Rainforest Wind Down - Basket Weaving and Forest Bathing Retreat

Let go of 2024 and make space for what's next.

Rainforest Wind Down is a blissful blend of nature connection and meditative creative practice, in a secluded and peaceful setting.

Find your peace in the forest, as you:

• Learn the ancient craft of basket weaving
• Ground and centre with a Forest Therapy wander
• Reflect on the year and share intentions for 2025 during a guided Circle ritual
• Cultivate authentic connections with yourself, other people, and the world around you.
• And create space to simply 'be'...

At a busy time of the year, Rainforest Wind Down is a balm for your mind, body, and heart.

The venue

Rainforest Wind Down takes place at the beautiful, secluded Webbs Break Campground. Webbs Break Campground is around one hours' drive north of Brisbane, near Woodford.

This is a private and exclusive site; our group will be the only people on this 100-acre site.

We will base ourselves in a covered area by a creek, with plenty of opportunities to explore your surrounds.

Interesting wildlife you might spot here include rock wallibies, red-legged and red-necked pademelons grazing during the day, lace monitors, and laughing kookaburras.

What to expect

This event has a maximum of 20 participants, and is suitable for people of all ages.

It runs from midday to 5.00pm and includes light refreshments through the day. You will be invited to bring a plate of something savoury to share for lunch.

Your afternoon includes:

• An intentions ritual
• Forest Therapy
• Basket Weaving

All genders, abilities, and expressions of identity are welcome.

Tell me more about Forest Therapy

This is a mindful way to connect with nature, support your health and wellbeing, and wash away the stresses of the modern world — no water necessary!

Inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku, it is simple and powerful . It involves slowing down, and immersing yourself in the atmosphere of nature in a conscious and contemplative way. You do this by awakening your senses, and tuning into what you can see, hear, feel, taste and smell.

Led by an ANFT certified Nature and Forest Therapy guide, this practice can help you unwind and recharge, renew a childlike sense of wonder about the world, make you more grounded and present, and deepen your relationship with yourself and those around you.

Tell me more about Basket Weaving

Basket weaving is a mindful (and addictive!) way to be creative with your hands.

We will use raffia, and weave in a coil style using the 'blanket' stitch style shown below. No prior experience is necessary.

You will be able to create a small basket, bowl or coaster, and will take home the skills needed to complete larger projects.

Your Host

Monique Ross is a certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide, who trained with the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy. She is the founder of Heartwood Nature Bathing and an experienced weaving teacher.

She is also a journalist, author, and cat-mum.

Monique has up-to-date certifications in Remote and Wilderness Area First Aid, and full public liability insurance. All of the appropriate permits have been secured.

What to bring

You will be invited to bring along a Nature item that in some way represents your decision to attend the event. This could be a leaf, rock, flower, stick, or anything else.

You may also like to bring something savoury to share for lunch. (Refreshments are provided during the day, too.)

More details will be provided via email in the week prior to the Day Retreat. Please ensure you use the correct email when booking. Eventbrite's emails can sometimes go to your spam folder, so please check there if you do not recieve detailed event information in the week prior.

Any questions?

Don't hesitate to get in touch! You can email Monique - hello@heartwoodnaturebathing - call her on 0401 795 236, or reach out to Heartwood Nature Bathin on Instagram and Facebook.

I look forward to sharing moments of connection together with you, as you nurture yourself, and come back to your true nature.

You are welcome, exactly as you are.