Discover Forest Bathing at Wollongong Botanic Garden

Forest bathing, known in Japan as Shinrin-yoku, is the practice of taking in the atmosphere of nature through your senses. On a gentle guided walk, you’re invited to slow down, engage in sensory and creative activities, and enjoy moments of quiet reflection and connection with nature. It does not involve swimming.

Absolutely. No previous experience is needed. You'll be gently guided throughout the experience.

You don’t need a high level of fitness. We walk approximately 1.5 km over three hours at a gentle pace, with regular stops for activities and rest. You’ll need to be comfortable walking this distance outdoors. If you have any mobility or accessibility concerns, please contact Forest Pathways before booking so we can discuss whether the route is suitable for you.

Comfort is key! Wear comfortable walking shoes and layers suited to the weather, and bring:

💧 Drinking water

👒 A hat and sunscreen

🌳 A small mat, towel, cushion or portable stool for sitting

🌦️ A rain jacket/umbrella if showers are forecast

Tea and cups are provided for the closing tea ceremony.

These walks are open to the general public, all genders welcome, aged 12 and over. Come on your own, with a friend, partner or family member. No previous forest bathing experience is needed.

🚗 Parking is available at the Madoline Street carpark. Although the usual parking limit is two hours, extended parking is permitted for participants attending the forest bathing walks.

Your ticket includes a three-hour guided forest bathing experience with an INFTA-certified forest therapy guide from Forest Pathways, grounding practices, sensory and creative activities, and a Japanese-inspired tea ceremony beneath the trees. Tea, cups and any materials needed for the activities are provided.

Walks go ahead in light rain, which can bring beautiful sounds, scents and colours to the gardens. Please bring a rain jacket and dress for the conditions.

Your safety comes first. If high winds, severe weather or unsafe conditions require us to cancel, we’ll contact you before the session and offer a transfer to another date or a refund in line with our booking terms.

Cancellations made at least 7 days before the walk receive a full refund of the ticket price. Humanitix booking fees are non-refundable. You can request a refund through the Manage Order button in your confirmation email or via Contact Host.

Cancellations within 7 days, tickets are non-refundable but may be transferred to another person or moved to another Forest Pathways walk at Wollongong Botanic Gardens, subject to availability. Please contact Forest Pathways before your booked walk to arrange a transfer.

If Forest Pathways cancels the session, you’ll be offered a transfer to another date or a refund of the ticket price.

A minimum of five participants is normally required, although Forest Pathways may choose to proceed with a smaller group. If we cancel due to insufficient bookings, we’ll notify you at least 24 hours before the walk and offer a transfer to another session or a refund of the ticket price.