Spending time in nature is good for us. And Victoria is a state with a lot of good nature. Jump on a tour with local wildlife experts or knowledgeable Indigenous guides. See fantastic wildlife in their native habitat. Go for a meditative walk in our bushlands and rainforests or connect to the earth with a new skill. There are plenty of ways to reconnect with nature in Victoria.
1. Learn a new skill
Fully immerse yourself in nature as you grow your local knowledge. There are stacks of small businesses and community groups in Victoria offering nature-based skills. Join a weed foraging group or learn how to grow mushrooms Discover how to create balms, tinctures and tonics using herbs picked from the wild or a kitchen garden.
2. Indulge in forest therapy
Recharge in green surrounds with a nature therapy session. Forest bathing is based on the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku, encouraging us all to mindfully connect with nature. Get started with the help of trained professionals. Nature Wellness Co. Forest Therapy runs classes across Victoria. Or head to Melbourne's Royal Botanic Gardens for a forest therapy guided wellness experience to learn more about this preventative health practice.
3. Embrace your inner bird nerd
Keen birders rejoice, as there are plenty of spots in Victoria where you can make new feathery friends. Flock up to tours with birding experts, or grab the binoculars and head to wetlands, forest or the coastline, for a self-guided session. Either way, you're guaranteed to have a hoot.
4. Dive deep into Indigenous experiences
Join experienced Indigenous guides for a range of experiences, where you are invited to connect with both Country and culture. Journey to Tower Hill to experience Worn Gundidj – a two-hour interactive walk around the nature reserve. Immerse yourself in Taungurung culture and connect with land on a tour with wawa biik. Or sign up for a session with First Nations wellness facilitator Lee Couch, who creates ritual using bush medicine and deep-listening meditation on Taungurung/Dhudhuroa Country.
5. Take a walk on the wild side
Lace up your hiking boots and get exploring. There are stacks of tracks and trails threaded throughout Victoria, winding through bushland and rainforests, and along coastal paths. Beginners can ease in with short walks, trailing past lush fernlife, waterfalls and in some cases, epic views. For those seeking total immersion, set aside a few days to go the distance on the Great Ocean Walk, or Australian Alps Walking Track. Switch off your phone and let nature be your soundtrack, as you trek along Victoria's most splendid paths and trails.
6. Find peace among plants
Reconnect with nature at carefully curated gardens and green spaces. Take a guided tour through the Edible Forest, a permaculture garden in the Yarra Valley. The garden contains hundreds of edible plants, which you'll be invited to sample as you wander through. See rare and threatened native plants being expertly cared for at Karwarra Australian Native Botanic Garden and Nursery, which has the dual benefit of providing habitat for local wildlife. Escape to greenery without leaving the city at the sprawling Royal Botanic Gardens in the CBD or venture slightly further afield to Cranbourne. Or get your hands dirty in nutrient rich soil at a local community garden.
7. Get to know Victoria's iconic wildlife
Say g'day to Victoria’s diverse wildlife – from a safe and respectful distance. Join expert tour guides across the state, by land or sea. Salute seals, wave to dolphins and see a whole array of native animals living freely in their natural habitat at Wildlife Wonders, near Apollo Bay. For something equally as special, book onto a tour with ecotourism operator Otway Eco Tours, or travel from sand to sea at Wilsons Promontory with Wilson Promontory Cruises.
