Nature Therapy Walks at the Garden

Studies reveal that people are healthier and happier when they connect with nature and spend time outdoors. The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, Blue Mountains Botanic Garden Mount Tomah and the Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan recently launched a new initiative to encourage visitors to take time out of their busy lives and slow down by experiencing a Nature Therapy Walk.

Originating from Japan, Shinrin-yoku (or forest therapy) is a preventative health practice that improves wellbeing by immersing your senses in nature. This guided experience is designed to increase your mental and physical health by reducing stress levels and lowering your pulse and blood pressure. The Nature Therapy Walks guide walks participants through a series of sensory experiences, mindfulness, quiet aware walking and nature appreciation to help promote relaxation. 

In the city

Starting from the Visitor Centre near the Botanic House Restaurant at the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, guests will be guided through the Rainforest Walk and historic Palm Grove. The Japanese-inspired tea ceremony is in the stunning Wildflower Meadow alongside butterflies, and the soothing sounds of birdsongs.

In the mountains

Starting from the Visitor Centre at the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden Mount Tomah, guests will be guided through the Lady (Nancy) Fairfax Walk through the calming canopy of The Jungle. Along the walk you will experience the beauty of Blue Mountains Basalt Cap Forest, an endangered ecological community. The meditative activities will be alongside giant tree ferns, sassafras and blackbutt trees.

In South-western Sydney

Starting from the Visitor Centre at the Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan, guests will walk over to the Connections Garden and around to the left – walking along the side of the hill with sweeping views down the lawns to the lake and across the valley to reach a relatively secluded and quiet area of the Garden. For the rest of the walk, and most of the meditative activities they will be under the leafy canopy of the Garden’s wildest plantings of trees and woodlands.

More information

A guided walk also supports us to disconnect from techno-stress and reconnect to nature through the senses. Come along and enjoy some of the most beautiful and sensory sections of the Garden, with mindful activities curated in partnership with nature. All walks are hosted by guides who have been certified and accredited by the International Nature and Forest Therapy Alliance (INFTA).