• 3 weeks ago
Credit: SWNS / Sirirat Nensewicz

An adventure-seeking woman has told how she lived for free on a 'heavenly' island off the coast of Australia - only working 24 hours a week.

Sirirat Nensewicz, 27, stayed on the 18-acre Pumpkin Island in the Great Barrier off the coast of Queensland for two months.

She would only work 24 hours a week, cleaning, gardening, and bar-tending around the island's eco-resort in return for free accommodation.

Sirirat says she spent the rest of her time "laying in a hammock and swimming" on the island which has pristine beaches and amazing marine wildlife.

The solo traveller said she would spend AU$400 (£200) a month - only forking out for her groceries and phone bill.
Transcript
00:00Stop and listen. Ever wanted to visit Australia for free?
00:03Surirat Ninswit spent two months living for free on Pumpkin Island,
00:06an 18-acre gem in the southern Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Queensland, Australia.
00:11In exchange for working just 24 hours a week at an eco resort,
00:14she got free accommodation and 400 pounds every two weeks.
00:18The rest of her time, pure bliss, swinging in a hammock, snorkeling,
00:22swimming in crystal clear waters, and exploring pristine beaches.
00:25Arriving by boat, Surirat stepped into a life most only dream of.
00:29Her workday started at 8 a.m., tidying common areas,
00:32gardening, and later, a couple hours of bar work in the evening.
00:35Workdays varied. Some were 10 hours, others just four.
00:39But it was the island's untouched beauty that made her time unforgettable.
00:43Her simple seaside room was all she needed,
00:46double bed, a bathroom, and a sunrise view every morning.
00:49With just groceries and a phone bill to pay, and the rent all paid for by her employer,
00:53Surirat's life was stress-free. No Wi-Fi equals no drama.
00:57Surirat says the experience changed her.
00:59She saved most of her money, invested in healthier eating,
01:02and learned to appreciate life's small wonders.
01:04It made me appreciate life and the little things a lot more
01:07as the island gave me space to think.
01:10Living on a remote island, experiencing the world's natural beauty,
01:13and making unforgettable memories, Surirat proves that sometimes,
01:17the greatest adventures start with just one bold leap.

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