South Australian native orchids are amazing!

Tiny, delicate, fragile, beautiful!

Come wander with us in our pristine nature at The Sanctuary, Yundi.

We guarantee you will see multiple species of orchids – they are so abundant here.

We will meander gentle to our secluded and private orchid patch – all of the photos here have been taken within a 100m2 area on one of our hills. You will experience what we call ‘golden hour’ as the sun lowers in the sky in late afternoon and the orchids are lit through their delicate structures.

This walk is based on the philosophy of Forest bathing – we will notice and experience the colour, texture, structure and context of these beautiful flowers and how we feel in this place. THIS is nature connection, and that is what the research tells us contributes to our wellbeing.

You don’t need to know anything about orchids to wander with us – we will teach you to spot them, photograph them and appreciate them.

We’ll share nature based tea and snacks – from a fire lit Kelly Kettle (fire safety permitting) as we sit in nature.

We are so excited to share this beautiful land with you in its spring glory.

There are many flowers in addition to the orchids and this is an amazing time of the year.

In a world where people of all ages are increasingly disconnected from nature, a deliberate guided nature-based experience such as this can help remind us that WE are part of nature, belong in nature and care for nature.

Where

Come and see (and smell!) the explosion of spring at The Sanctuary, Yundi, our private National Park Sanctuary. We are north of Mt Compass - less than an hour from Adelaide CBD (45 minutes from Glenelg).

This event is an opportunity to access this private, pristine and protected environment to experience an incredibly peaceful, restorative connection with nature.

The Sanctuary is 82 acres, with most of the bush protected by a Heritage Bush Agreement since 1993. The property is also a private National Park Sanctuary. We have the beginning of the Finnis River running through the property. There are rare species of plants, birds and animals. We see many many fairy (blue) wrens every time we are there, as well as wedge tail eagles, vulnerable yellow tail black cockatoos, beautiful little scarlet robins and bright yellow golden whistlers. There are kangaroos, koalas and echidnas. The river is unbelievably beautiful and a rare example of a very healthy ecosystem with reeds, fallen trees, lots of fish, yabbies and dragon flies. We have a large forest of blue gums as well as enormous stringy bark trees. The Sanctuary is a sensory delight and stepping out of the car after driving from the city is a beautiful experience to inhale the clean, scented air.

Who runs this?

Nature OT is the passion of Bronwyn Paynter. I am an occupational therapist with 30 years experience, and a passion for supporting wellbeing. I am a certified Forest & Nature Therapy Guide with the Association of Forest & Nature Therapy Guides and Programs, and a permaculture designer. Nature connection started with gardening, camping (as a girl guide) and family holidays in nature. For the last few years I’ve been coaching occupational therapists internationally in ways to work more closely with nature because there is so much evidence about how nature is the optimal environment for people to flourish.

We purchased The Sanctuary, Yundi in 2018 and are dedicated to sharing this heritage protected nature with as many people as we can.

FAQs

Where will we meet?

When you register you will receive a link to the visitor information for The Sanctuary, Yundi. Access is very easy from the Southern Expressway, Victor Harbor Rd, and turn off before Mt Compass - with bitumen road all the way.

Is there a toilet?

There is a ‘long drop loo’ at The Sanctuary. There are flushing public toilets in nearby (5min drive) Mt Compass.

Are their age restrictions? Is this suitable for children?

This event is best suited to adults or older children who are able to be safe in untamed nature with exposed water, uneven ground, slopes and branches, sticks etc. on the ground. This is an adventure of exploration! Children will be required to be under the care of a responsible adult to supervise their participation. Children bring a magical creative energy and sense of freedom, and they are very welcome under your care.

Physical capacity required

This event will require the ability to walk up to 1km on sloping, uneven ground that is likely to include fallen wood, leaf and bark litter and natural obstacles. You will require a good level of mobility to feel comfortable on this walk. This is untamed nature. We will be moving on animal paths for part of it and pushing through undergrowth – but it’s worth it! You are welcome to bring a hiking pole or grab a stick and we move slowly and carefully – we’re definitely not huffing and puffing.

Will I be safe?

I have current wilderness first aid training and will be carrying a first aid kit. There is mobile phone reception where we will be. Please advise any particular health concerns that may be relevant. Please feel free to contact Bronwyn to discuss any concerns on 0412404700.

COVID

Hand washing and sanitising facilities will be provided. Please do not attend if you are unwell.

What should I bring to the event?

This event will go ahead in all weather (uness it’s dangerous) so dress appropriately - it is usually a few degrees cooler than in Adelaide. You will need decent shoes for this experience - boots are good if you have them. Bring a rain jacket in case of rain – although some people choose to get wet as part of the nature connection experience. Consider wearing/bringing an extra layer as well as beanie (hat), gloves and scarf if it's cold or windy and maybe even spare socks/shoes as we may get a little wet pushing through beautiful abundant plant growth. We’ll be moving pretty slowly so you have plenty of time to look for orchids. If it’s sunny then suncream, long sleeves and a shady hat are recommended.

Also - a drink bottle of water, and any special snacks you may want. A simple afternoon tea (including fruit and cake) will be served as part of the experience. If you or anyone in your group have any dietary restrictions or allergies please contact the organiser at bronwyn@natureot.com.au to advise prior to the event.

What's the cancellation policy?

The event will only be cancelled in the case of extreme weather or safety hazards e.g., thunderstorms. If the event is cancelled you will be notified by 8pm the evening prior - by the e-mail you used to register.

If you are unable to attend the event please cancel via the Humanitix process so any people on the waiting list can access tickets.

We really encourage you to prioritise this wellbeing practice for your self-care and make it important for you to attend once you have booked.

NOTE - you will be required to complete a registration/disclaimer form on arrival prior to the event commencing.

How can I contact the organiser with any questions?

e-mail Bronwyn@natureot.com.au or phone Bronwyn on 0412404700