Name: Forest Bathing in Deep Creek National Park
Uploaded: 2023-05-11T05:36:52Z
Description: Take time out, slow down and connect with nature.

Forest Bathing in Deep Creek National Park

National Parks and Wildlife Service South Australia is the home of South Australia’s most inspiring natural places.From seemingly endless red sand dunes to rugged mountain scenery, sandy beaches, diverse bushland and cherished picnic and camping grounds, South Australia boasts an extensive and comprehensive parks system.Parks encompass more than 20 percent of the state and offer a wide range of experiences. Whether you want to take it easy on a local walking trail, cuddle a koala, fish magnificent beaches, dive with sharks or sleep under the stars, there’s an adventure for everyone.

National Parks & Wildlife Service South Australia

Take time out, slow down and connect with nature.

Goondooloo Ridge Picnic Area - Deep Creek National Park

NPWS Park of the Month

Join us each month as we showcase our amazing national parks with our Park of the Month program.

Park of the Month is a great way to gain a deeper understanding of our special natural places and to find new ways to enjoy them.

Forest Bathing (no swimming involved!) is a chance to 'bathe' or immerse yourself in the natural environment. It is an opportunity to awaken and engage your 5 senses - listening, touching, smelling, tasting and seeing as we allow ourselves to just ‘be’ in nature. As you wander slowly, take time to stop, smell, touch and notice nature. The experience involves guided ‘invitations’ to help notice the nature, calm your busy minds, perhaps be playful and have some fun. Disconnect from technology and release yourself from having to keep track of time as your guide lead you through nature. If that sounds interesting and you’re curious we’d love for you to join us in beautiful <a href="https://www.parks.sa.gov.au/parks/deep-creek-conservation-park" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Deep Creek National Park</a>. The experience is tailored to the needs of the group.Why come?Research shows that Forest Bathing (also known as shinrin yoku, forest therapy or nature therapy) has benefits including lowering blood pressure, reducing stress hormones in the body, improving mood, reducing worry, improving immune system function, improving concentration, memory and ability to think clearly and increasing our sense of vitality and feeling alive! Our host Bronwyn Paynter is an occupational therapist and practices that all of these can support our ability to do the things we need, want and have to do every day. In a world where people of all ages are increasingly disconnected from nature, a guided nature-based experience such as this can help remind us that WE are part of nature, belong in nature and care for nature. Who is this for?Everyone! Almost everyone enjoys and can benefit from being in nature. This activity is accessible for all and will be tailored to the needs of the group.This Forest Bathing experience will require the ability to walk/move a few hundred metres on a gently sloping, hard packed path through beautiful native vegetation.WhereThe activity will take place in <a href="https://www.parks.sa.gov.au/parks/deep-creek-conservation-park" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Deep Creek National Park</a> at the Goondooloo Ridge Picnic Area. Deep Creek National Park is located 103km south of Adelaide, near Cape Jervis.The picnic area is located on Blowhole Beach Road, Deep Creek. Car parking is available at the picnic area, including two accessible car parks.<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/67PeBxVvZxyVSzY46" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">See location on Google Maps</a>Is there a cost?No, this activity is FREE. Activity participants will also receive FREE vehicle entry to Deep Creek National Park for the event.Who runs this?The session will be led by Occupational Therapist - <a href="https://www.natureot.com.au/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Bronwyn Paynter from Nature OT</a> . Bronwyn has almost 30 years experience, and a passion for supporting wellbeing. She is a certified Forest &amp; Nature Therapy Guide with the Association of Forest &amp; Nature Therapy Guides and Programs, and a permaculture designer. Her nature connection started with gardening, camping (as a girl guide) and family holidays in nature. For the last few years she has been coaching occupational therapists internationally in ways to work more closely with nature because there is so much evidence about how nature is the optimal environment for people to flourish.FAQsIs there a toilet?There are two accessible drop toilets available at the picnic area (left hand and right hand).Are their age restrictions? Is this suitable for children?This event is best suited to adults or children over 8 who are able to be fairly still and listen for up to 10 minutes. Children will be required to be under the care of a responsible adult to supervise their participation. What ability is required, How accessible is for Forest Bathing?Mobility - This Forest Bathing experience will require the ability to walk/move a few hundred metres on a gently sloping, hard packed paths through beautiful native vegetation.Vision – The path is flat compact gravel with no obstacles. Hearing – The information about how the event is delivered and prompts for ways to experience the nature will be provided verbally during the event. They can also be provided in written form if requested in advance of the event.Participating in a group - If you are likely to find it uncomfortable to remain with the group, or be aware of and consider the experience of others you may benefit from bringing a companion on the Forest Bathing walk to provide additional individual support for your nature connection experience.If you have any needs specific to disability, or medical needs or any questions at all please provide whatever information you like to support your participation in the event. Please advise any particular requirements reqarding mobility, vision, hearing and individual support needs so we can optimise your participation in the event. Please e-mail Bronwyn (flourishnaturebasedot@gmail.com) to provide any information that will support your participation.Will I be safe?Bronwyn and our Volunteer Rangers have a current first aid certificate and will be carrying a first aid kit. There is mobile phone reception where the activity will take place as well as NPWS staff in attendance. Please advise any particular health concerns that may be relevant. What should I bring to the event?We will go ahead regardless of the weather (except if severe weather or total fire ban) so dress appropriately - it is usually a few degrees cooler than in Adelaide. You will need decent sturdy shoes for this experience - boots or sneakers are good if you have them. Bring a rain jacket in case of rain – although some people choose to get wet as part of the nature connection experience. We move very slowly during a Forest Bathing session, so consider wearing/bringing an extra layer as well as beanie (hat), gloves and scarf if it's cold or windy. We move very slowly during a Forest Bathing session, We will and spend time sitting or if you can’t sit standing still so perhaps add an extra layer to your clothing since we're not physically active. Please feel free to bring something to sit on (eg small pillow, plastic sheet) but make sure you can carry it.If sunny then sunscreen, long sleeves and a shady hat are recommended.Also - Please bring a drink bottle of water and any special snacks you may want. A simple snack (usually fruit) and place specific warm tea will be served as part of the experience. If you or anyone in your group have any dietary restrictions or allergies please contact the organiser at bronwyn@natureot.com.au to advise prior to the eventWhat's the cancellation policy?The event will only be cancelled in the case of extreme weather or safety hazards (e.g. severe weather warning, total fire ban). If the event is cancelled you will be notified by 8pm the evening prior - by the e-mail you used to register and by text message to the mobile number recorded with your ticket registration.If you are unable to attend the event please cancel via the Eventbrite process so any people on the waiting list can access tickets.We really encourage you to prioritise this wellbeing practice for your self-care and make it important for you to attend once you have booked.NOTE - you will be required to complete a registration/disclaimer form on arrival prior to the event commencing.How can I contact the organiser with any questions?e-mail bronwyn@natureot.com.au or phone Bronwyn on 0412 404 700Important:<ul><li>Vehicle entry fees are waived for attendees of Park of the Month events, however you must advise your vehicle registration plate number when completing checkout. </li><li>N﻿PWS activities may be cancelled at short notice due to unsuitable weather conditions or forecast fire danger. If an event is cancelled you will be notified by email and SMS. Where possible we will aim to reschedule the event to an alternate date.</li><li>N﻿PWS aims to provide inclusive events and activities for all, however some of our events do have specific requirements for participants. Please see the activity description and accessibility information to check if the event is suitable for you. If you require additional support to participate in the activity, please contact dew.parkofthemonth@sa.gov.au in advance.</li></ul>

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