Nature Therapy Adelaide

We invite you to connect with nature and yourself.

 

The benefits of Nature Therapy – Forest Bathing or By The Ocean

Staying grounded and centred in a busier world is the new challenge. Even though work life balance is something we all strive for, it takes effort and commitment to find and maintain this balance.

Connecting with nature is the most effective way to ease the senses, ground the spirit and get back into a state of wellness and inner peace.

Science and research have proven that by simply being in nature, you will gain many physiological benefits. Isn’t it a relief to know that nature does the healing work for you? Our research has shown that walking or sitting in nature will:

  • Improve your memory by 20%
  • Reduce high blood pressure and lower heart rate
  • Strengthen your immune system and your body will heal faster from injury
  • Improve your mental and emotional wellbeing
  • You will age more gracefully – studies have shown thar people who spend time in nature have less aches and pains
  • Improve absorption of Vitamin D which is needed for good bone health and immune function
  • Focus and concentration will also increase

Nature offers us her bounty at any time we choose. Nature therapy gives you the opportunity to slow down, deepen your connection to the earth and heighten your senses.

Nature Therapy is a way to wellness.

Nature Therapy with Forest Bathing

Originating in Japan, Forest Bathing or ‘Shinrin-yoku’ is a Japanese practice. Its popularity grew in the 1980’s, yet its roots go back centuries. The term ‘shinrin-yoku’ loosely translates to ‘forest bath’, meaning to connect with nature and to soak in its beneficial atmosphere.

Japan’s relationship with the natural environment is deep. It’s one of the most intimate, and harmonious relationships in the modern world. This relationship has benefited the people over many years helping reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and improving their immune system.

Our nature therapy with forest bathing occurs in beautiful and quiet surrounds. These peaceful sessions will immerse you in nature with a slow mindful forest wander, and ‘invitations’ to connect deeply with nature. The session ends with an intimate tea ceremony.

Each experience caters to small groups in a special old growth location within Belair National Park. Other locations may include the Himeji Gardens and the Botanic Gardens in Adelaide’s CBD, Para Wirra Conservation Park and Morialta Conservation Park. There is always carparking and bathroom facilities nearby. Other locations are possible upon request.

We offer a pick-up and drop-off service too from city hotels, Port Adelaide and the cruise ship terminal.

Details

  • Type: Nature Therapy Adelaide with Forest Bathing
  • Main Destination: Belair National Park
  • Traditional Country: Kaurna
  • Group Size: max 12 plus facilitator
  • Duration: 2 to 3 hours
  • Start: varies
  • Finish: varies
  • Price: from $65 per person
  • When: see available dates
  • Private sessions: connect with us

Inclusions

  • Invitations to connect with nature
  • Mindful slow forest wander
  • Tea ceremony and snacks
  • Park fees
  • Accessible transport (to and from)

Fitness Requirement

  • A basic level of fitness is required for this experience
  • Distance is up to 2 km at a slow pace
Watch video of what to expect

Nature Therapy by the Ocean

Ocean therapy is also called ‘thalassotherapy” which comes from a Greek word “thalassa,” meaning sea or ocean. The ancient Greeks knew the healing powers of the sea. Hippocrates who is known as the father of modern medicine discovered that sea water had potent healing powers.

Seawater is cleansing, helps to heal wounds, prevents infections and eases pain. It is also effective in easing symptoms of psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, chronic eczema and arthritis.

You don’t need to be in the water to experience the benefits of ocean therapy. Nature therapy ‘ocean therapy’ experiences in Adelaide occur along quiet and picturesque beach locations and don’t always involve getting into the sea. Each small group experience includes a slow mindful wander and sitting amongst sand dunes and the beach. The sand dune wander is through coastal vegetation on an accessible trail. You will be offered an ‘invitation’ to connect with nature and the session ends with an intimate tea ceremony.

All the places we visit will have carparking and bathroom facilities nearby. We offer a pick-up and drop-off service too from city hotels, Port Adelaide and the cruise ship terminal.

Details

  • Type: Nature Therapy Adelaide by the Ocean
  • Destination: Adelaide beach, South Australia
  • Traditional Country: Kaurna
  • Group Size: max 12 plus facilitator
  • Duration: 2 to 3 hours
  • Start: 8:30am
  • Finish: 11:00pm
  • Price: from $50 per person
  • When: see available dates
  • Private sessions: connect with us

Inclusions

  • Invitations to connect with nature
  • Mindful slow beach and dune wander
  • Tea ceremony and snacks
  • Accessible transport (to and from)

Fitness Requirement

  • A basic level of fitness is required for this experience
  • Distance is up to 2 km at a slow pace
Watch video of what to expect

Your Facilitator – Lisa Murphy

Our Nature Therapy events all started after returning from a pilgrimage trek to Japan in early 2018. Inspired by what we experienced, we started including periods of silence during our guided walks.

After introducing these mindful minutes, our walkers commented on their positive impact. They enjoyed the chance to appreciate and form a deeper connection to the natural environment surrounding them.

Seeking a deeper understanding, Lisa undertook training. She became a trained Forest Therapy Guide through ANFT (Association of Nature and Forest Therapy) in 2021. Now, Lisa facilitates opportunities for others to connect deeply with nature.

In Adelaide and South Australia, we are very fortunate to have a wonderful natural environment. With a diverse and varied landscape nearby, it allows us to offer nature therapy in the forest and also by the ocean.

We currently offer Nature Therapy experiences in Adelaide on Kaurna Country. We acknowledge and pay our respects to First Nations peoples and recognise their continued connection to the lands in which we visit.

Connect deeper with nature

Private, corporate and accessible event enquiries welcome. Location and duration can be customised to suit your needs.

Connect with us
“This was an incredible experience that allowed me to reconnect with myself, my partner and nature. I feel more relaxed, happy and energised. I can’t wait to come back”
“Worth every cent. The ability to lose yourself in nature was great”