 2013 at 3:24 pm

    I like her definition- it is similar to the way my fiance and I try to travel. Cut corner when you can, but do it with style and don’t skimp on experiences. Great series on budget travel!

    Reply
    • Jan

      February 7, 2013 at 7:41 pm

      Thanks Jade, I was so happy to share Lucille’s story.

      Reply
  5. Muza-chan

    February 7, 2013 at 4:38 pm

    What a beautiful story 😉

    Reply
    • Jan

      February 7, 2013 at 7:40 pm

      Glad you liked it Muza-chan.

      Reply
  6. Jackie Smith

    February 7, 2013 at 5:19 pm

    A most interesting tale and great photos to illustrate the story. . .it is fun to read about ‘fellow’ adventurers!

    Reply
    • Jan

      February 7, 2013 at 7:40 pm

      I agree Jackie. I love hearing about “different” forms of travel.

      Reply
  7. Mary {The World Is A Book}

    February 7, 2013 at 6:50 pm

    I have never heard of WWOOF before but what an interesting way to travel. What an amazing story she has and to be so far from home. Jed is beautiful and no wonder she has grown so attached to him.

    Reply
    • Jan

      February 7, 2013 at 7:39 pm

      I was introduced to Wwoofing through Grass Roots Magazine and mixing with permaculture groups. A great idea. B.H. and I might do it later on when we retire.

      Reply
  8. InsideJourneys

    February 7, 2013 at 10:35 pm

    You’re so right, Jan. Budget does mean different things to different people. I’ve met some wwoofers working on a coffee plantation here. Looks like Lucille found the perfect situation for her — and a horse to anchor her. Great story!

    Reply
    • Jan

      February 8, 2013 at 7:40 pm

      Thanks, Jed is gorgeous isn’t he? Found your comment in spam and set it free!

      Reply
  9. Sophie

    February 7, 2013 at 11:09 pm

    This is a great interview. My 11-year-old would love this experience – if she could live in a stable, she would. Bookmarking this!

    Reply
    • Jan

      February 8, 2013 at 7:39 pm

      My 11 year old self would have loved it as well. Found your comment in spam and released it!

      Reply
  10. Debbie Beardsley @ European Travelista

    February 8, 2013 at 8:17 am

    She sounds like she’s living a life out of a book! While I don’t think Wwoofing would be for me, I’m glad she found her passion. I’m sure there are many people out there who would enjoy this type of experience.

    Reply
  11. Lisa from Gone With The Family

    February 8, 2013 at 9:47 am

    Thoroughly enjoyed reading your interview. I have only recently heard of WWOOFing and I wasn’t entirely clear on how it worked. What a great way to travel on a budget!

    Reply
    • Jan

      February 8, 2013 at 10:09 am

      I think it would be an excellent way for solo travellers to experience the world as people on farms are some of the friendliest around.

      Reply
  12. Nancie

    February 8, 2013 at 9:53 am

    Wonderful interview, Jan! What a great way to see the world. Jed is a beauty!

    Reply
    • Jan

      February 8, 2013 at 10:07 am

      Isn’t he just. I am sure he was the exact horse from my own childhood dreams!

      Reply
  13. Malaysian Meanders

    February 8, 2013 at 6:22 pm

    I’ve never heard of this fantastic way to finance travel. Thanks for introducing me to it. So cool that she found a horse, too.

    Reply
    • Jan

      February 8, 2013 at 7:37 pm

      I have taken you out of spam. Weird!

      Reply
  14. Marisol

    February 9, 2013 at 11:58 am

    Jan, first of all love the format of your blog. The play with fonts looks so fun! This particular interview is amazing! Thanks for making me aware about WWOOF. It sounds incredible. But most of all, I’m so awed by this amazing, remarkable young lady, Lucille. I wish her all the best in her travels with Jed.

    Reply
    • Jan

      February 10, 2013 at 11:43 am

      I agree that Lucille is a truly amazing young woman. Today on the BTT facebook page Jed’s breeder and trainer commented and said that Jed has won many championships in shows and dressage before Lucille purchased him. So a lovely story. Thanks for your comments on the blog format. It is always good to get feed back of any kind.

      Reply
  15. Denise

    February 10, 2013 at 7:24 pm

    So interesting and what a beautiful horse. What an unusual story too.

    Reply
    • Jan

      February 10, 2013 at 9:06 pm

      My thoughts exactly Denise!

      Reply
  16. Madhu Nair

    February 13, 2013 at 7:47 am

    Wow … what an interesting concept. I never knew about WWOOFing … Born and raised in a city (Mumbai), I was always fascinated by farms … I should check out if there are any places in California.

    Lovely interview. What a story

    Good luck to Jed and his 2 legged friend.

    Reply
    • Jan

      February 13, 2013 at 8:48 am

      Thanks for commenting Madhu. California will have Wwoof places for sure – Wwoof is a world wide organization. Seeing how farms fascinate you it would be a great way to experience a different life, and that is what travel is all about.

      Reply

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