A Peaceful Retreat in Nature

In February 2025, we had the pleasure of house-sitting in the stunning Gold Coast Hinterland, looking after two wonderful dogs, Sally and Billy, along with a group of friendly chickens. The property was set on beautiful acreage, attracting an abundance of birdlife, making it a nature lover’s paradise.

Meet Sally and Billy

Sally, a gentle giant, and Billy, a friendly (and very intelligent) goofball, quickly won our hearts. Billy had a tennis ball obsession, and we were amazed by his retrieving skills. He would always return the ball and drop it perfectly in front of us. If he thought it was too far away, he would even go back and adjust the placement to make it easier for us to reach—his intelligence and enthusiasm were both impressive and amusing! 😂

Daily Walks and Playtime at the Creek

One of the highlights of each day was taking the dogs for a walk and playing ball in the local creek. Billy would dive straight in after the ball, full of excitement, while Sally, not quite as adept at catching, needed gentle, low throws to ensure she could grab them. Their playful energy and affectionate nature made every outing a joy.

A Bird Photographer’s Paradise

The property itself was a peaceful retreat, surrounded by incredible birdlife. We were lucky enough to hand-feed wild Australian King Parrots, cockatoos, lorikeets, and even kookaburras right from the deck. Watching these vibrant birds interact up close was an unforgettable experience. I also spent countless hours sitting in the backyard with my camera, photographing the birds as they came and went, capturing their striking colors and fascinating behaviors in the natural surroundings. You can view my Gold Coast Hinterland Birdlife Portfolio here.

Friendly Chickens and Fresh Eggs

The free-range chickens were surprisingly friendly, often coming up to greet us. A delightful bonus of looking after them was collecting fresh eggs each morning—nothing beats the taste of eggs straight from the coop!

 A Memorable Experience

With its serene atmosphere, stunning wildlife, and the company of two of the most gorgeous and well-behaved dogs, this house sit was truly a memorable experience. The Gold Coast Hinterland provided the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure, and we would gladly return for another visit.

 For more photos, explore my portfolios: Sally & Billy: Playful Moments in the Gold Coast Hinterland and Feathered Beauties of the Gold Coast Hinterland.