Nature-based wellbeing: Introduction to Nature Journaling (2026)
Description
Spend your time in deep reflection and nourish your soul during an intimate and inspiring Nature Journaling workshop.
Explore the gentle art of observation, contemplation and recording through various enjoyable and easy methods.
Nature journaling is for anyone who would like to deepen their relationship with both nature and self.
You don't need to be artistic or have special equipment.
It can be practiced indoors, outdoors, rain, hail or shine.
The workshop begins with a talk which delves into the purpose of journaling as a wellbeing practice, the context of environment and the various ways in which observations can be recorded.
You'll then be guided through a mindfulness practice before embarking on journaling exercises.
On a meditative walk-through the Garden, you will use senses available to you to look, touch, smell and collect natural and botanical materials before enjoying a morning tea.
The second half of the workshop digs deeper into the applied and personal practice of nature journaling.
Light morning refreshments, a hardcover water colour journal, pen and pencil is included in the cost of the workshop.
There will be an outdoor component of this workshop, so please dress accordingly to the weather conditions on the day.
Nature-based wellbeing at the Botanic Gardens and State Herbarium are unforgettable experiences for the soul and senses, and will equip you with life-long skills to nourish your wellbeing and relationship with nature.
About Emma
Emma Lewellyn designs and delivers Therapeutic Horticulture and Nature-based Wellbeing programs at the Botanic Gardens and State Herbarium.
Emma is a horticulturalist, garden educator and designer, with a background in holistic health.
Her practice is grounded in the ethics and principles of permaculture, honouring earth care, people care, and equity.
At the Botanic Gardens, Emma develops and delivered tailored programs for various community cohorts with an emphasis on social inclusion and co-creation.
Her approach is strengths-based and client centered.
She also runs a suite of engaging public workshops and wellbeing sessions for staff and volunteers.
This workshop can be delivered as part of the Therapeutic Horticulture program and customised for a particular group, inquire by contacting bgshevents@sa.gov.au for more information.
Event details
Dates: Saturday 21 November 2026
Times: 10:00am - 1:00pm
Location: Chris Steele Scott Pavilion, Mount Lofty Botanic Garden
Tickets: $95.00 per person (inclusive of booking fees)
FAQs
- Parking
Parking at Adelaide Botanic Garden
All car parks are accessed off Hackney Road.
Ticketed car parking is available on:
Plane Tree Drive - use car parks here to enter via the Friends' Gate and Conservatory Gate
Hackney Road - use car parks here to enter via the Hackney Gate, or to access the Goodman Building or State Herbarium. Car parks here are adjacent to the Rose Garden; take an immediate left as you enter Plane Tree Drive to access them. There is also a small car park immediately north of the National Wine Centre, also off Hackney Road.
Our ticket machines are cashless and paperless - these machines will only accept credit or debit card payments.
To use the machines, input your vehicle registration number plate into the machine when prompted, select the length of time you would like to park for and tap your credit/debit card.For instructions on accessing a receipt/tax invoice for your ticket, please click here.
Parking fees apply from 8am - 10pm on Monday - Saturday.
There is free parking on Sundays and public holidays.
Accessible parking spaces are available within all 4-hour parking zones and are free of charge for people displaying a disability parking permit. For visits longer than 4 hours, permit holders are welcome to park in 10-hour bays, and can pay half the ticketed price for the duration of the stay.
Find out more about parking at Adelaide Botanic Garden and Botanic Park.
See the car parking map for more information on where to park and zones.
All funds collected from ticketed parking are used to support conservation, education and horticulture at the Botanic Gardens and State Herbarium.
- Toilets
You can find toilets at five locations across the garden. They all include accessible toilets and baby change tables:
Goodman Building, inside the Lecture Theatre during the workshop (C6 map reference)
Noel Lothian Hall, between the Rose Garden and Kitchen Garden (C6 map reference)
Schomburgk Pavilion, by Evergreen Deli, the Museum of Economic Botany and the Diggers Shop (D4 map reference).
Simpson Kiosk, by Botanic Lodge and Restaurant Botanic (C3 map reference)
Classgrounds, between the Friends' Gate and Conservatory Gate (A4 map reference, adjacent to Plane Tree Drive, Botanic Park). These include a Changing Places facility. You will require a mlak key to access these toilets.
Francis Arbor, to the west of the Garden (E3 map reference)
- Food and drink
There will be a short break during the workshop with provided light refreshments. This often includes fruit, cookies, muffins and hot beverages. We do our best to cater for dietary requirements.
After the workshop, there are some perfect spots for al-fresco dining in the Garden. Grab a coffee or lunch under the shade of an old oak tree at Botanic Lodge, relax with lunch next to the Mediterranean Garden at Evergreen Deli, or indulge in a fine dining experience at Restaurant Botanic. See more here.
- Weather
Components of this session will take place outdoors, so please dress accordingly to the weather conditions on the day. However, if it is very rainy during your session, we will stay in the warm and dry. These workshops are designed so you can enjoy them indoors or outdoors, rain or shine!
Mount Lofty Botanic Garden workshops: For the safety of visitors and staff, Mount Lofty Botanic Garden is closed on days when the fire danger rating is extreme or catastrophic. Please check the ratings via the Bureau of Meterology prior to visiting during the fire season.
Accessibility
- Access Guide
In collaboration with Access2Arts, we have developed a full Access Guide to help our visitors. The Access Guide can be viewed and downloaded from the link below and includes information on getting to the Garden, accessible transport and parking options and general information on our facilities, hospitality offerings and spaces. The Access Guide can be found here.
- Access in the Garden
Entrances and pathways
Adelaide Botanic Garden is wheelchair accessible from all entrance gates except for the Hackney Gate off Hackney Road due to its gradient.The Garden has paved and bitumen paths running throughout the Garden. There are some areas that have gravel or sawdust pathways. Most of the Garden is flat, though there are some steep pathways leading to the Sunken Garden and Threatened Seed Orchard.
Buildings
The Goodman Building has wheelchair access via the front entrance, opened by request during workshops.The Museum of Economic Botany has wheelchair access and is a quiet space.
The Bicentennial Conservatory has two pathways, one at ground level which is slightly undulating, and a raised boardwalk that weaves through the tree canopy.
Assistance dogs
Assistance dogs are welcome in the Garden.Food and drink
Evergreen Deli, Botanic Lodge and Restaurant Botanic all have ramp access.
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