Everything you value — we've got it covered.
Whether you're heading off on a well-earned trip or you're in Sydney thinking "Mum really needs this" — we're who you've been looking for. We are Rich & Gel (Geraldine), a husband-and-wife team, residing on the NSW South Coast, looking after homes, pets, gardens, and the people and things you love most. Not a service. Not a call centre. Just parents with an empty nest — and a lot of care to give.
Who we help
Like having a friend with a key
In safe hands — and good company. Whether you're heading off on a well-earned holiday or you're worried about a parent living alone on the South Coast — we're the warm, reliable pair of hands you've been looking for.
"Many people reach a stage in life where time matters more than money — and they've earned the right to spend both wisely. That's exactly where we come in."
Going away? We'll look after everything.
Perfect for homeowners heading on holiday, a work trip, or a family visit. We stay at your property overnight, care for your pets, water the garden, collect the mail, and keep everything ticking along — so you can truly switch off.
- ✓Overnight house sitting — we sleep at your home
- ✓Daily drop-in visits for pets and property
- ✓Dog walks, cat care, small animals
- ✓Garden watering and outdoor tidying
- ✓Mail collection and security checks
"You've earned this. Go. We'll look after the furry ones while you're living your best life."
Not going away? Just need a pet sitter.
You don't need to be leaving home to need a hand with your pets. Whether you're at work, recovering, or just need a reliable person to pop in — we're here for your animals.
- ✓Daily drop-in visits — feeding, water, cuddles
- ✓Dog walking — solo or group, your choice
- ✓Cat care and small animal feeding
- ✓Medication administration if needed
- ✓Photo updates so you know they're happy
Many people reach a stage in life where time matters more than money.
They've earned the right to spend both wisely. We're here so mum or dad has a friendly face — and you have peace of mind.
Mum or Dad living alone? We'll pop in.
For adult children living remotely who want peace of mind for an elderly parent. We visit regularly, help with light household tasks, share a cup of tea, and keep you updated — so you know they're happy, comfortable, and not alone.
- ✓Friendly companion visits — a familiar, trusted face
- ✓Light household help: tidying, laundry, dishes
- ✓Meal preparation and grocery assistance
- ✓Garden care and outdoor maintenance
- ✓Regular check-in updates to family members
House sitting is free when we stay at your property (let's chat about any exclusions). Pet sitting: large dogs $50/day, small dogs $40, cats $30, small animals $20. Daily Rounds $10/day (mail, bins, parcels & more). Support visits from $50/hr. Travel $25/hr. See full service details →
What we do
Everything a great neighbour does
House sitting free · Pet sitting from $20/day · Support visits $50/hr · Travel $25/hr
Overnight House Sitting
We stay at your home overnight so it's never left empty. Your pets stay in their own environment, and your home stays lived in and secure.
Daily Drop-In Visits
Regular check-ins for pet feeding, mail collection, plant watering, and a quick property check — perfect for shorter trips.
Pet Sitting & Care
Dogs, cats, birds, and small animals — all cared for with genuine love in their own home. We follow your routines and send daily updates.
Companion Visits
Friendly, regular visits for elderly residents — a cup of tea, a chat, and genuine connection. We keep family members updated after every visit.
Garden Care
Watering, weeding, mowing, and general outdoor tidying — keeping your garden healthy and your property looking its best while you're away.
Light Household Help
Tidying, laundry, dishes, and general household tasks — practical support delivered with warmth and respect, for those who need a helping hand.
House sitting free · $50/hr support visits · Free meet-and-greet · No obligation
Book a free consultationWe only charge you the trip to your door.
Travel time and petrol are charged one-way only — from wherever we currently are to your door. The return journey is entirely on us. Because we live in our motorhome and move regularly between Thirroul, Kiama Downs, Batemans Bay, Pambula and Merimbula, we're often closer than you'd expect.
Travel $25/hr one-way from our current location · Out-of-pocket expenses (food, supplies) billed at cost · Free meet-and-greet, no obligation
Home is wherever we park
South Coast NSW
Wollongong to Eden & beyond
The people behind Empty Nester
We live on the road — so we know exactly what it means to leave home behind.
We're Rich and Gel (Geraldine) — a husband-and-wife team originally from London, who spent over a decade falling in love with Sydney before swapping Bondi Beach for a quieter, more adventurous life on the road. These days we travel the South Coast in our motorhome, and we wouldn't have it any other way.
We're the kind of people who genuinely notice — if something's not quite right, if your dog seems a little off, if your mum could do with a bit more company. We know your pets by name, we treat your home as if it were our own, and we're always happy to pop in.
Think of us less like a service, and more like a trusted friend who happens to have a key.
We're not an agency. There's no roster of strangers. When you book with us, you get us — the same two people, every time. We'll meet you before we start, keep you updated while you're away, and treat everything you value as if it were our own.
Police checked
National criminal history check
First Aid certified
Current St John Ambulance
Pet first aid trained
RSPCA pet care certified
Animal lovers
Own pets, understand yours
Simple process
How it works
Getting started is easy. From first contact to your first booking, the whole process is warm, personal, and straightforward.
Get in touch
Fill in our simple enquiry form or give us a call. Tell us your dates, what you need, and a little about your home and pets (or your loved one).
We meet in person
We'll come to you for a no-obligation meet-and-greet. You can show us around, introduce us to your pets, and ask us anything you like. No pressure.
We confirm and prepare
Once you're happy, we confirm the booking and sort all the details — keys, emergency contacts, routines, and any special requirements.
Relax — we've got it
We take care of everything while you're away. You'll receive regular updates and photos so you can truly switch off and enjoy your time.
Client reviews
What families are saying
Real words from real clients across the South Coast — from Wollongong to Eden.
Average rating
50+
Happy clients
"We were so nervous leaving our two dogs and our home for three weeks — but from the moment we met them, we knew we'd found the right people. They sent us photos every day, the dogs were happy, and we came home to a spotless house."
Sandra & Peter M.
Batemans Bay · House & pet sitting
March 2025
"I live in Melbourne and my mother is in her 80s, living alone in Moruya. Having Empty Nester pop in twice a week has given our whole family peace of mind. Mum loves their visits — she says they're like having a friend come over."
James T.
Moruya · Companion visits for Mum
February 2025
"We went on a two-week holiday to Europe and left our home in their hands. They watered the garden, collected the mail, and even noticed a small leak under the sink and let us know straight away. Absolutely trustworthy."
Rachel & Tom K.
Ulladulla · House sitting
January 2025
Showing placeholder reviews — real client testimonials coming soon.
What our clients say
Real stories from real families
Across the South Coast — from Wollongong to Eden — families trust us to look after what matters most.
"We were so nervous leaving our two dogs and our home for three weeks — but from the moment we met them, we knew we'd found the right people. They sent us photos every day, the dogs were happy, and we came home to a spotless house. We won't use anyone else."
Sandra & Peter M.
Batemans Bay · House & pet sitting
"I live in Melbourne and my mother is in her 80s, living alone in Moruya. Having Empty Nester pop in twice a week has given our whole family peace of mind. Mum loves their visits — she says they're like having a friend come over. I can't recommend them highly enough."
James T.
Moruya · Companion visits for Mum
"We went on a two-week holiday to Europe and left our home in their hands. They watered the garden, collected the mail, and even noticed a small leak under the sink and let us know straight away. Absolutely trustworthy — like leaving your home with a good friend."
Rachel & Tom K.
Ulladulla · House sitting
"After my hip replacement, I needed some help around the house for a few months. They came twice a week and were an absolute godsend — cheerful, capable, and never made me feel like a burden. I'm back on my feet now but I still look forward to their visits."
Margaret L.
Nowra · Light household help
"Our cat is very particular and doesn't like strangers — but she took to them immediately. They came every day while we were away, kept the garden watered, and sent the most lovely little updates. We came home to a happy cat and a beautiful garden."
David & Claire N.
Narooma · Pet sitting & garden care
"My father has been much happier since Empty Nester started visiting. He's not one to ask for help, but he genuinely enjoys their company. They help with a few things around the house and take him for a walk when the weather's good. It's been a wonderful arrangement."
Helen B.
Bega · Companion & home support
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
You've earned this
The trip. The rest. The long lunch that turns into dinner.
Go. Enjoy every minute of it. We'll look after everything you value while you're living your best life — the home, the garden, the pets, and the people who matter most. Whether you're booking for yourself or arranging peace of mind for mum or dad, the first conversation is always free and there's never any pressure.
Serving the South Coast NSW · Wollongong to Eden · House sitting free · Support visits $50/hr · Travel $25/hr