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After a long stint on the road, the comforts of a house and a settled lifestyle can seem very appealing. One way to satisfy the urge to stop for awhile without hanging up your travelling boots altogether is to housesit. Housesitting can be a great way to recharge your batteries, get to know another part of the country, meet new people and then continue your journey afterwards.

Some housesitting engagements include the care of pets while others may involve collecting the post, keeping the garden tidy and ensuring the place seems 'lived in'. The following are a few opportunities available for reliable and trustworthy folk to move in while the owners take a trip themselves. We have also added new section for people keen to housesit to advertise their services. Note that although we try to keep our listings up to date, we cannot guarantee that these positions are still available.

Darwin region (posted 11/8/08)
My husband and I have 5 acres at Humpty Doo in the Northern Territory. We are looking for someone (with a caravan) to care take our property. Due to both our work commitments we are not there, and will return at the end of November.
We are presently building a house on the property (lock up stage); there is water and electricity to the camping site. We also have an outside bathroom which includes a toilet. We are 6 km from the Humpty Doo shopping centre, close to Kakadu and Litchield national parks. What we are looking for is someone who would like to park their caravan at our place, check the bore and enjoy the surrounding bush. Please email Julie at juliekohring@hotmail.com for more information.

Free Caravan site - Central NSW (posted 12/5/08)
We are stud cattle breeders with a 1200 acre property in between Mudgee, Dubbo and Dunedoo in the Central West of NSW. We have a fair bit of virgin country with 4wd tracks and plenty of flora and fauna to see. We enjoy meeting new friends would like to offer a free spot to park your van on our property. Please contact John or Ruth on (02) 6886 6152 to let us know that you are coming.

Yang Yang Station, Maude, SW NSW (Halfway between Sydney & Adelaide) 3 bedroom house on the Murrumbidgee River, in return for light duties, garden maintenance etc. Modern home with air conditioning & slow combustion heater. 3 km's from Maude and local store. Non-smokers preffered, no children or pets please. Suit retired couple travelling around Australia. Available year round, from one to three months. Contact Allen Cox - 02 6993 1479

Charters Towers Region (posted 11/8/08)
We are a friendly young family located one and a half hours drive south west of Charters Towers down the Clermont highway. We are seeking enthusiastic grey nomads who wish to take a break from their driving and experience life on a working cattle station currently
running 6000 head of cattle.
In exchange for your help we can offer you all meals and comfortable accommodation in our home or food provisions if you wish to have your meals in the comfort of your own accommodation (caravan, camper etc) overlooking the outback setting. Short or longer term arrangements can be made, with some paid work available in our busy mustering periods during September – October.
We require help with renovating our old Queenslander home and future staff quarters, with jobs as simple as gardening, helping to paint a room, the outside of our house, to the more skilled sheeting up walls, sanding timber windows, plumbing, concreting, installing
fans etc – whatever you are happy to help with. We also offer opportunities to get out around the property to rebuild cattle yards, welding, machinery repairs, grading roads, and other station related jobs. If you are interest please email Linda at lcpayne@optusnet.com.au or phone (07) 47 87 66 54 for any further details. Happy traveling.

Gympie Region - short term stays (posted 24/7/08)
We have a 300 acre property 20ks south west of Gympie in the Mary Valley. It is not a working property but we do have a number of pets. My husband works in Brisbane and we have recently decided to rent a house in Brisbane so as I can see more of our children and grandchildren. I would like to visit Brisbane, probably every second week, but because of my animals it is very difficult to get away. I would like to offer our facilities to Grey Nomads in return for feeding my animals and keeping a general eye on the place. The animals which would require feeding, once a day in the evenings, are 5 very friendly dogs, 2 cats, 1 cockatoo, and 2 pigs. At times it would be necessary to throw a bale of hay to the cattle. The property is settled in a very pretty valley at Upper Kandanga. Kandanga is a small town about 8k away. It has a Community Tourist Information Center, a convenience store, butcher, bowles club, post office, hotel, swimming pool and tennis courts. It is about 20k from Gympie and about 45-55 minutes from Noosa. It is in relatively close proximity to Malaney, Flaxton and Mapleton. We are 2 hours drive from Brisbane. I was considering short term stays for those who would like to explore this wonderful area as many beautiful day trips are on our door step; or just a quiet place to have a rest. Please email Susan for more information.

Brisbane - catsitter wanted (posted 14/7/08)
2yr old Tortoise shell de-sexed female cat needs a temp home for 12-18 months as owners are relocating for this time. Brisbane North area. Please phone Chris 0415 903 073

Mackay Region (posted 2/7/08)
My property is near Eton, 30 k from Mackay Qld, where I am renovating and old Queenslander. I require builders, carpenters, tilers, etc and can offer a place to park a van while the reno occurs. I will pay cash in addition to accommodation for qualified tradesmen. Please contact Graham on 0414 970 034 or send an email to graygray45@bigpond.com.

Hughenden Region (posted 2/7/08)
Wanted: Older couple or man to farm sit from 1 August 2008 (for a few weeks). The duties would include:
* Looking after cattle troughs and bore waters
* Watering gardens
* Feeding chickens
Contact: (07) 474 11672 (after 6.00pm)

Rockhampton Region (posted 24/6/08)
URGENTLY WANTED from 8th July to mid-end September 2008. Active couple for a small farm just 10 minutes to the vibrant regional centre of Rockhampton. Located at beautiful Bouldercombe and with frontage to the Bruce Highway with bitumen access, the farm has a private aspect on the banks of a Blue gum lined creek. There is plenty of space to park a van with it’s own amenities block and a comfortable 3 bedroom farm house. The gardens are easy care, but include roses and a fruit/vegie orchard that will need some watering and TLC. Suited to the animal lover (with a little farm experience), there are chickens to feed, Droughtmaster Stud cows to check and 10 Quarter Horses & Paints, including 5 mares due to foal during this time (that’s right, you’ll be on baby watch!!). Your pets are welcome and the farm is just a 45 minute drive to the beach at Yeppoon and many beautiful tourist destinations. The Rocky region is currently booming and there is plenty of work about if you’d like it. Great weather, good fishing and a tranquil spot to relax. If you’d like more information or think you know someone who could help out please email pocketcreek@aapt.net.au or phone 0427 800 371.

Theodore / Cracow - Central Queensland (posted 9/5/08)
We are looking for an enthusiastic couple / family who would like to help with odd jobs around our rural beef cattle property in exchange for freshly renovated cottage with great views and/or van site. Paid work is available to the right people. Easy access (all weather road) to vibrant local community, numerous tourist attractions and opportunity for new adventures every week. We run 1,000 to 1,500 head of cattle using biological principles, motorbikes, horses and dogs. We have access to the Dawson River, nearby National Parks and other attractions not available to the general public. Contact: Peter & Nikki Mahony, "Woolshed" Theodore, Qld 4719 Ph 07-4993 1657 / Fax 07-4993 1478 email: mahonyintheshed@bigpond.com

Bowen region (posted 5/5/08)
I work at the mines west of Mackay, live in Bowen and do not get home much. I have a six acre block there with a liveable shed on it which I live in while I'm there.
What I am looking for is someone that is fairly self sufficient and active with their own motor home/ caravan to stay and look after the block. There would be a few chores to do like mowing and keeping it tidy. My block has power and town water on it and a toilet and shower which are built like an amenities block to the side of my shed.
This could be a permanent position for the right people or a tag position like they line someone else up if they want to move on for a while and come back; I need someone there most of the time.
Bowen has plenty of work around if they wanted to work, good fishing and weather. The block backs onto a mangrove creek and the sea is about 250 meters away. For the right person or persons I would build them there own amenities block if they were suited. For more information, please send an email to Brian.Paul@bisindustrial.com

Rockhampton region (posted 5/3/08)
We need a house-sitter from 16th Sept 08 till approx. 7th Oct.08. We live in a small country village in central Qld. It is approx 45ks from Rockhampton, but we have a hotel, roadhouse (we are by the Bruce highway) and a police station here. We have 2 horses, 3 dogs, 2 cats, chooks, and a few pet birds, plus a heap of wild ones that come in for tip bits. Now we have a local who will be able to feed the horses etc but we are worried that the other pets will get lonely and fret on their own 24/7, (I have to admit they are a tad spoilt). So all that will be required is for you to just be here. And maybe help with the feeding of cats and dogs if needed. We also have good fishing at point Alma, although we don't fish. It would be appreciated if you could keep the bird baths full and water the garden if it needs it, and give the dogs and cats a pat from time to time.If you are interested or need more info. Please contact us on
kath_hay@westnet.com.au

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Kingaroy region
We require two people because we have 20 acres and a bore and although its a hobby farm, the people would need to know how to deal with any situation - eg storm blowing limbs over a fence - should it be necessary. Otherwise, there is nothing to do but care for two old dogs and enjoy the district. We live in the South Burnett Qld, not far from Kingaroy. For more information, please email Helen on helecam@burnett.net.au.

Cooktown, Far North Queensland
We have a small farm property about 20kms north west of Cooktown on the banks of the Endeavour River (freshwater but still has crocodiles) We no longer have any animals on the farm but have 200 hundred lychees under net and some citrus and other tropical fruit trees and a vege garden. We have been away on and off for the last two years and are presently doing some much needed rehabilitation work around the place. We will need to go away again for some periods in the next few months and are hoping to find someone who would be happy to care take the place when we are away so that we don't come back to find a jungle again. That would involve mowing and watering mostly and looking after the vege garden in exchange for powered camping in lovely suroundings with good fishing. There is access to separate bathroom, toilet and laundry facilities and plenty of fresh fruit and veges to enjoy. We are looking at August September onwards our contact details are Peter and Helen Rutherford p.o.box 339 Cooktown Qld 4895 email helen.rutherford@bigpond.com thankyou

Wheatbelt region
If you are looking to put down roots for a while in the northern wheatbelt of Western Australia, Morris and Diana Van Buerle could be looking for you. The couple runs a small farm between Perth and Geraldton and are seeking someone to stay a while - up to six months - in a fully furnished cottage on the farm to help with the daily chores of looking after animals and garden. The couple is hoping to occasionally get away for a short break so is looking for someone who would be comfortable being left in sole charge of the farm for a few days. If you are interested in finding out more, please contact Morris and Diana on: noalimba@wn.com.au

(David & Cheryl - posted 23/6/08)
Hi, we are David & Cheryl Craig. We would love to house sit for you. We house sit on the east coast. Please check out our web page at www.happyhousesittersaustralia.com. (Please note that we are currently booked until April 2009.)

(posted 5/08)
We retired at the beginning last year and after a few trips around NSW and Qld are now keen to try our hand at housesitting or caretaking. We are both honest, reliable and trustworthy and have referees ready to vouch for us if required. Frank originally had his own one man courier run on the Coast and I have worked for a Federal MP for the past seven years and in various administrative roles prior to that. Please email us on gwenfro@optusnet.com.au for more information.

Housesitters available - Maryborough region (posted 17/7/08)
Two Grey Nomads (to be!) looking for a housesit in Maryborough for short or long term from about 12th October 2008. Reference avail. Love animals. We have a decrepit old Dalmatian well past her prime, but we love her. She is no trouble and will just lie on her stretcher in the sun. We can keep your place clean and look after all your animal dependants and even do a bit of gardening. Please email us at: helecam@burnett.net.au

Housesitter available - Toowoomba area (posted 20/5/08)
I am a matured aged non-smoking woman. I would like the opportunity to look after a house in the Toowoomba area. I am working in Toowoomba but am more than willing to drive a little way out of town. I like animals and am willing to look after a dog or cat as long as it is possible for me to go away for the odd weekend. I am also more than happy to look after a garden. I can provide personal references if required. I can be contacted by email on magchar@gmail.com

Housesitters available from Gympie to Caboolture (posted 19/5/08)
My husband and I are retired, having owned vineyards on the Murray River. We have moved to the Sunshine Coast and while we are deciding where to settle we are house sitting. We would like to house sit from Gympie & south to Caboolture.
We are active non smokers. We have been in various businesses during our married life. We are willing to do sits with gardens to be cared, mowed, irrigated etc.& maintenance.We also will take care of animals from cows to chickens.
If you are interested you can contact us on 0438 809 300 or email kath.ray@bigpond.com.

Housesitters Available, Anywhere in WA (posted 30/6/08)
My husband and I have been on the road for 12 months now. We have been doing some housesitting, but as we have a large 5th Wheeler, we do not always manage to fit on the properties. We are interested in house sitting anywhere in W.A. at the moment. My husband has owned a Caravan park in Mildura for seven years, plus a motel in Melbourne. Please email us at marleneessery@gmail.com

Geraldton region
We are greying nomads, webdesigners working and living on the road, 47, 51 with a 3 year 0ld. We are currently looking for house/petsitting in or around Geraldton, WA for the school holidays, 12 April 2008 to 27 April 2008, to avoid the crowds and get our newly acquired OKA ready to head North to explore the Ningaloo reef, and on. We are also interested in caretaker positions, helping out on stations etc on the way, as long as we can get internet access, we have NextG with aerials. We normally set up in tents, but some comfort in hot areas is appreciated. For more information, email Cate on cateadams@serendipityprojects.com.au

Tasmania

Hobart Area
Dates Avail: from 1/12/07 onwards
Preferred area: within 30 mins of Hobart
Occupation: Artist & Administrator
Ages 39 & 40
We are a mature, responsible, honest, well educated, non-smoking, house-proud couple (no kids) who would love the opportunity to care for your precious home and pets in your absence. We are experienced house sitters with excellent references and would ensure your home is meticulously maintained as though it was our own. We are both dog lovers having owned our own pets in the past and cared for many more. We are also happy to care for pet birds as we currently have a lovely little budgie of our own. Environmentally aware and water-wise. Can do light gardening/maintenance, though happy to supervise your gardener or mower-man!
As Sara will be working full time (Keith part time) in CBD, we would prefer to be located within 30 mins drive of the City if possible. Prefer longer term sits of 5 weeks or more. May consider other areas/situations so please email us. We look forward to hearing from you!
Email: keithclimpson@mac.com
Tel: 0414 463783

I live in Eden, New South Wales, and am looking to go to Central Australia or thereabouts. I have home schooled, taught as a teacher's aid in an emotionally disturbed unit at High School and teach knitting, spinning, art, cloth doll making in youth centre. Does anyone want a housesitter or perhaps has a cottage where I can stay and help out with children doing correspondence. Next month I will be doing further training in the MULTILIT program to help those struggling with reading. My email is janetmarion@hotmail.com.