Forest Therapy Victoria

18/07/2025

Usually by this time in our Grampians stay we’d have a rest day. But the weather was stunning today so we walked!

From our accomodation we were able to join the Fyans Creek track, cross the bridge at Tandara Rd, and then head up to Boronia peak. This was the peak my son and his girlfriend hiked earlier this week and captured the stunning photo of the rainbow.

The sun was out. The sky was blue. Lots of kangaroos and birds everywhere. Not a breath of wind.

We came down and took a right, heading to Delley’s Bridge and then along the bike track to Halls Gap. We stopped at the brewery for the traditional end-of-hike beer and chips. (Doing it twice makes it a tradition, right?)

It was as close as you could get to a perfect day for hiking.

Except, my legs. Oh my legs!! They were sore at the beginning, and now I’m back home typing this, I don’t think I’ll be able to move until Sunday.

Please send chocolate.

17/07/2025

A new chapter for me in the Grampians started today.

My kids are all adults and have responsibilities of their own. Today all three of them (my two and a partner) left for home.

The rest of my time here I’m sharing with a friend of many years who hasn’t visited these mountains before. I’m really enjoying sharing it all with somebody seeing it for first time.

Today we walked to Splitters Falls via Venus Baths. The rain overnight meant everything was flowing nicely. The cool temperatures mean nobody else is around and we barely encountered anybody.

Then a drive to Baroka Lookout and onto Reid’s Lookout, before the blue sky turned dark grey and it rained on us. Again.

So, it was back into Halls Gap and stop at the Rock, Paper, Scissors Brewery for Haloumi chips and. Darth Vader beer (yes, it is a thing!!).

With no children here, there are no food allergies to navigate so for the first time ever we went to the famous ‘Spirit of Punjab’ Indian restaurant in Halls Gap for dinner. Great food - all delivered to your table by robot!

I’m now stuck on the couch with aching legs and a too full tummy.

Life is good.

16/07/2025

Day three in the Grampians and our travelling party spilt into three for the day.

One had to stay home and work remotely. Sucks to be him!

My oldest and his partner headed up Boronia Peak. It was a rainy day, but they captured this amazing photo of a rainbow going over both sides of the peak. Stunning!

The youngest and I headed to Tower Hill. This is another of our favourite walks but we’ve never seen it like this. The fires roared through us part of the National Park earlier this year. Black is now the dominant colour. There is little is any scrub. But, new life is sprouting everywhere.

Then we were fortunate to explore the Bundaleer. This is a place of spiritual significance for First Nations people that has recently been reopened to the public. The area drips with spirituality and the calm takes over within minutes of being there.

Afterwards, I was thumped at Scrabble, and every other game we played. Don’t tell the kids, but I still let them win….

15/07/2025

Spectacular blue sky and sunshine meant we could leave the rain jackets in the car this morning.

A short hike today, but a sentimental favourite of my boys and I. A mountain. A waterfall. A fern gully. Rock pools.

A loop starting in Halls Gap, to Clematis Falls, up Chataqua Peak, down through Bullaces Glen, lunch at Venus Baths, then back to Halls Gap.

At the end we took a moment to stand by the grave of Agnes Folkes. Agnes died at just three months old from diphtheria in 1870. Her grave is beautifully maintained by the students from Halls Gap Primary School.

A wander through the shops and a coffee in the park, before heading back to our accomodation to read books by the fire.

14/07/2025

We arrived in the Grampians yesterday for our annual ‘reset’ week.

It was pouring, so we stayed inside, relaxed, had a lovely birthday dinner and played board games after.

Today we headed up to the Pinnacle and then to Silverband Falls on the way home. We’ve done both of these walks numerous times, but we have some of our logical family with us on this trip. We love sharing places of special memories and significance with them.

At the beginning of the year the Grampians were burning. The scars are very evident in parts of the National Park and I can only imagine how terrifying it was in these same places just a few short months ago.

But new life is already appearing. Green breaks through the black. Life returns.

It’s good to be back.

11/07/2025

The Forest Therapy Victoria treasure? The gorgeous pocket hearts sewn by my friend from . For many years Sarah has provided hearts in the colours of the Australian bush that we give away to participants at the end of our public events. It’s a small token to remind that nature cares for us. A chest full of kindness is worth far more than a chest full of gold.

10/07/2025

This chest contains a very special type of treasure. Everybody that takes part in a public Forest Therapy event gets to keep a little part of what’s inside. Any guesses?

05/07/2025

The lovely Mel modelling the new FTV uniform. More team pics coming soon! Part of our collaboration with

30/06/2025

When you’re updating the Forest Therapy Victoria uniform, but can only order the hats in bulk!!

29/06/2025

A few moments from our Forest Therapy event this morning, aimed at helping highly sensitive people (HSP) regulate their central nervous system using nature.

28/06/2025

A winter update of the mindful garden. This used to be all lawn, but we’ve reintroduced a biodiversity that has seen a return of frogs, lizards, insects, butterflies, birds - and peace.

08/10/2024

Since the start of the year I've been working on a mindful garden and outdoor counselling space at the Manna Gum Studio.

I find myself sitting out there most days, and when I do this piece by my son Tom Glover come to mind.

it suits the peaceful mood of nature beautifully.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ikuw2f2I6Ks

His first big show is happening next month. If you're free on November 9th and want to hear this and the rest of his album live, grab a ticket and come along.

Tickets here: https://www.tomglovermusic.com.au/shows/

Proud of my boy!

'Song for a Sunrise' - from my new EP: 'In the Garden, Under the Moon'Tabs available here: https://www.tomglovermusic.com.au/store/Tom Glover:Website & Tab S...