Shinrin-yuku known as forest bathing

Step away from the noise, slow your pace, and reconnect with nature through the gentle practice of Shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing.

Originating in Japan, Shinrin-yoku simply means immersing yourself in the atmosphere of the forest. It’s not about hiking long distances or reaching a destination. Instead, it’s an invitation to slow down, awaken your senses, and experience the natural world in a deeper, more mindful way.

During this guided experience, you’ll be led through a series of simple, calming invitations that help you connect with the forest through sight, sound, scent, and touch. You might notice the patterns of light through the trees, listen to birdsong, feel the textures of bark and leaves, or simply pause to breathe in the fresh forest air.

The walk is gentle and unhurried, with plenty of moments to pause, reflect, and simply be present. There is no pressure to perform or achieve anything — just space to slow down and allow the forest to restore your sense of calm and clarity.

Forest bathing has been associated with a range of wellbeing benefits, including reduced stress, improved mood, and a deeper sense of connection with the natural world.

Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed by a busy life, seeking quiet time in nature, or simply curious about this beautiful Japanese practice, this guided forest bathing experience offers a chance to reset, recharge, and reconnect.

Come as you are, and let the forest welcome you.

The experience

Begins the moment you step onto the Forest Bus, with pick-up and drop-off from Belgrave train station, Olinda or Monbulk. You’ll then arrive at ThinkSpring in Olinda, nestled within native temperate rainforest, your nature immersion begins with a introduction to shirin-yoku, as you meander downhill along a gravel driveway, that leads you to the Inside-Out Room—a clear marquee set within the forest, offering uninterrupted views of trees, sky, and birdsong.

You’ll be welcomed by our Sound Healer who will guide you through the sound immersion. As healing sound frequencies move through the space, the transparent walls and ceiling create the sensation of floating within the rainforest itself—supporting deep relaxation, sensory regulation, and nervous system downshifting.

Following the sound session, you can enjoy a herbal team and more shinrin-yuku time. You may decide to eat your packed lunch or snacks, take a guided forest bath or just wander forest paths and forest bathe at your own pace. or perhaps meditate in the nature immersion zone, sit quietly in sun or shade, journal, sketch, or create art (materials provided), rest, nap, or simply be. After the Forest Bus will float you back to your pick up destination.

Sound Healing in Nature

Immerse yourself in a deeply restorative sound healing experience held in the calming embrace of nature.

Surrounded by the natural beauty of the forest, this session invites you to slow down, settle your nervous system, and allow the gentle resonance of sound to guide you into a state of deep relaxation. As you lie comfortably beneath the trees, soothing vibrations from instruments such as crystal singing bowls, chimes, and other harmonic tones will wash over you, creating a soundscape designed to calm the mind and restore balance.

Sound healing works through the subtle power of vibration. These tones can help quiet mental chatter, release tension held in the body, and invite a sense of inner stillness. Combined with the grounding presence of the natural world — the rustle of leaves, birdsong, and fresh forest air — the experience becomes a powerful opportunity to reset and reconnect.

This session is not about effort or doing. It is simply a space to rest, receive, and allow the sounds and the surrounding landscape to support your wellbeing.

Many participants describe feeling deeply relaxed, centred, and refreshed after a sound healing session in nature.

Whether you are seeking stress relief, emotional balance, or simply a peaceful moment away from the busyness of life, this experience offers a gentle pathway back to calm.

Come as you are and allow yourself to be held by the sounds of the forest.