Forest Therapy Guided Walk at Maranoa Botanic Gardens

Join Tash for a Forest Therapy guided walk.

As part of her training, she is offering a small number of free guided walks. In exchange, participants commit to attending the full session and completing a short feedback form as part of her practicum requirements.

For three hours, you will be guided through a series of mindful, sensory and creative invitations designed to deepen your connection with nature. These gentle activities help you slow down, settle your nervous system and open yourself to receiving the restorative medicine of the forest.

What is Forest Therapy?

Forest Therapy comes from the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku, meaning “forest immersion”. It is an easeful, de‑stressing nature‑based practice shown to support both mental and physical wellbeing.

By intentionally engaging the senses and reconnecting with the natural world, Forest Therapy has been linked to reduced stress, improved mood, enhanced immune function and a greater sense of clarity and calm. It is now recognised globally as a simple yet powerful pathway to a happier, healthier and more grounded life.

As a bonus, the events are being held in May so you can celebrate Botanic Gardens Week (over the month!) together. The theme this year is 'Grow Your Health Together' which is also highlighting the benefits of forest therapy / shinrin-yoko.

What to expect

• A slow, gentle walk with frequent pauses

• Guided sensory invitations to help you connect with the environment

• Time for quiet reflection and optional sharing

• A closing tea ceremony to integrate the experience

What to bring

• Comfortable weather appropiate clothing

• Sturdy walking shoes

• A small backpack for what you may need (water, snacks, medications etc)

• An open mind and a willingness to slow down

Who this is for

This walk is suitable for adults of all ages and fitness levels. Children over the age of 12 are welcome. The pace is slow and the distance covered is minimal. No prior experience is needed. As an event with invitations and instructions a good understanging of English is required. Sorry, no pets are allowed in the gardens.

Bookings:

Bookings are required, if you are no longer able to attend please cancel your ticket to allow space for another person. Tickets are free as Tash is training. There is an option to donate to Fly By Night Bat Clinic to support the work of wildlife carers.

Meeting point

We meet at Maranoa Botanical Gardens gate on Kireep Road entrance. More information in your ticket confirmation.

Accessibility

There is street parking on Kireep Road, and accessible parking at Beckett Park carpark. There are public toilets at both the gate entrance and the Beckett Park carpark. The walk covers a distance of approximately 1.2km over the 3 hours. At various places in the park there are benches for seating. The route is flat with smooth, concrete paths, with some short sections on even, compacted gravel.

Health:

All attendees are required to be in good health without displaying signs and symptoms of illness (no runny noses, coughs, shivers, fevers, sore throats, sneezing, minimum of 48 hours after last episode of vomiting or diahorrea), or have any active infections.

About your facilitator:

Tash she/her, is a play specialist, holistic counsellor, and group facilitator. Trained in many modalities as she loves creativitiy and promoting wellbeing, she is experienced in facilitating nature based public events, and is expanding her skills to forest therapy. Previous events have included celebrating nature play week, nature mandalas, nature based sensory play and family activities. You can find out more on the site Life Spirals.

Formalities to be aware of:

• You are attending with a guide in training so there may be some recording of the guide, of non-identifiable photos for the guide's evaulation (with consent, opt in or opt out)

• The event will go ahead even in mild rainy weather. However, if we need to cancel due to weather, participants will be notified with a 24-hour notice

Watch the video, The Art and Science of Forest Bathing with Dr Qing Li, to find out more. Running time 4.33min.