Shinrin‑Yoku on Lane Cove: A Three‑Hour Riverside Forest‑Bathing Walk

MACQUARIE PARK HIKING FIELD GUIDE

Shinrin‑Yoku on Lane Cove: A Three‑Hour Riverside Forest‑Bathing Walk

A guided, three‑hour Forest Bathing session that leads you along a gentle riverside trail in Lane Cove National Park — this guide explains what to expect and how to prepare.

Check availabilitySee guide details

Shinrin‑Yoku on Lane Cove: A Three‑Hour Riverside Forest‑Bathing Walk.

Duration
Contact operator
Location
Macquarie Park
Operator
Forest Minds
Category
Hiking
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Forest Bathing (Shinrin‑yoku) at Lane Cove National Park is a guided three‑hour immersion that asks you to engage each of your five senses on a gentle riverside fauna walk. The practice emphasizes slowing down, deep breathing and conscious awareness to reduce stress, improve mood and foster a deeper connection with the environment and yourself.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE BENEFITS

Mental calm, mood lift and deep relaxation

The session is designed to reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood, and promote deep relaxation and self‑awareness through guided sensory engagement.

THE PRACTICE

Shinrin‑yoku: engaging the five senses

Forest Bathing is the deliberate practice of immersing yourself in the forest and consciously connecting with what’s happening around you by attending to each of your five senses.

THE RHYTHM

Slow down: breath, notice, connect

The guiding cues — slow movement, breathwork and sensory focus — shape a measured pace that helps participants connect with the natural setting and their own bodily responses.

What the day feels like

What the three hours feel like

Over three hours you move deliberately along a mostly flat riverside trail, pausing for guided breathing and sensory exercises that encourage deeper awareness and relaxation. The walk is gentle, suitable for a broad range of fitness levels, and built around slow, attentive engagement rather than speed or distance.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this walk suits — and who to consider alternatives.

1
Mindful seekersIdeal for people seeking stress reduction and deeper relaxation; the session is structured around sensory and breathing practices and is accessible to all fitness levels.
2
Families with older childrenSuitable for families where participants are aged 12 and over; the gentle pace accommodates different ability levels.
3
Less experienced walkersAppropriate for those new to hiking or with modest fitness — the trail is mostly flat and the program is available to all fitness levels.
4
Parents of young childrenNot recommended for children under 12, as the program has a stated minimum age of 12.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

What to Bring

Hat, sunscreen, water, insect repellent, a light or rain jacket (weather dependent). In winter bring a warm jacket.

What to Wear

Good, sturdy walking shoes (no sandals or high heels), trousers if possible, comfortable clothing and socks that cover the ankle.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the Forest Bathing walk?

The guided session lasts three hours.

How far do we walk?

The route covers approximately 1.2 km one way along the riverside trail.

Where do we meet?

Meet at Cottonwood Glen Picnic Area (No.13) in Lane Cove National Park; the park entrance is from Millwood Avenue or Delhi Rd and the entrance gate opens at 9am.

Is there an age minimum?

Yes — participants must be aged 12 or older.

Is there a park entry fee?

Yes — please pay the park entry ticket of $8 at the entrance gate or at the ticketing machine in Cottonwood Glen Picnic Area.

What should I wear and bring?

Bring hat, sunscreen, water, insect repellent and a light/rain jacket as needed. Wear sturdy walking shoes, trousers if possible and socks that cover the ankle.