Wombat Forest Three Short Walks

Practice yoga daily, eat nutrious food and enjoy three slower paced tranquil 45 minute to one and a half hour guided forest walks. Each walk is less than 4km and ambles through the tall trees of Wombat Forest. Listen to soothing bird sounds including the mournful mellow whistle of the White-winged Chough an eastern Australian native bird and the unforgettable kookaburra laugh. Walk part of the Goldfield Wallaby Track (formerly known as the Great Dividing Trail). Venture through a cutting on the long gone Creswick to Daylesford disused railway line where the walls rise imposingly to well over 20m as the cutting curves 1km through 500 million year old bedrock.

Yoga practices will incorporate asanas (jpostures), pranayama (breathing), yoga nidra (relaxation), karma yoga (mindfulness and awareness), meditation, nada yoga (sound therapy), and forest bathing.

Accommodation is at the authentic Rocklyn Yoga Ashram located at 393 Dean Barkstead Road, Rocklyn, in the heart of Wombat State Forest, only 20 mins drive from Daylesford and 11/2 hr from Melbourne CBD.

Cost is inclusive of all meals, accommodation, yoga classes including yoga nidra, guided bushwalks, live relaxing piano or sound bowls or didgeridoo, and fire ceremony. Cost from $680. Optional 30 minute massage $75

Program

Arrive and register on Friday between 3pm and 5pm. We’ll gather at 5.30pm to meet each other before a wholesome dinner at 6pm. After dinner be calmed listening to some live relaxing piano and let go during a lying down guided relaxation (Yoga Nidra).

On Saturday morning (6.30am), after a restful sleep, connect mind, body and breath in a gentle yoga class, enjoy a nutritious breakfast, and 30 minutes of Karma Yoga. This is followed by the first guided forest walk. On return rest and refresh with morning tea, another relaxing Yoga Nidra and a healthy lunch.  Later in the day perhaps after a soothing massage (must be ordered at the time of booking), we head off for a slower paced guided walk where we take time to listen to the sounds of the forest, become aware of the sun filtering through the trees, smell the scent of the gum trees, and feel the cool/warm air on our skins, and connect with the earth under our feet. We will return in time to participate in a special fire ceremony (Havan) with Ashram residents. The Havan is performed for peace, prosperity, health and happiness for all people and the environment. After another healthy dinner find harmony whilst practicing nada yoga listening to external sound vibrations (either sound bowls, didgeridoo or piano) and quietly meditating.

On Sunday waken to a new day with a calming yoga class at 6.30am and experience morning chanting at 7.30am with Ashram residents followed by breakfast and Karma Yoga. Today we walk a different section of the Wallaby Track heading towards Mullins Dam amongst the tall trees of Wombat Forest. You will more than likely catch sight of the world’s largest marsupial, a kangaroo, hopping through the bush, a prickly echidna or a wily fox. On return enjoy some morning tea, a final Yoga Nidra and a nourishing lunch. After lunch rest in the peace of the Ashram and enjoy some afternoon tea at 2pm before departing.

Please note the above program may be modified during inclement weather.