Frequently Asked Questions

A forest scene with several tall trees, green grass, and a bright blue sky visible through the branches.

  • Forest Therapy, also known as Shinrin-yoku or Forest Bathing, is a gentle, guided experience in nature that helps you slow down and reconnect with yourself and the natural world. Originating in Japan, it is an evidence-based, preventative health practice that uses simple sensory invitations to help reduce stress and promote relaxation.

  • No. Forest Therapy isn't about covering distance or reaching a destination. We walk slowly—less than 1-2 km over 2–3 hours—with plenty of opportunities to pause, notice, sit and simply be in nature.

  • Each session includes a series of gentle, guided invitations that encourage you to engage your senses and connect with the landscape in your own way. There is no meditation experience or fitness level required. We finish with a shared tea ceremony, offering time to reflect before returning to everyday life.

    Your experience

    • Arrive and settle in

    • Slow guided walk through nature

    • Gentle sensory invitations

    • Quiet moments for reflection

    • Tea ceremony in the forest

    • Return feeling restored

  • Benefits include:

    • Increased happiness and positive mood

    • Reduced anxiety

    • Enhanced energy level and better concentration

    • Improved sleep

    • Reduction in cortisol levels (stress hormone)

    • Boost in immune function

    • Reduced blood pressure

    • Lowered pulse rate

    • Active exposure to anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbvia and anti-viral substances emitted by trees and plants (phytoncides)

  • Not at all. Forest Therapy is suitable for most people with a basic level of mobility. The pace is slow and there are regular opportunities to rest. If you have mobility concerns, please contact us before booking so we can discuss whether a particular walk is suitable.

  • Our guided Forest Therapy walks are held at beautiful natural locations across the Mornington Peninsula, including bushland reserves and peaceful gardens. Each location is carefully chosen for its accessibility, beauty and opportunity to connect with nature.

  • Please dress comfortably for the weather. We recommend:

    • Comfortable, enclosed walking shoes

    • Layers of clothing (gloves, beanies, warm socks in cold weather)

    • Hat and sunscreen in warmer months

    • Rain jacket if showers are forecast

    • Insect repellent if desired

  • Bring:

    • A water bottle and snacks

    • Any personal medications

    • A small backpack

    • Something to sit on (a small mat/blanket/cushion)

  • Forest Therapy can be a wonderful experience in light rain, often making the forest feel even more alive. Walks will only be cancelled if conditions become unsafe due to severe weather, high winds, bushfire risk or park closures.

  • Absolutely. Many participants are trying Forest Therapy for the first time. No previous experience with mindfulness, meditation or nature connection is needed.

  • Forest Therapy walks are generally suitable for ages 14+. Please check the event description before booking.

  • Definitely. Many people attend solo. Forest Therapy offers a welcoming, supportive environment, and there's never any pressure to socialise or share personal experiences.

  • No. While there are opportunities to share if you wish, everything is optional. Many participants enjoy spending much of the walk in comfortable silence.

  • No. Forest Therapy is a wellbeing practice, not counselling or psychotherapy. While many people find it deeply restorative, it is not a substitute for professional mental health care.

  • Your walks are led by Chloe Lines, an accredited Forest Therapy Guide with a background in conservation, community engagement and connecting people with nature through guided experiences.

  • Most public sessions run between 2-3 hours, allowing plenty of time to slow down, immerse yourself in nature and finish with a tea ceremony. Please check the event description before booking.

  • To create a calm, personal experience, group sizes average around 10 people

  • Yes. Private Forest Therapy experiences are available for:

    • Friends and family

    • Workplace wellbeing days

    • Community groups

    • Retreats

    • Corporate teams

    • Special occasions

    Please get in touch to discuss your group and preferred location.

  • Yes. Forest Therapy has been widely researched internationally and is recognised as an evidence-based public health practice that supports physical and mental wellbeing. Studies have shown benefits including reduced stress, improved mood, better sleep and enhanced feelings of connection with nature. For more information see INFTA - https://infta.net/discover/research/

  • Absolutely. Like a massage, yoga class or meditation session, Forest Therapy is an investment in your wellbeing. What makes it unique is that it combines the calming effects of spending time in nature with gentle guided practices that help you slow down, reduce stress and reconnect with yourself.

    A typical Forest Therapy session lasts between 2-3 hours, giving you the time and space to truly unwind. Many participants leave feeling deeply relaxed, refreshed and better able to cope with the demands of everyday life.

    Unlike many wellbeing activities, Forest Therapy also nurtures a lasting relationship with nature, giving you simple practices you can return to whenever you need them.

    Think of it as 2-3 hours of slowing down that can positively influence the days that follow—not just the time you're in the forest.

  • Your Forest Therapy booking includes more than a guided walk.

    Your fee contributes to professional Forest Therapy guiding, appropriate permits and access, public liability insurance, current first aid training and equipment, route planning, risk management and the preparation of your sensory experience.

    Walks are intentionally kept small so you can slow down, feel comfortable and receive individual attention from your guide.

    You’re not paying for kilometres walked—you’re investing in two hours of dedicated time to slow down, reconnect and restore.

  • Simply visit our Walks page to see upcoming Mornington Peninsula walks and reserve your place. If you have any questions before booking, we'd love to hear from you.

  • Tickets are non-refundable, as each Forest Therapy walk has limited places and requires preparation and planning in advance. As a small business, cancellations close to the event can have a real impact on the costs of running each walk.

    If you’re unable to attend, you’re welcome to transfer your ticket to another person. Just let us know the name/phone/email of the new attendee by email prior to the walk so we can update the booking details.

    Thank you for supporting a small local business and understanding that your booking helps us plan and prepare for each experience.

  • If the walk is cancelled by the organiser due to extreme weather, bushfire, park closure, or other circumstances beyond our control, participants who purchased tickets through Humanitix will receive a full refund of the ticket price, less any non-refundable Humanitix booking or transaction fees.

    Tickets purchased through partner locations, such as, but not restricted to Royal Botanical Gardens Victoria, are subject to the cancellation and refund terms provided by that partner at the time of purchase.

    Please refer to your ticket confirmation for the applicable cancellation terms.

  • Yes. Your Forest Therapy walk is led by an INFTA Accredited Forest Therapy Guide and the business holds appropriate Professional Indemnity and Public Liability insurance. Your guide is also First Aid certified.