Give yourself a gift of relaxation as you slow down and connect to nature through the senses in these beautiful gardens!
Join our certified Forest Therapy Guides of the International Nature and Forest Therapy Alliance (INFTA) on an exclusive Forest Therapy experience. Let's celebrate autumn in the beautiful Geelong Botanic Gardens listed on the Victorian Heritage Register. The gardens are the fourth oldest botanic gardens in Australia. They were established on Wadawurrung country and hold many plants used by the traditional custodians.
What is Forest Therapy?
The practice translates literally from Japanese “Shinrin-yoku” as “Forest Bathing” – immersing ourselves in the atmosphere of forests and other natural surroundings. Forest Therapy is now considered nature’s remedy to stress and a pathway to a happier, healthier and more fulfilling life. The practice is backed by thorough medical and scientific research – and the plethora of health benefits are wide-reaching.
What happens during a guided Forest Therapy session?
Your guide will introduce the science and evidence-based physical and mental health benefits of the practice of Forest Therapy. She will then guide you on a relaxing and rejuvenating meander, with plenty of time to slow down and soak up the beauty of this enchanting garden, one of the best-kept secrets in the region.
We’ll see the colours of autumn among the lovely tree and plant collections. Forest Therapy walks take on a slow immersive pace, unlike a hike or botanical walk.
The Geelong Botanic Gardens provide a rich tapestry of sensory experiences that invite us into present-moment awareness. Over the two hours, you will spend some time walking at a leisurely pace under shaded canopies and lush ferns, sitting amongst trees and meandering through open lawns.
With a focus on slowing down, the guided walk encompasses a series of place-based activities on easeful nature trails, to help us relax, become present and deepen our connection to nature. The experience invites room for listening, healing, reflection, quiet accepting presence, and inquiry through all the senses.
There is no right or wrong way to participate in the activities, simply follow your intuition and curiosity to explore the natural surroundings.
The Forest Therapy experience concludes with a tea-sharing ceremony, inspired by the Japanese way of tea.
------------Booking Conditions------------
All attendees must comply with the latest VIC Public Health Order and State Government Guidelines regarding COVID-19 and distancing at the time of the booking taking place.
-----------------Things to know------------
Please arrive by 9:45 am to fill out preliminary formalities. We will start the walk promptly at 10:00 am.
The event will go ahead even in rainy weather. However, if we need to cancel due to inclement weather, bushfires or notifications from council or parks authorities, participants will be notified by 9:00 am on the morning of the walk.
- Phones and cameras should be turned off during the walk.
- Children and pets are not allowed on this guided session.
- Toilets are available at the gardens.
- The café is now open.
- The length of the walk is nearly two kilometers at a slow pace, on natural formed trails and grassy areas.
-----------What to wear and bring----------
- Dress appropriately for the predicted weather. Comfortable pants and layers work best.
- We recommend wearing closed, sturdy walking shoes.
- Carry a day pack and bring a raincoat, drinking water, snacks, insect repellent and any essential personal medications.
- You may like to bring something to sit on, e.g., a stool, chair, or blanket.
How to get to the gardens:
Geelong Botanic Gardens is close to the Geelong Waterfront within Eastern Park. If using GPS the garden’s entrance is at the intersection of Podbury Drive and Eastern Park Circuit
For further information about the venue, directions and car parking, please click here.
We look forward to seeing you there!
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We acknowledge the Wadawurrung People as the Traditional Owners of the Land, Waterways and Skies. We pay our respects to their Elders, past and present. We acknowledge all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are part of our Greater Geelong community today.
