Where to Go Forest Bathing near Brisbane

Forest Bathing is a Japanese practice called ‘shinrin-yoku’. It means taking in the forest through our senses. Using our sense of sight, hearing, taste, smell and touch to reconnect with nature.

The Japanese have been researching the benefits of forest bathing. A two-hour session is recommended as a great way to unplug from technology, slow down, de-stress and relax. Other benefits from a forest bathe include:

• Reduces blood pressure
• Lowers stress
• reduces anxiety, depression and anger
• Improves cardiovascular and metabolic health
• Lowers blood pressure and increases heart-rate variability
• Lowers blood sugar levels
• Improves concentration and memory
• Improved pain thresholds
• Improves energy
• Boosts the immune system with an increase in the count of NK cells
• Increases anti-cancer protein production
• Helps you lose weight

The recommended time for forest bathing is 2 hours, or ideally for 4 hours for the maximum health benefits.

Here are some of the spots in South East Queensland suitable for forest bathing:

• Enoggera Reservoir.
• Springbrook

Also consider checking the Queensland National Parks website: https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/list.php?region=68

Look for a park that meets the following criteria:

• gentle slopes and wide paths
• well-maintained, well-marked trails
• free from pollutants and far from the noise of traffic
• a stream or waterfall, pond or lake
• a wide variety of plants
• good luminescence, not too dark
• at least 5 km in length
• plenty of trees, especially evergreens
• restroom facilities

The authors of ‘Shinrin-Yoku’ recommends the following beautiful forests in Australia for forest bathing: Brindabella National Park, and Karri Forest.

Please leave a comment if you know of anywhere near Brisbane or South East Queensland suitable for forest bathing: