In our fast-paced modern lives, many of us seek alternate ways of reducing stress by connecting with nature. We all intuitively feel the health benefits of time spent in nature. Our mental, physical, and emotional well-being are nurtured when we take time to unplug, breathe, and immerse ourselves in the natural world.
Rippon Lea Estate, an urban oasis nestled within the suburb of Elsternwick, offers the perfect sanctuary. As you walk through the grand gates, you’re instantly transported to a calming wonderland of extensive greenery, rare birds, historical plants, and sprawling lawns. It’s the ideal spot to escape the treadmill of life, even if just for a few moments.
Discover 5 unique ways to unwind with nature at Rippon Lea Estate.
1. Reduce Stress Through Sound Healing in the Gardens
Accompanied by the morning song of the Grey Fantail bird, enjoy a Sunday nature and sound immersion in the gardens of Rippon Lea Estate. Arriving before the Estate opens, you’ll stroll along the winding path beneath the canopy of 100-year-old Algerian Oak trees before settling on the Archery Hut Lawn with your yoga mat, pillow, and blanket.
Lying on the grass with your eyes closed, you’ll be gently guided into deep relaxation by a soothing, flowing soundscape. The live sounds, combined with the natural ambiance of the gardens—including the hum of summer insects, the quacking of ducks, leaves rustling in the wind, birds singing, and the distant rumble of the Grotto waterfall—will carry you into a peaceful state of mind.
This session is led by Sound Healing Melbourne, allowing your body to rest and repair while your mind takes a well-deserved break.
2. Restore Balance with Pilates in the Park
Improve your flexibility and reduce tension by attending an energising 40-minute Mat Pilates class followed by 20 minutes of Stretch & Relaxation amidst the stunning surrounds of Rippon Lea Gardens. You’ll leave feeling strong, flexible and relaxed.
This session is run by The Body Crew.
3. Join a Guided Garden Tour
Reach your daily step count while uncovering the fascinating history of Rippon Lea Estate on a 45-minute garden tour. Stroll through a variety of lush landscapes, from majestic trees and expansive lawns to a serene lake home to black ducks, chestnut teals, grey teals, moor hens, and hoary-headed grebes. You’ll also discover an orchard with historically significant fruit varieties and the largest fernery of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere.
Throughout the tour, you’ll learn about the estate’s development and how the lives and fortunes of its owners have shaped the gardens we see today.
4. Practice Patience on a Bird Spotting Tour
Embrace the calming sounds of nature’s melodies as you walk the winding paths, searching out the diverse family of birds that call Rippon Lea home on a Bird Spotting Tour.
Rippon Lea Estate is recognised as a leading biodiversity hotspot within the City of Glen Eira. It is a haven for birds & other wildlife.
Whether you’re a birdwatching expert or a novice, this tour will give you a new appreciation of the stunning biodiversity of this magnificent 19th Century Estate.
5. Embrace Forest Bathing in the Fernery
Forest bathing, or shinrin-yoku, is a practice that originated in Japan and has gained popularity worldwide. It involves immersing oneself in nature, but not through traditional bathing. Instead, it’s about engaging your senses – listening to the rustling leaves, inhaling the fresh, earthy air, and appreciating the sight of lush greenery.
At Rippon Lea Estate, the Fernery provides the perfect setting for this practice. Walk slowly, inhale deeply, and allow the sounds and scents of the forest to quiet your mind, improve focus, and restore balance.
Discover more about Rippon Lea’s Fernery
Before you leave, be sure to stop by Rippon Lea Estate’s Nursery to continue your wellness journey at home. Take a piece of the gardens with you by shopping from a wide range of plants, all propagated from our significant National Trust Gardens. Bring the tranquillity of Rippon Lea into your own space.
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