With a focus on slowing down and awakening the senses, this restorative wellness practice involves a series of guided invitations to help relax, slow down, become present and make contact with nature. The experience invites room for listening, healing and reflection, for quiet and accepting presence, and for inquiry through all the senses, in a non-judgmental setting. It is very low impact, not strenuous hiking.
Simply being out in nature provides a healing, grounded and connective experience. The practice of Forest Bathing fosters a deeper more intentional connection with nature and ourselves.
A qualified guide combines all these elements and ensure the experience is safe, supported and inspiring. Each experience lasts 2.5 - 3 hours but we do not go more than a kilometre.
If you are overwhelmed by the noise and 'busyness' of modern life, then come along to destress, relax, restore and reconnect.
This practice is also known as shinrin yoku, forest bathing or forest/nature therapy.
Benefits
Research shows that there are many important benefits from spending time in nature for mental, physical and social health – our general wellbeing. Benefits include: boosting the immune system, improving mood and self-esteem, decreasing blood pressure, restoring attention, and reducing headaches, stress, anxiety and fatigue, which contribute to improved sleep.
Like yoga and meditation, the benefits of this practice are enhanced and deepened through regular practice.
Testimonials
It was such a profoundly restorative process for me. I literally felt like I'd had a 2.5 hour massage - and I regularly think back to the beautiful experience. I would never have imagined this!
Niki
If you’re feeling stressed, tired, worn out from the business of life, I can highly recommend the nature wellness experience
Jason
This experience is worth a few hours of your time. It brings your mind to a standstill and opens it to the nature around you. You start noticing things you may not have seen, touched or heard before. You CONNECT to a whole different level.
Marie
Alex has a lovely manner for leading these. It's a beautiful, relaxing and calming experience.
Meredith
Forest bathing was everything I had hoped for - stillness, peace, tranquility, time to be alone and reflective but in a group. I was surprised by how much I valued the sharing of others in talking about their observations and experiences, to provide a depth to the experience beyond myself. With gratitude - it was perfect.
Bronwyn
Bookings
To book a session at Belair National Park, go here.
To book a session at Para Wirra Conservation Park, go here.
If you have a private property that you think might be suitable for forest bathing, we would love to hear from you.
Session Options
At the moment we are running public group sessions.
However, we also offer these other options:
- One-on-one 2 hour session: $200
- Couples 2 hour session: $250
We can also offer custom sessions and discounts for group bookings.
If you have a business and wish to do this for your team, please go to the Corporate Services page to see our introductory offer.
About Our Guide
Alex Gaut is the first certified 'Forest Therapy Guide' in South Australia, with the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Programs. She is studying a Masters Research project in environmental psychology, specialising in nature and wellbeing.
To contact Alex with any questions:
0418 921 849
FAQs
What does it cost?
To participate in a public session:
Full price: $65
Concession: $30
What if the weather is too hot/cold/wet?
Walks will be cancelled via email if the temperature is forecast to be 35C or above on the day before the event, or if the weather forecast is too severe in any other way. A confirmation email will be sent the day before each event to confirm that it is going ahead.
What are my transport/parking options for getting to and from the event?
Unfortunately there are no public transport options to either Para Wirra Conservation Park, or to Gate 13 of Belair National Park.
You will need a park permit for each car coming into Para Wirra, so if you car pool it's cheaper per person. The cost is $10 per car, or $8 concession. You can book online here: http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/parks/booking Or you can pay at the Fodder Store in One Tree Hill.
No permit is required for Belair at Gate 13 as we will park outside and walk into the park.
What do I bring into the event?
Closed shoes and weather appropriate clothing.
Sun smart gear.
Water.
What's the refund policy?
If the walk is cancelled due to either severe weather, or not enough people, all tickets will be fully refunded.
If the walk goes ahead but you miss it, then there is no refund but you can use the ticket as credit for a future walk. Please contact me if you wish to do this.