Became a member in: 2015
Renewal Date: 30/Nov/2021
Myself and my 18 year son Callum live here. I have 3 other children who are all grown now, and live around Australia. As a younger family, in a previous house, we have completed wonderful home exchanges in Sweden, Belgium and Melbourne, and hosted non-simultaneous exchanges with a German family. I love books, travel, and water activities, and have re-joined Homelink with a view to take my long service leave in NZ, should the borders open by March!
Affinities
Watersports,
Cycling / Mountain Biking,
Hiking,
Motorhomes / Caravans,
Music Lovers
MoreLessAffiliations
Civil Service Professionals
Profession
Policy Writer
Simultaneous Home Exchange
Homesit Offered
Smoking Not Allowed
Children Welcome
Use of Personal Car is possible
Open to all dates | New Zealand | Tasmania, Australia | Darwin NT, Australia |
Description of the home we are offering for exchange
My little home is a classic early 60's Modern in leafy old Highton, within walking distance of the most picturesque stretch of the Barwon River on one side and the locally renowned Highton Village cafes and shops on the other. Montpellier lookout, with sweeping 180 degree views across Geelong, Corio Bay and down the coast, is a 5 minute walk up the hill behind us. This is a cosy, comfortable small home where you can tuck up with a book from the extensive collection in our lounge room or sit on the front porch and listen to the hundreds of birds that inhabit this well-established area. If you like music, enjoy playing our piano, guitars or the professional drum set. You will have the whole house to enjoy. There are 3 bedrooms, a single bathroom with a separate toilet, reverse cycle air conditioning and ducted heating. From our location, if you are game, you can bike ride the 35km Bellarine Rail Trail all the way to the entrance of Port Phillip Bay. Alternatively, take the steam train! Help yourself to vegetables and herbs from our garden or make use of our commuter bikes.
Type
House - single floor/ Main Residence
Amenities
Entertainment
Extras
Setting
Description of our neighbourhood and surrounding area
Our little community is friendly and ready to help out, as our street is a great mix of young and older families, some having lived here their whole lives. People will smile and say hello when you pass them out walking, but there is also plenty of privacy. The bus into town stops right outside our house, or you can drive the 6 kms to Geelong's waterfront area, where you will find shopping malls, restaurants, galleries and even fabulous local breweries, such as Little Creatures and White Rabbit. There are also plenty of wineries nearby. It is an easy 20 minute drive to all the best beaches on the world-renowned Surf Coast, such as Bells, Jan Juc and Torquay, or explore the little seaside towns of Queenscliff, Point Lonsdale or Portarlington on the Bellarine Peninsula. The Great Ocean Road is 30 minutes drive, with many more spectacular beaches, coastal towns and the unique environments of the South West Coast. If your interest is wildlife, there are significant wetlands nearby. I moved here in 2014 for my work, and I love the fact that everything you need is within a 10 minute drive. Melbourne is an hour away by car, train or boat, and Avalon airport is 20 minutes drive.
Outdoor Activities
Leisure
Cultural Activities
Transport Nearby
Neighbourhood Services
Our home exchange - places to go and things to do while staying in our home
There are delicious cafes, fresh local produce (green grocery and butcher) supermarkets, takeaway food and boutique shops within walking distance from our house. Coffee and breakfast is big in Geelong! We love almond croissants and biscotti from the award-winning Pane De Matteo Italian artisan bakery, but there are so many options. There are also interesting 'Makers' areas along the river, including the Fyansford Paper Mills at one end and Rutland street Boom Gallery at the other, connected by the river walk. In the centre of this area is the Balyang Sanctuary, a nice picnic spot very close by. There are so many interesting things to do nearby beyond the major tourist attractions and we are happy to help you out to suit your interests.
Our favourite restaurants
Cafés & bars
Special places to shop
Leisure and cultural activities
Walks or jogging paths
Health or fitness clubs
Interesting day trips
Our home exchange - here are our Preferences and House Rules
Please keep the house clean and tidy as it has been left for you.
Conditions
Use of Personal Car
Home Exchange Type
Became a member in: 2015
Renewal Date: 30/Nov/2021
Myself and my 18 year son Callum live here. I have 3 other children who are all grown now, and live around Australia. As a younger family, in a previous house, we have completed wonderful home exchanges in Sweden, Belgium and Melbourne, and hosted non-simultaneous exchanges with a German family. I love books, travel, and water activities, and have re-joined Homelink with a view to take my long service leave in NZ, should the borders open by March!
Affinities
Watersports,
Cycling / Mountain Biking,
Hiking,
Motorhomes / Caravans,
Music Lovers
MoreLessAffiliations
Civil Service Professionals
Profession
Policy Writer
Over 70 years of home exchange experience
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