Parks Victoria reveals 3 new wellness trails for the ultimate reset

Taylah DarnellBy Taylah Darnell
hero media
Reconnecting with nature has never been so easy.

In a world that doesn’t stop moving, it can be hard to find a moment to stop and appreciate the little things. And it’s no surprise to anyone who loves the great outdoors that going for a walk can alleviate stress, improve concentration and enhance overall mood. In fact, case studies conducted by the National Institutes of Health show that 98 per cent of people report mental health improvements when engaging with natural outdoor environments.

Woowookarung Regional Park in Ballarat, Victoria
Studies show nature walks can significantly improve mental health. (Image: Parks Victoria)

Luckily for us, Australia is brimming with incredible hikes, from trails that trace the coastline to multi-day bushwalks and everything in between. But tugging on your boots and making tracks isn’t an automatic ticket to happiness. In today’s world, it can be hard to hit pause, clear the mind and be present, even when surrounded by nature.

However, Parks Victoria is making it a little easier with a new series of self-guided wellness trails designed to encourage mindfulness, relaxation and rejuvenation across some of the state’s most serene regions.

Where are the new trails?

Currently, Parks Victoria has introduced three different wellness trails. Each walk offers a different experience and its own unique set of activities.

Grass-Tree Nature Trail

Kangaroos in Woowookarung Regional Park in Ballarat, Victoria
Spot friendly kangaroos along the walking trail. (Image: Parks Victoria)

The first option is within Woowookarung Regional Park , a stunning 641-hectare former plantation on the outskirts of Ballarat. Although the greenspace is filled with plenty of bushwalking tracks, those keen to do the wellness walk should follow the 1.8-kilometre Grass-Tree Nature Trail. While wandering through stringybark eucalypts, grass trees and native heath, you’ll be encouraged to slow down, reflect and reconnect with nature. Keep your eye out for kangaroos and echidnas, and, depending on the season, colourful native wildflowers.

Birrarrung Park

Birrarrung Park near Melbourne, Victoria
The 2.2-kilometre wellness walk traces the Yarra River. (Image: Parks Victoria)

City slickers can take in the scenery on the 2.2-kilometre Birrarrung Park loop, just a 30-minute drive from Melbourne’s CBD. Perfect for inner-city urbanites who need a quick nature fix, this wellness walk is an easy way to get your steps up and your stress levels down. Listen to the soothing sounds of the nearby Plenty and Yarra rivers as you work through posture techniques, sensory practices and relaxation strategies. Those with accessibility needs can easily join this wellness walk, with completely flat paths catering to mobility aids and prams.

Sherbrooke Falls walk

Hikers in Victoria's Dandenong Ranges National Park
Reconnect with nature in the Dandenong Ranges National Park. (Image: Parks Victoria)

If you prefer to push yourself a little further, head deep into the Yarra Valley‘s Dandenong Ranges National Park. Amongst the cool-climate Sherbrooke Forest , you’ll find a 5.5-kilometre loop that winds through towering Mountain Ash gums and lush ferns. Using the NatureFix app, engage in six different stations that work to deepen your connection to nature. Guided audio talks you through breathing techniques and gratitude exercises before helping you create a sound map of the forest’s symphony.

Whichever wellness walk you choose to do, you’ll finish feeling refreshed, relaxed and rejuvenated – equipped with the tools to take care of yourself – mind, body and soul.

How do the new wellness trails work?

By downloading the free NatureFix app , you’ll be guided through a range of simple activities, specifically tailored to each trail. From breathing exercises to posture techniques, each task focuses on improving mindfulness and reducing stress levels. The app also teaches users about sensory practices and grounding strategies, as well as boosting creativity through sound mapping.

The self-guided format of each wellness walk means participants can do it in their own time, too – all while avoiding the fees and booking processes that often come with wellness-based experiences in Australia. It’s the perfect way to unwind at your own pace, without having to do it alone.

Taylah Darnell
Taylah Darnell is Australian Traveller's Writer & Producer. She has been passionate about writing since she learnt to read, spending many hours either lost in the pages of books or attempting to write her own. This life-long love of words inspired her to study a Bachelor of Communication majoring in Creative Writing at the University of Technology Sydney, where she completed two editorial internships. She began her full-time career in publishing at Ocean Media before scoring her dream job with Australian Traveller. Now as Writer & Producer, Taylah passionately works across both digital platforms and print titles. When she's not wielding a red pen over magazine proofs, you can find Taylah among the aisles of a second-hand bookshop, following a good nature trail or cheering on her EPL team at 3am. While she's keen to visit places like Norway and New Zealand, her favourite place to explore will forever be her homeland.
See all articles
disuko melbourne
Melbourne

Time travel to ‘80s Tokyo at this new disco bar in Melbourne   

Your new late-night obsession has arrived on Melbourne’s Bourke Street.  

Read more
A man and woman standing on a floating sauna.
Melbourne

Melbourne’s floating sauna combines relaxation and city views

City views, a sparkling harbour and the serenity of a floating sauna? Sign us up.

Read more
else BATHHOUSE rooftop pool
Melbourne

A new bathhouse is transforming the historic heart of South Melbourne

A new sanctuary is set to open in the heart of South Melbourne in April 2026. 

Read more
The StandardX, Melbourne new rooftop
Melbourne

Melbourne’s new rooftop bar will transport you to LA this summer 

The StandardX, Melbourne has opened its rooftop to the public, bringing the buzz with cocktails on tap, DJ sets and skyline views. 

Read more
hero media

The iconic Victorian beach where true Aussie surf culture was born

    Craig TansleyBy Craig Tansley
    Continue
    Torquay’s Bells Beach is considered one of the best surf beaches in the world.

    It’d be easy to think Australian surf culture was born around the right-hand point breaks of the Gold Coast and Byron Bay. These regions seem the epitome of how the world views Aussie surfers – bronzed (or burnt), languishing in warm water and sunshine. The reality is a lot different.

    The rise of surf culture along Victoria’s coastline

    surfers at Bells Beach in Australia
    Surfers stand on the shore at Bells Beach, where the country’s biggest surfing competition is held each year. (Image: Getty/Filed Image)

    True Aussie surf culture was born on the chilly waves of Victoria’s winters, when huge swells from the Great Southern Ocean hit cliff-lined beaches along the Great Ocean Road . These beaches were the ultimate proving ground – surfers from all over Australia arrived in panel vans and VWs to do battle with the biggest waves they could find.

    huge swells from the Great Southern Ocean at Bells Beach
    Surfers take advantage of the huge swells from the Great Southern Ocean at Bells Beach. (Image: Tourism Australia/Cameron Murray)

    There are surf breaks all along this very picturesque coast – but those around Torquay were most revered. The ultimate test of a surfer’s ability – and durability – however, was Bells Beach: Australia’s answer to Hawai‘i’s Pipeline. Just beyond, the breaks at Jan Juc and Winkipop beckoned.

    an aerial view of surfers at Bells Beach
    Hit the waves along the picturesque coast. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    Torquay became surfing’s Silicon Valley: HQ for the entire Australian surf culture revolution. Four young locals worked out of their backyards in Torquay to create two of the world’s biggest surf labels – Rip Curl and Quiksilver , which soon became the region’s biggest employers.

    surfers out at Bells Beach
    Surfers out at Bells Beach, Victoria’s most famous beach. (Image: Tourism Australia/Cameron Murray)

    Rip Curl started sponsoring the Bells Beach Pro in 1973 – and have done ever since. It’s been going since 1962 – making it the world’s longest continually run surfing contest. Held every Easter, it’s part of the world surfing tour. Spectators line its 30-metre-high cliffs to watch the world’s best take on enormous waves – it’s the ultimate coliseum for the sport and has inspired generations of Aussie surfers to join the list of heroes whose names are on its iconic bell.

    Follow the waves through Victoria’s surfing heartland

    Australian National Surfing Museum, Torquay
    The Australian National Surfing Museum in Torquay. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    Just behind Torquay’s main drag, you can see all that history on display at the world’s best surf museum – the Australian National Surfing Museum . Here you can take your time absorbing the 100-year-or-so history of Australian surfing and check out the 150-strong surfboard collection.

    surfboards on display at Australian National Surfing Museum
    The museum holds surfing memorabilia, including a room dedicated to the history of boards. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    But classic Aussie surf culture can be observed in everyday life all over the Great Ocean Road and Torquay. Surfing dictates life here; no work is done until the big swells have come and gone. Just being here provides a window into 60-odd years of rebellion against convention; for no-one likes nine-to-five living on the Great Ocean Road.

    surfing memorabilia at Australian National Surfing Museum
    The varied displays celebrate the Bells Beach competition, surfing legends and Aussie surf culture. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    There’s less panel vans and VW Beetles these days, but surf culture still rules life. Surfers run this coast; you’re better off keeping out of their way when they’re running down past you to face the biggest swells – then hear them swap stories at cafes, restaurants and bars all around you.

    surfing at Bells Beach
    The beach near Torquay is Australia’s answer to Hawai‘i’s Pipeline. (Image: Visit Victoria/William Watt)