When it’s time to recharge the gardening batteries, Ben Ricketts Environmental Preserve is the perfect local eco friendly place to enjoy some time away, in simple, fully equipped holiday cabins nestled in the Jamberoo rainforest. It’s only 40 minutes from Wollongong, and is owned by people who are dedicated to conserving local biodiversity. They’ve put a Voluntary Conservation Agreement on this special place, and organise regular bush regeneration days. And they have resident chickens, a veggie patch, a contented cow for company, and two curious goats who happily recycle your food scraps – banana peels are their favourite! For more info, see www.benricketts.org.au