Volunteering Program
2nd year visa work available now!
Our volunteer program is for spiritually interested people from all over the world - a fascinating mix of social and cultural backgrounds!
Since we are all co-creators of the Krishna Village atmosphere, we are selective about the kind of people we invite to stay with us. We warmly invite you to come and open your heart and mind to experience the peaceful and fulfilling lifestyle of sattvic living - one that includes simplicity, health, vegetarianism, spirituality and personal growth.
Please Note: Volunteers must be at least 18 years old, and there is a 4 week minimum stay. If you can't commit to staying for a whole month, please check out our Karma Yoga option.
Code of Conduct
At Krishna Village, we strive to create a peaceful and spiritual environment for all of our guests. As a retreat centre, we ask that all of our volunteers maintain a friendly and open-minded attitude. We also value a strong work ethic, and the ability to communicate effectively in English.
We understand that certain practices and habits may be a part of your daily routine, but in order to fully embrace the spiritual atmosphere of our community, we ask that all volunteers refrain from smoking, drugs, alcohol, and non-spiritual music while on the farm, as well as follow a vegetarian diet. We kindly request your cooperation in this matter as we aim to provide a holistic spiritual experience for all.
As a yoga community, we also ask that everyone dresses in a respectable and modest manner. Walking around bare-chested or in overly sensual clothing is not appropriate.
Before applying, we kindly ask that you take the time to review our Code of Conduct, to ensure that you align with our values and practices. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to welcoming you to Krishna Village.
We would also like to remind you that our retreat center is focused on providing a spiritual yoga experience, rather than a party/hostel atmosphere. If this aligns with what you are looking for, we would love to have you join us.
The Volunteer Experience
We have a minimum commitment of four weeks for all participants, with the option for an extended stay of up to three months. To ensure a positive experience for all involved, we have implemented a trial period of one week for those interested in extending their stay. Following this trial period, feedback will be provided and a discussion will take place to determine the feasibility of an extended stay. Our decision-making process takes into account various factors such as our current booking situation, adherence to established work ethics, participation in yoga classes and community activities, and compatibility with other volunteers, managers, and guests. If you would like to extend your stay, a notice of two weeks prior to the scheduled departure date is required to ensure proper planning and coordination.
We work for 5hrs/day on 6 days/week (Sun-Fri) and rest on Saturdays. We start at 6:15am every morning and mostly work in and around the Krishna Village gardens, kitchen, cleaning team and maintenance. At 8:15am we have a 1hr breakfast break and finish work at 12:15pm, right before lunch. In the afternoon we start kirtan and yogic living classes at 1:30pm. You can come along (which would be great) or enjoy a swim, drive to the beach or relax.
The yoga and other classes on the regular Krishna Village retreat schedule and at our temple are available to you free of charge. Generally, you don’t have to pay for anything, yet some extra cost may apply if you want to use the coin laundry, participate in courses or buy your own food in addition to what is provided.
The Food
We provide 3 delicious vegetarian meals every day, with lunches (vegan) taking place at the Krishna Village community kitchen, and breakfast and dinners - mostly Indian style - served at the prasadam hall, next to the temple. We grow as much of our own organic food as we can, and otherwise buy locally (non organic) wherever possible. If you have any special dietary requirements, you are also welcome to bring what you need and cook your own meals at our community kitchen.
All our food is prasadam - sacred food prepared in a consciousness of loving service. Like in other cultures, we offer our food before we eat to say Grace and thank the Divine for the sun, the rain, and all the visible and invisible blessings necessary to co-create a delicious meal. Feel free to sing along with us, or just listen and enjoy...
Accommodation
In terms of accommodation, we offer a beautiful camping area that suits tents and camper vans, whichever you prefer to bring. We often book out, so please make sure to apply at least 6-8 weeks in advance.
Please note: We require a $5 administration fee and a $50 bond per volunteer (which needs to be paid online in order to secure your volunteer position) payable by card to make sure people treat the place with respect and don't leave rubbish, old tents and other items behind. The $50 bond will be refunded in full on the day you leave upon checking out at reception, so please make sure to come by in person before you are heading off. In case of misconduct (e.g. causing disturbances with other volunteers or retreat guests, not showing up / being late for work repeatedly, being asked to leave etc.) or still owing money, we will keep the bond (partly or in full) to make up for what's owed.
The Krishna Farm
Nestled in the foothills of Mount Warning, in the heart of the Northern Rivers of New South Wales, the Hare Krishna farm “New Govardhana” is a 1000 acre property with orchards, certified organic veggie gardens, sacred cows and swimming holes in abundance.
New Govardhana serves as an ashram to a community of yogis who aspire to live according to their deepest vows and commitments on their path of service, spiritual contentment and happiness (Bhakti Yoga). Their service and dedication make this location a beautiful place of growth, healing and spiritual awakening. If you are interested, please come along and visit our beautiful Radha Govardhandhari temple and learn more about the origins or our "simple giving, high thinking" philosophy.
How to apply
To see if this experience is for you, please read our FAQ for volunteers and have a look at our Code of Conduct as well as our our page about Bhakti Culture, our way of life. If you are dealing with any physical or mental health issues, please also check our Are you ready page to make sure this is a suitable experience for you. If you are keen, please apply 6-8 weeks in advance, otherwise we might not be able to offer you a spot.
We only accept new volunteers on Mondays as there is an induction tour at 11am. This tour serves as a mandatory briefing so that you understand our values and standards and can fit in well.
If you think you are the right kind of person for the job, please fill in our online application form. If you have any additional questions, please contact us.
Please Note: Volunteers must be at least 18 years old.
Why choose Krishna Village as a place to Volunteer?
There is so much to love about volunteering. If you are engaged, spiritual, and in-touch with the natural world, we welcome you to our home among the rolling hills of the Tweed Coast hinterland in the beautiful Northern Rivers of NSW.
Location, location, location
Krishna Village is an incredibly special place, located between Byron Bay and the Gold Coast. Along the coast, you will find world-class beaches with crystal-clear waters, dramatic headlands, and bustling townships. Head inland and find yourself surrounded by luscious greenery and quaint communities dedicated to alternative lifestyles. Krishna Village is perfectly positioned among it all. Our location is one of our biggest drawcards for a stay.
A warm, supportive community
When you join us for a WWOOFing experience, you become a co-creator of the Krishna Village atmosphere. You join our family – our community of kind, supportive, aware individuals dedicated to spirituality, health, and personal growth. Many of our volunteers remain lifelong friends and continue to travel together here in Australia and worldwide.