Botanic Garden’s trail is more than a walk in the park

The Go Slow for a Mo’ trail at Wollongong Botanic Garden invites visitors to pause and take a moment to connect with nature in a meaningful way.

The self-guided nature wellness trail leads you to seven signposted sensory exercises around the Garden. The different exercises focus on short, simple actions to allow you to pause and tune in with your natural surroundings.

“We know that being outdoors plays a major role in improving mental wellbeing and sense of happiness. This trail encourages our community to rethink a simple walk in the garden offering experiences to help us all better connect with nature,” Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM said.

“The exercises are stripped back so you can find the wonders in not only everyday movements but also the pure beauty of nature. This can be as simple as noticing the unique patterns on a leaf or the fascinating actions of a bird. By doing so, we are present in the moment, taking a break from the usual everyday thoughts.”

The trail starts at the south-west corner of the Mercury Lawn, located near the Madoline Street or Northfields Avenue entrances and Discovery Centre, with a sign that has useful information and a reference map. Each station also has a sign that provides instructions, QR code to access audio instructions, and online links to each exercise.

“We’ve made sure that each station is placed in an environment that best complements it. For example, the Little Things station is located in the Garden’s creek line near the Azalea Bank, an ideal location to complete the activity to find 5 beautiful things that are smaller than your hand,” Cr Bradbery said.

“It is a self-guided journey so you can go at your own pace, with no time limit, and no specific order to complete them in – it’s all up to you. There is power in connecting with nature, so next time you’re visiting, why not stop for a while, and take a moment to go slow.”

To find out more, visit the Go Slow for a Mo' page on the Wollongong Botanic Garden website. Can’t make it to the Garden? The audio instructions are available online to access at any time, so you can even use it in the comfort of your own home or your favourite outdoor space.