Our connection to the natural environment is deeply intertwined with cultural, spiritual, and recreational practices. People and groups engage with the land in a variety of ways that foster both a physical and spiritual connection.
The First Nations peoples of NSW have a profound spiritual relationship with the land, which is often referred to as “Country.” This connection is built on thousands of years of custodianship and understanding of the natural world, where the environment is seen as a living entity and holds stories, songs, and ceremonies. For example, the Dharawal people, whose traditional lands cover parts of southern Sydney and Wollongong, have a deep connection to this area. The park contains many sites of cultural significance such as rock engravings and ceremonial sites. Guided walks by Indigenous custodians allow visitors to learn about the spiritual and practical knowledge passed down through generations, including bush medicine, native plants, and the Dreaming stories that tie the people to the land.
The Blue Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is known for its deep spiritual significance to both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. The area has long been a place for reflection and healing. Sites such as the Hydro Majestic Hotel were established as health retreats or spas to take advantage of this feeling of calmness and meditation. Click here for more about the history of the hotel.
The Brahma Kumaris Retreat Centre near Leura offers meditation and spiritual workshops that emphasize a connection to nature. Many visitors come for solitude, reflection, and spiritual healing. Surrounded by the rugged beauty of the Blue Mountains, this retreat emphasizes mindfulness and deepening one’s connection to the earth.
There is a growing trend in NSW for people seeking spiritual and mental wellness through eco-therapy and nature-based retreats. These often focus on healing by spending time in the natural environment, with activities like meditation, yoga, and forest bathing. The Gaia Retreat & Spa near Byron Bay offers a holistic experience where participants reconnect with nature through guided meditations, outdoor yoga sessions, and walks in the hinterlands. The focus is on finding inner peace and well-being by grounding oneself in nature.
Many people connect with nature through bushwalking, which is often more than just a physical activity. The isolation and grandeur of places like Wollemi National Park or Mount Warning (Wollumbin) provide a setting where people reflect on their place in the universe, find solitude, and practice mindfulness. For local Indigenous people, Wollumbin is a place of spiritual significance, and climbing it can be seen as a sacred act. Non-Indigenous people are often encouraged to engage with the site with deep respect, recognizing its cultural importance.
For many in coastal communities, the ocean is a place of spiritual reflection. Surfing, swimming, and even simply sitting by the shore are viewed as forms of communion with nature, where individuals often speak of a “oneness” with the waves and the rhythm of the seas. Surfing communities in Bondi, Manly, and other coastal areas of Sydney often describe the ocean as their “church.” The act of surfing or being in the ocean is deeply meditative, offering an escape from the rush of city life and a connection to something larger and more powerful.