Two friends and I went there after calling James who that he job for us 3. We ended up waiting 3 weeks with no job, we still had to pay the extra for the fuel cause he couldn't afford not to charge us!
Every day he would come and say that we MIGHT start the day after but nothing... I finnaly got a morning in a farm but never seen my money he took it to top the money I was "owing".
My friends had a car accident with one of the van, it took fire they only had time to escape form it.. A couple of days later the police came over and asked about the van wich was recorded stolen from a Spanish backpacker a year before..
Not talking about the only 2 (cold) showers we had to share between over 18 people!
The nights were freezing windows don't close properly...
James and his wife would come while we were away and check personal belongings.
Just before I left they were asking for the passeport and flight keeping them as a bond.
We were not allowed to leave the place, James used to check how many km we did and how much fuel we used.

Seriously I stayed 2 months there and on the day that i left they said that they couldn t drive me to Bowen so I waited hours to get a lift back to Bowen.

Hey I'm Richie from Ireland. I have absolutely nothing bad to say about this place from my 4 months stay. I had great craic here!!

Myself and a mate arrived in Bowen off a 9hour bus trip from Cairns, James was waiting there with a breakfast McDonalds for us. To be honest, I was expecting a total ****** after reading some of negative reviews on this site before leaving Cairns. But he was cool and friendly. Anyway, he drove us straight out to the farm for a days work. Deprived of sleep and energy, we managed to get through our first day. And after living a party lifestyle for the previous 5 months and then going straight into pulling 4ft weeds out of the ground...culture shock! We sweated every drop of goon from the system that first week. The work was bloody tough, but as the days go on it gets easier, trust me. An honest hard days work is highly regarded both by the farmer and James. So if you aren't afraid to get your hands dirty, you will do fine in terms of the work.

As for the hostel, well this became a home to me. Its located about 45 minutes from town in the middle of nowhere. Surrounded by trees and wildlife! It has a swimming pool, free pool table, free internet and satellite TV, so you're not totally cut off from the outside world. James will tell you its not a party hostel but that doesn't mean its not fun. The hostel has a bar...so if I knew I had a day off Sunday...you could see me hard on the stubbies n shots Saturday night, and with up to 50 other backpackers you've become friends with, you can imagine the good times we had!

The people I met during my stay were all sound (nice people), I've made some friends here that I'll definitely hang-out with again and keep in touch with. You become almost a family in a way!

The owners James and Gabrielle always had time for me, we got on fine! I respected how they wanted their property to be treated and they respected me for it. Just get on with the farmwork and respect their rules and you'll get on great. You've probably heard of the dishes fine, just get off your *** and clean up after yourself! Its not hard!

This was probably the best experience that I've had in Australia. I'd definitely recommend it!

My name is Andrew and I stayed in the Boggie River Bush House for 5 weeks right up untill xmas. The first thing I would say about the place is remote. When they say Bush house they mean it. When I arrived here I was a little overwelmed, but after a few days I had come to love the place. The travellers are great and the owners have always been freindly and approchable.
Before I went to the Boggie I was informed by James that the place was a working hostel and not a party hostel and that if I wanted to save some cash before xmas then this was the placeto be. He told me the date he needed me to stay and what to expect when I got there. I wasnt suprised to find a contract to that effect when I arrived and was happy to sign. I too have been fined for leaving dishes out and agree it is a little frustrating but how else do u get through to a traveller? This has also helped to keep a clean kitchen and living area.
As for work most people I met when I was there started the day after arrival, but understand that its not James that controls the harvest season. He has always done his best for me and when I got sacked from 1 mango farm I was working again after 1 day off. If you are off work then all u need to do is ask to lend a van to go to town and on every occasion at my time the van was given with no hasstle. James also went above his duties on occasions one of which by giving me a ride into town when I was moving on. I have read some bad stories about James but in my time there I met 2 Scots who had stayed for 17 weeks and said that if your fair with James then he will return the compliment and this advise steared me in good stead. I would go back in a minute and managed to save some cash to continue travelling.
So in summary if you are looking to work hard and get paid for it, save money or get yourself back on your feet then this place is ideal.

today,after 7 weeks,the time has come to leave the BOGIE RIVER BUSH HOUSE.had an awesome time here,you'll get great help finding jobs,have nice people,really nice owners that help you in any case and just heaps of fun:)
kangaroos are all around,as well as wallabees and you can pet them...come here if you want to have a nice and unforgettable time.

it's just...
...GREAT FUN IN THE BOGIE RIVER BUSH HOUSE