Paradise by the Sea
- Posted By Trish Goodlet
Apollo Bay and the beautiful beaches and hamlets that surround have always been a magnet for those seeking the good life. The lush soils and gentle climate of the Otways provide a green oasis to grow magnificent gardens and forge a sustainable lifestyle. In the 1970s when Nimbin was leading the hippy revolution in Australia there was a much quieter but no less determined cultural revolution happening in the Otways.
Young couples and single adventurers were moving on to the land buying up old dairy farms where it had become infeasible to make a living out of small-scale farming. The hippies had arrived. Setting about replanting the gullies, reclaiming the orchards and planting vegetable gardens. Long hair and sheepskin coats were added to the uniform of gumboots and overalls. The new farmers had arrived.
With this influx of young families came teachers and townsfolk looking for another way of living. The school grew and changed with its population and was soon known for its great music and drama departments, complementing environmental studies and outdoor activities. Apollo Bay P-12 College with its motto Unique Environment Extraordinary Opportunities continues to nurture its students and celebrate their individuality. Many excellent musicians, artists and academics have honed their talents in the bay. The dedicated music facility The House of Rock has and will continue to give young musicians valid pathways into the music industry. Though not musically gifted … except for belting out the odd song on karaoke night Trish Goodlet is one of the AB P-12 esteemed alumni 👩🎓 and all of our Goodlife teams' children have taken advantage of an excellent education in a regional area.
The hospital also grew in size and strength with Great Ocean Road Health providing excellent medical care to locals and tourists alike. We are also spoilt for choice of an abundance of alternative health options in the Otways with Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners, Naturopaths, and specialists offering Breathwork, Reiki, and Kinesiology plus an array of therapeutic masseurs or join a Pilates, Qi Gong, Yoga class, or the local gym lab and make some friends as you move your way to well-being.
The Otways are home to amazing produce, from fresh vegetables, fruit and berries to amazing cheeses and gourmet delights. You can find these along with excellent craft and plants at the foreshore market in Apollo Bay on Saturday mornings. You are bound to find something to delight you at this unique beachfront market.
The Apollo Bay Farmer’s Market held on the third Sunday of every month at the youth club is an excellent spot to stock on your staples and fresh vegetables. Get in early for a choice of local produce, providores, cheese, meat, and baked goods. Then browse the stands of pottery, textiles and handcrafted goods and natural beauty products. It’s an excellent one to keep in your diary.
Once you have your own piece of paradise, local nurseries such as Tom and Annette’s Barham Valley Nursery can help you chose the perfect productive and ornamental plants for your garden. With its good soils and plentiful rainfall your Otways garden will not only be credit to you but also provide some excellent organic feasts.
All this feasting needs working off and the best way to do that is a beach walk. In summer it may be a leisurely stroll but in winter with a westerly blowing it’s time to rug up in a coat and scarf and brave the gales. The ozone level is at max, and you’ll soon be feeling warm and virtuous. Head to the rocks and watch the power of the ocean smash against its rugged shoreline. This is living.
When you require a more sedate approach head off on an Otways forest or waterfall walk and bath in its soft misty beauty, the only sound is the rustle of leaves and branches and birdsong. Be still, lean back and observe the majesty of the mighty Otway Ranges. It is a humbling, magical experience of forest bathing at its very best.
The Goodlife awaits you in an area known as Paradise by the Sea.
Words: Pete Goodlet