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5 Ideas for Health & Wellness Escapes

Now more than ever, is it important to take some time out, de-stress and focus on your health and wellness. It can be easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life so we have put together a few ideas to help you grab a little dose of nature to regain perspective, decompress and take some time to focus on you.

Enjoy a break from the city and the crowds and enjoy some more tree-time. Take a health and wellness holiday.

 

1. Forest Bathing

We all know how being out in nature can really have a calming effect. Whether it is the sounds, the smell or the solitude, there’s plenty to be said about enjoying some tree-time.

In Japan, time spent in the trees like this is called shinrin-yoku, which translates, in English, to forest bathing. Shinrin in Japanese means ‘forest’, and yoku means ‘bath’.

The aim of Forest Bathing is not to hike, jog or ride but to simply be at one with nature, in a slow and mindful way. Leave behind your phone, camera and anything that might distract you and just be present amongst the trees.

There are a few basic steps you can take to really immerse yourself in Forest Bathing:

  • Find a place where you feel you can relax
  • Walk slowly and notice your surrounds
  • Stop and listen to the sounds of the forest and smell its fragrance
  • Find a comfy spot to sit awhile
  • Take your time – don’t rush

While it doesn’t take scientific studies to know that spending time in nature is good for us (we can all feel it when we are out in the wild), there have been notable findings showing just how doing this simple practice can alleviate stress and lower blood pressure.

Interested in giving it a try? Here are a few places around southern Tasmania that we believe are beautiful places for a little forest bathe. However, each and every one of us is unique so find whatever place you feel most comfortable to get the maximum impact.

Lake St Clair

There are lots of lovely little short walks around Lake St Clair that are not too strenuous and will offer the tranquility you need for forest Bathing. Try Platypus Bay, Watersmeet Track or lamairremener tabelti tracks.

Mount Field National Park

When we think of a calming moment in the forest, Mount Field is one of the first things we think of. Try the trails around Russell Falls or enjoy the Pandani Grove circuit around Lake Dobson.

A little further west from Mount Field National Park and you will find the Styx Tall Trees Conservation Area. Home to flowing streams and towering trees, you are sure to find a quiet spot here to enjoy.

Huon Valley

Duckhole Lake is an idyllic and tranquil place, the perfect location for a spot of forest bathing. Enjoy the sounds of the birds and the beauty of the region.

Further down south and Tahune has some beautiful forest walks. For forest bathing, it is best to keep on solid ground, the Huon Pine walk would be a great option.

kunanyi/Mount Wellington

There are lots of lovely forest walks at the base of Mount Wellington. try the Cascade Walking Track, Fern Tree Park to Silver falls, or O’Gradys Falls.

2. Stress less with yoga & meditation

Taking some time our for yourself is always a good idea. Mindfulness, yoga and mediation are a great way to de-stress and rebalance. There are plenty of great studios offering meditation and yoga around Southern Tasmania, along with dedicated retreats for multi-day experiences.

3. Sleep under the stars

Trade in the city lights for starry nights and enjoy natures greatest show – the night sky. There are lots of great camping grounds around southern Tasmania for you to experience. Alternatively, if you feel like enjoying a hike in the wilderness, the Three Capes Track is a great nature escape with sturdy campsites along the way.

Some great campgrounds include:

For something a little more luxe, enjoy a touch of glamping – it is camping but glam (think showers, lattes and real bedding). Some lovely glamping options include:

  • Truffle Lodge is set on the riverbanks of the Derwent and features safari tents fully equipped with king beds, lounges, heating and cooling, minibar, refrigerators, coffee machines and a wooden bathtub to soak in.
  • Huon Bush Retreats offer a carbon positive eco-village setting with a choice of deluxe teepees, private campsights or self contained cabins. All set amongst the beautiful forest backdrop. teepees, te
  • Located in the forest, on the shores of Bathurst Harbour, the Southwest Wilderness Camp is a glamping experience like no other. Experience the incredible landscapes of the southwest from your exclusive private camp and get away from it all.

 

4. Escape to the remote Southwest National Park

Head out to some of the most remote wilderness on the planet – the Southwest National Park – for a little quiet time. Access to this region is only possible via foot, boat or light aircraft so you can be guaranteed to only see a few people, if any, while you are out there.

Par Avion fly from Hobart’s Cambridge Airport to Melaleuca, the only airstrip in the Southwest. This flight takes in the incredible scenery and mountain ranges of the national park. Par Avion have two experiences to enjoy; the 8-hour wilderness experience or a 3-day bushwalking experience.

Tasmanian Boat Charters offer wilderness cruises from Port Davey within the national park. Experience the region with an exclusive 1-day tour which takes you deep into the Southwest Wilderness or spend some time and enjoy 4 days cruising, hiking, dining and exploring the amazing wilderness.

Another great adventure in the Southwest National Park is a kayaking expedition with Roaring 40s Kayaking. Take a scenic flight across the national park before landing at Melaleuca. From here you will explore the wilserness waterways of Bathurst Harbour and Port Davey by sea kayak – paddling through changing landscapes from campsite to campsite.  Roaring 40s have 4-day and 8-day expeditions that will leave you feeling fit and re-acquainted with nature.

5. Soak your worries away in a scenic tub

A long bath with candles and bath salts is the perfect way to relax. There are plenty of amazing hotels and B&Bs with great baths, including indoor and outdoor bathtubs.

Pumphouse Point is the ultimate luxury getaway. Splurge a little on yourself and stay in  ‘The Retreat’. Hidden on the edge of Lake St Clair and surrounded by native bush, the retreat is an all-inclusive wilderness experience. Their outdoor bath tub is the perfect place to soak for a while, maybe read a bit of your book or sip on a glass of Tasmanian sparkling wine.

Go off the grid and soak in the hot tub at Hundred Acre Hideaway on Bruny Island. The cabins are powered by solar, wind and gas and offer pure relaxation on 100 acres of bush and meadows overlooking magnificent Cloudy Bay. The red cedar wood-fired hot tub is sunk into your private deck, filled with fresh mountain water and lit and heated for your arrival. Unwind with a book, a soak in the timber hot tub  and watch the local wildlife potting around at dusk.

Enjoy picturesque views of the Huon Valley from the comfort of a private natural volcano stone bath at Villa Talia. Located on the hills of The Huon Valley this lovely villa offers everything you could need to unwind from the hustle and bustle of working life. Soak under the stars or watch the sunset in the bath hand-carved from a solo piece of volcanic rock.

Left of Field is not your average campground. Located just 5 minutes from the beautiful Mount Field National Park, this quirky little place features camping sites, fire pits, live music and a wood-fired bath of your dreams. Drain your worries away under the shade of the eucalyptus trees and listen to the sounds of the surrounding forest as you soak amongst nature.


We love it when you share your adventures with us! Share your snaps by tagging @hobartandbeyond and using #HobartandBeyond on Instagram and Facebook – we’ll share our favourite pics on social media and in the blog.


Header Image: Mount Field National Park | Cassie Watson

Related posts:

Best Place to watch the sunrise | Insta worthy sunrises you dont want to miss

16 Unique Places to Stay in Southern Tasmania

Craft a Tasman Peninsula getaway around the Three Capes Track

An Adventure into Tasmania’s Central Highlands

Our Guide: Beaches of Southern Tasmania

 

For more great events in southern Tasmania, be sure to visit our Events page.

We love it when you share your adventures with us! Share your snaps by tagging @hobartandbeyond and using #HobartandBeyond on Instagram and Facebook – we’ll share our favourite pics on social media and in the blog.

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