In Spring 2026 we return for our third expedition to Djanaba Farm in less than a year. Each prior has been an experience of both orientation and enlightenment. Jocelyn King’s effort to regenerate a native food forest on 100 acres of land in NSW’s Hunter Valley is an audacious mission Finding Nature is proud to be involved with and invited to take part in.
Once the home of gigantic red cedars and millennia years of Earth’s natural system accumulation, first destructive logging then degrading cattle farming reduced Country to silty dust and noxious weed. Under Jocelyn’s watchful eye and fierce leadership this Spring trip is focussed on three things that echo the season's blooming; to observe, experience and record the ongoing renewal of Djanaba Farm, to connect meaningfully on Country with self, others and the natural world, and to play a role in contributing to work that continues to rejuvenate for years to come.
This expedition - Waking Country - continues our focus on regeneration, reciprocity and unfarming. It is about doing real work with real people in a real place for real outcomes, something all of us aspire to do and deliver as professionals and people seeking futures that are healthier, safer and more just. Warmer weather and longer days on Worimi Country is a time where life in all of its forms is returning. Wattle blooming, birds hatching and nesting, the Monkerai River warming and the chance to swim again and see the local platypus. Spring is also the season that will reveal what has and hasn’t held through the colder months, to identify what needs help and where further efforts are possible.
Over four days on Djanaba Farm we'll tour the ground planted to see what's emerged, continue the flora and fauna observation that's aimed at building a detailed record of how this land is changing year on year, and we'll get our hands into the actual work too. From weeding what needs weeding, watering what needs water, and getting more native tubestock into ground that's ready to hold it. Jocelyn’s vision is only possible when people willing to keep turning up and doing the next thing keep turning up and doing the next thing.
Around all of that, there's the connecting - from hearing Jocelyn's story of Country around the fire at night to sharing Gus_tronomy's food together at the end of a working day and experiencing the awe of our solar system’s Milky Way galaxy as one final daily delight.
We travel with the same spirit as our previous expeditions. A curious, determined and motivated set of individuals arriving on day one who quickly grow to know and care deeply for what’s brought each of us to such an experience. This will be real work that leaves dirt under your nails and results in leaving something behind we can all point to, Jocelyn's patient, persistent reminder to slow down and experience the natural rhythms of time on Country, and to experience Spring awakening on Worimi Country.
The costs of the trip cover all of your food as well as helping to contribute to the costs of the materials and resources we’ll be utilising while on the farm.
All coming bring their own camping equipment - tents, sleeping bags, etc (a full gear and equipment list will be provided after sign up). Finding Nature can help you source what you need, as well as manage group transport.
To receive more details about the trip, please email info@findingnature.com.au
The Essentials
When: Thursday 17 September – Sunday 20 September, 2026
Where: Djanaba Farm, Worimi Country (approx. 3 hours from Sydney)
Capacity: 10 people, farm stay format
