Looking for a unique way to experience rural living in one of the most beautiful regions of Australia?
At Berry Springs Farmstay, we welcome helpers and caretakers who enjoy animals, gardens, and the rhythm of country life in the Northern Territory. Our rural property offers an opportunity to live on-site and assist with animal care, gardening, or general property maintenance in a calm, natural environment.
These are private, non-commercial arrangements — part of our rural lifestyle — and not employment or formal volunteer work. Participants live as part of the household and share in daily care tasks that keep the property running smoothly.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ for Helping Nomads
General FAQ for Helpers
We’re often busy caring for animals and plants, especially early in the morning and around sunset during feeding times. 🐾🌿
The best time to SMS (0487 011 958) is between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM.
You can also send a WhatsApp message (+61 487 011 958) anytime — we typically respond within a day. 💬
Please confirm with the owners your exact time of arrival through SMS.
Helpers learn and take responsibility for daily animal care, including feeding, cleaning enclosures, refreshing water bowls, and checking each animal’s wellbeing.
Morning routines start around 6:30–7:00 AM and take about 2 hours, with evening checks from 6:00–7:00 PM.
All duties are simple, structured, and focused on safety, hygiene, and kindness to every animal. 🌿
Helpers may use the 12-metre saltwater pool between 10:00 AM and 7:00 PM. 🌴 Sunset is a beautiful time to relax and enjoy the view, but please finish swimming before dark for safety.
Pool use should always be arranged in advance with the owner to ensure access and supervision are coordinated. 🌞
Children may be accepted in specific cases, depending on supervision and suitability. For safety and insurance reasons, the property is generally best suited for adults or responsible older teens.
As this is a private rural environment with animals, tools, and natural hazards, safety and responsible behaviour are essential at all times. 🌿
The minimum helping period is 1 month, which allows time to learn routines and care for the animals properly. 🐾
However, we prefer caretakers who can stay for 6 months or longer, and ideally up to a year, as this provides stability for the animals and property. 🌿
FAQ for Helping Backpackers
If you’re ready to experience life in Australia and enjoy the Tropics in exchange for your help, we’d love to hear from you! Read about our expectations for more details and to apply.
Come enjoy the beauty of Berry Springs, meet the owners, and make memories while helping here! 🌾🐾
You’ll have your own space to relax after a productive day.
Beautiful Location: Our farm is located in Berry Springs, just 40 minutes from Darwin, surrounded by nature, wildlife, and the peaceful atmosphere of the Top End.
Experience: Learn new skills in animal care, gardening, farm maintenance, and rural living.
A Bush Experience: Work alongside the owners, sharing stories and experiences while contributing to the farm’s success.
Help with Daily Tasks: This includes feeding animals, maintaining enclosures, weeding, gardening, and general upkeep of the property.
Commitment to Animal Care: While you’ll have time to explore the region, we ask that someone remains with the animals to ensure their well-being.
A Willing and Positive Attitude: No experience required—just bring a strong work ethic and a love for nature and animals!
We are a rural property and just call us Berry Springs Farm Stay because we are living in the bush, have some pets like ducks, chicken, geese, goats and even rescue donkeys. We are not a commercial farm, but a very unique rural property. We are trying to grow some native bush tucker, herbs and fruits trees to be self sufficient one day.
Yes—we can accept 2 people, subject to availability.
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Helper exchange (non-waged): ~3 hrs/day per person (light animal care, gardening, simple cleaning). Own caravan welcome or basic onsite option if available.
Our helper exchange is unpaid, so it doesn’t count for WHV year-two eligibility. The good news: paid work nearby may qualify (e.g., eligible industries/locations). Many travellers choose to help us and work somewhere in the area to build their WHV days. Please verify current rules with Home Affairs. Read more about the 88 days regional work.
There is an expectation that daily tasks will take no more than 3 hours per person, per day.
Please note:
⛔️ You are not authorised to help beyond 3 hours per day without prior approval from the landlord.
✅ Tasks should be manageable within this time frame, and your well-being and personal time are respected.
3 hours every day: Around 2 hours in the morning and 1 in the night if you are helping with the animals.
Each person needs to help 3 hours/day.
You can order your food with Coles or Woolworth to get it delivered to you.
Yes, we’re walking distance to Berry Springs Nature Park, IGA/pharmacy/tavern/café. For arrivals from Darwin Airport or the city, please use Uber or a pre-booked taxi. Public transport is very limited in our area. Aim to arrive before dark so we can complete your orientation safely.
Yes away from our animals and other guest at the front area of our property. Please don’t smoke around the house or in the pool area.
Yes, that’s possible. Make sure to apply with your references!
On application.
Sorry, our pets are not happy with strangers coming and going.
Yes, we require a minimal refundable deposit/bond which is determined by your length of stay and is outlined in the application form. This needs to be paid upfront.
At the end of your period you will receive your deposit back. Please check our Terms & Conditions!