The Salty Bitches of Australia: A Short Documentary

There’s something quietly powerful about the sea and the way it draws people in. It offers space to breathe, to let your guard down and to reconnect with a part of yourself that is so often hidden beneath the noise of daily life.

When I first heard about The Salty Bitches, I knew almost immediately that their story was something I wanted to help tell. What began as a swimming group had clearly grown into something much more than that. This was a community of men and women who show up for themselves and for each other, again and again, with humour, honesty and a deep sense of care. The name might raise eyebrows at first, but the heart of this group is unmistakably generous and grounded in something real.

I felt a strong pull to document what they had built, not with the aim of defining the group as a whole, but to offer a small window into the personal experiences that flow within it. No single story could ever capture the full scope of who they are, and that is exactly what makes them so special. Every person who swims with The Salty Bitches carries her own reasons, her own rhythm, and her own quiet kind of courage.

This short documentary brings together just a few voices, each one sharing something honest, whether it’s about healing, joy, resilience, or the simple act of getting into cold water and feeling fully alive. It was a privilege to listen, to witness, and to try to reflect a little of the strength and beauty that this group brings into the world.

Making this film left a mark on me. It reminded me of the importance of community, of creating space for softness, and of how powerful it can be to share our stories, even in fragments. I hope that in watching this, you feel some of the magic I felt while filming it: a sense of connection, a quiet awe, and deep respect for those who swim together, no matter what.