“The clearest way into the universe is through a forest wilderness”
John Muir
Imagine if the forest could heal, rejuvenate and replenish us, simply by slowly walking amid its serenity.
Forest Bathing—Shrinrin Yoku—offers just that.
This simple meditative Japanese practice gives proven well-being benefits in as little as 30 minutes of calm walking. Surrounded by lush rainforest, experience this simple, calming and relaxing activity in Byron Bay (local destinations are listed at the end of this article).
Discover forest bathing – a natural way to reduce stress.
What is Forest Bathing?
Forest Bathing was created in Japan during the 1980s. It was the Asian culture’s response to Karoshi – a Japanese word that describes death by overwork. It has become fundamental to healing and preventive health care in Japan today, with clear benefits backed up by scientific research.
Drawing on mindfulness meditation practices, Shinrin-Yoku simply aims to create a feeling of genuine presence and connection to your forest surroundings. All five senses are opened, intuitions honed and nature is experienced more keenly as a result.
A traditional forest bathing includes slow walking and meditations that open all five senses to the surrounding environment. It finishes with a Japanese tea ceremony in the forest.
These walks are not tiring or demanding hikes either.
It’s recommended by forest bathing experts to walk around 2.5km in 2 hours or 5km in 4hours. As the focus is always on relaxation and listening to what your body needs, even these distances needn’t be covered.
“Look deep into nature and then you will understand everything better.”
Albert Einstein
Benefits of Forest Bathing
Alex Gaut, a South Australian guide, describes forest bathing’s immeasurable benefit as a vital counterpoint to our busy everyday lives: “It really concentrates the experience right in that moment of feeling and sensing … and everything else peels away.”
Participants report a clearer intuition, increased energy, eros and happiness and a stronger connection to nature after taking a forest bathing wander.
These subjective benefits are also supported by recent scientific studies on forest bathing. Reported benefits include improvements in your immune system, reduced blood pressure and accelerated recovery from illness, among others.
Whether you are interested in the physiological benefits or more captivated by getting in touch with nature, forest bathing is accessible to anyone – including right here in Byron Bay.
“Nature always wears the colour of the spirit”
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Forest Bathing near Byron Bay
The Byron Shire is blessed with vast areas of easily accessible forest wilderness. Discover where to go to experience forest bathing in unrivaled nature.
The centrepiece of the Green Cauldron—an area of rich farmland and rainforest near Byron is Wollumbin Mount Warning. The half-day (return) hike to the summit weaves through rainforest and the panoramic views of the Northern Rivers coastline and hinterland is a truly stunning reward.
The Nightcap National Park is home to one of the area’s hidden wonders: Minyon Falls. But the quieter Mount Matheson loop or Protesters Falls walking track may prove more tranquil experiences for quietly exploring the benefits of forest bathing.
Other areas of beautiful rainforest close-by include: the Border Ranges National Park, Broken Head Nature Reserve and, a little further afield, the Richmond Range National Park.
Elements of Byron guests can enjoy the walking trails among the native forest that surrounds the Elements resort. This tranquil landscape makes forest bathing accessible within moments of leaving your villa.
“We must learn to reawaken and keep ourselves awake, not by mechanical aid, but by the infinite expectation of dawn.”
Henry David Thoreau
Want more inspiration for things to do in Byron Bay? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Byron Bay.