Wild Wanderings: Amandine Thomas & Emily Cox

Wild Wanderings is a series of nature journaling walks designed to help you connect with—and immerse in—our local environment, imbuing each participant with a sense of care and respect for the natural world.

Held in the beautiful Karwarra Australian Native Botanic Garden, this walk will be led by local author and illustrator Amandine Thomas, and biodiversity advocate Emily Cox, using art and knowledge as a catalyst to slow down and deeply engage with nature. To reflect the deep relationship between art and place in the Dandenong Ranges, Amandine will share her nature journaling practice, highlighting her personal connection to the environment, while Emily will provide practical and applicable knowledge of local native ecosystems.

By mindfully documenting your personal observations of the natural world and taking part in activities that engage the senses (walking, observing, drawing, listening), you’ll discover the Dandenong Ranges through a whole new lens!

Presented by ngurrak barring as part of Burrinja Climate Change Biennale #4

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MEET YOUR GUIDES

Amandine Thomas

Amandine Thomas is an award-winning author and illustrator based in the Dandenong Ranges. Through empowering stories illustrated in a playful style, she explores the themes she is passionate about, such as our environment—and the many ways in which it can inspire and amaze us—or the connections we foster with others, with ourselves and with the world around us.

Emily Cox

Emily Cox is an engineer with a deep passion for the environment. She grew up with the local bushland as her playground, becoming a keen observer of the natural world around her. Through her environmental volunteer work, Emily has expanded her knowledge of the Dandenong Ranges’ ecosystems and wildlife and is a passionate advocate for supporting local biodiversity.

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Meet at Karwarra Australian Native Botanic Garden for a guided walk through the grounds.
(In case of bad weather, a nature journaling workshop will be held inside the Karwarra Australian Native Botanic Garden hall)

TICKET PRICING

$33 Full / $27.50 concession (plus booking fee)
Please note Wild Wandering walks are only open to ages 18+

Tickets include a guided walk and access to basic art supplies. Feel free to bring your favourite art supplies on the day!

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What is nature journaling?

Nature Journaling is the practice of drawing or writing in response to nature, collecting and organising your observations, questions, connections, and explanations on the pages of a notebook, using words and pictures.

You do not need to be an artist or a scientist to begin a nature journaling practice. Simply slow down, pay attention, and use all your senses to connect with the natural world.

IMAGE:

Emily Cox leading a Wild Wanderings Walk © 2025 Amandine Thomas