Some days, I genuinely wonder if I've stumbled into the best job in the world.
As a forestry mulching operator serving the Otways and Surf Coast, it's 7am and the mist is lifting as I fire up the mulcher. The air smells like eucalyptus and damp earth. Today's 'office' is a 20-acre bush block near Forrest, and the task is land clearing with fire risk reduction — turning an overgrown tangle of blackberry and tea tree into something the owners can actually use and feel safe living on.
Forestry mulching is transforming how property owners in the Otways, Surf Coast, and Greater Geelong manage vegetation. Whether you need fire risk reduction, land clearing for access, or bush regeneration, this method works with the natural landscape — no burning, no bulldozers, no erosion.
No fluorescent lights. No meetings that could've been emails. No traffic. Just me, the machine, and the bush.
Land Clearing Results: From Overgrown to Accessible
There's something deeply satisfying about watching a property change in real time.
You arrive to a block that's been neglected for years — sometimes decades. The owners can't reach the back fence. Dense blackberry and regrowth carry serious fire risk, and CFA compliance feels impossible. By the end of the day, there are clear access paths, fuel loads are reduced, and the land feels like it can breathe again.
I've had grown men nearly tear up seeing parts of their property for the first time in years. That never gets old.
And the mulch we leave behind isn't waste — it's the beginning of regeneration. Within weeks, native grasses start pushing through. Within months, the soil is healthier than it's been in years. Forestry mulching allows land clearing and fire risk reduction without stripping the land bare or relying on burn-offs.
Why Choose Forestry Mulching Over Burning or Bulldozing
That's what I love most about forestry mulching — it's a smarter, more considered approach to vegetation management and bushfire preparation.
Instead of burning or bulldozing, forestry mulching reduces fuel loads without smoke or ash, protects topsoil and prevents erosion, returns organic material back to the soil, and supports natural regeneration. It's efficient, clean, and respectful. One machine, one pass, and the land is left in a safer, healthier state than when we arrived.
This approach is particularly effective for overgrown property clearing in the Otways where native ecosystems need protection.
The Outdoor Life
I spent years in offices and workshops. Good jobs — but something was missing. Now I know what it was: connection.
Every property is different. One day I'm on a coastal block in Aireys Inlet with views of the ocean. The next, I'm deep in the Gellibrand Valley beneath towering mountain ash. I've worked on properties across the Surf Coast, Otways and Greater Geelong, with wedge-tailed eagles circling overhead and wallabies watching from the tree line.
Sure, there are hard days — rain, mud, challenging terrain. But even on the toughest days, I'd rather be out here than anywhere else.
Local Family Business Serving the Otways & Surf Coast
Running this as a family business matters to us.
My kids are growing up understanding where food comes from, what hard work looks like, and why caring for land isn't optional — it's a responsibility. They ask questions about native plants, fire safety, and how the machines work. They see firsthand that meaningful work can also be honest, physical, and grounded.
Being local means we understand the region's unique challenges — coastal weather patterns, fire risk zones, and native vegetation requirements that make the Otways and Surf Coast both beautiful and rewarding to work in.
It's not just a job. It's a way of life we're building together.
So… Is It the Best Job in the World?
For someone who loves the outdoors, takes pride in physical work, and wants to make a real difference to land and communities — yeah, I reckon it just might be.
Every property we work on is a chance to help someone protect their home, restore their land, or finally use a block they've owned for years but couldn't access. Across fire-prone areas of the Otways and Surf Coast, that kind of work genuinely matters.
We're in the midst of bushfire season, but it's not too late to assess your property's fire risk and take action.
If you're wondering what to do with an overgrown property, we're always happy to have a conversation. And if you're quietly dreaming about a career that trades screens and meetings for fresh air and purpose — forestry mulching might just surprise you.
Common Questions About Forestry Mulching in the Otways
How much does forestry mulching cost in the Surf Coast region? Pricing depends on terrain, vegetation density, and access. We provide free quotes after a site visit to assess your specific needs.
Is forestry mulching better than burning for fire risk reduction? Yes — it reduces fuel loads immediately without smoke, ash, or permits, and leaves protective mulch that prevents erosion and supports soil health. You get CFA compliance without the environmental impact.
Can forestry mulching handle blackberry and tea tree? Absolutely. Our equipment processes dense undergrowth including blackberry, tea tree, bracken, and regrowth eucalyptus. We've tackled some of the toughest vegetation challenges in the Otways.
How quickly can you clear my overgrown property? Most residential blocks can be cleared in 1-3 days depending on size and density. We'll give you a realistic timeframe during the initial site assessment.