Rise early and embrace the beauty and peace of Newport Lakes Reserve with a guided Forest Therapy walk. Over three hours you will be supported to slow down, open your senses and be renewed by an encounter with the natural world. You will come away feeling relaxed and inspired by the simple and transformative power of nature immersion.

The walk will also introduce you to the origins and history of Forest Therapy as a public health practice, and the large scientific evidence base that demonstrates the numerous physical and mental health benefits that come from spending extended periods of time among trees.

A Forest Therapy walk is different to a hike or bush walk because we are not aiming to get anywhere - it really is your experience of the journey and not the destination that matters. We walk at a slow pace, with lots of pauses for observation and interaction with plant and animal life. The total distance walked is relatively short (approximately 2km) and on wide gravel paths. Only a basic level of fitness is required. There are some short hills of moderate incline.

Forest Therapy walks are designed around a range of simple sensory and creative nature based activities which encourage curiosity, awareness, slowing down and relaxation. The three hour time frame allows for an experience of deeper relaxation and peace to emerge than what might be possible on a shorter walk. Throughout the walk some of the activities are designed to be done siting down (on the ground, a rock or log and the occasional park bench) for between 10-20 minutes, and more siting opportunities can be incorporated at your choice along the way if needed.

Refreshments including drinks and a light snack will be provided during the three hours.

Forest Therapy walks are designed for adults, however parents with small infants who can be carried in a sling or carrier, so that you can walk hands free, are very welcome. The walk is not suitable for wheelchairs due to the rough surface of the paths. If you are considering participating and have a disability or illness that may impact on your capacity to do the walk, please contact Leesl to discuss the walk in more detail and any adaptions that can be made.

Forest Therapy walks go ahead in all weather conditions, including rain, unless it is unsafe, in which case the walk will be cancelled, and you will be notified as soon as possible. The key to a comfortable walk is to check the forecast the night before, and morning of the walk, be well prepared for changeable conditions and stay well hydrated.

Getting there, arrival time, where to meet and what to bring

Newport Lakes Reserve is a bush oasis in the heart of Melbourne's western suburbs, with a large diversity of plant and animal species. Find out more about it here

Please arrive promptly at 7:55am so that we can start the walk as close to 8am as possible.

We will meet at the main entrance to Newport Lakes Reserve, closest to the public car parking area on Lakes Drive. There are public toilets located near this entrance.

Car parking is free. If you are travelling by public transport, Newport Lakes Reserve is about a 1km / 15 minute walk west along Mason Street from Newport station.

Please wear closed toed shoes (no thongs or open toed sandals) suitable for walking in bush areas, and loose comfortable clothing. Layers are recommended for maximum comfort.

Please bring:

A water bottle filled with water
Hat, sunscreen and insect repellent
Rain jacket and umbrella (if rain is forecasted)
A backpack so that you can walk with both hands free.
You may also like to bring a small mat or cushion as there is the option to sit on the ground, rocks or logs at times. Some benches for seating are available at a few points in the walk.