Embark on a Journey of Natural Healing
Discover Tranquility Through Nature
Immerse yourself in the serenity of the natural world with Nature Insights. Our experiences are designed to help you reconnect with your inner peace and the environment, offering a unique blend of mindfulness and outdoor exploration.
Our Story & Philosophy
The Heart Behind Nature Insights
Nature Insights was born from a deep belief in the intrinsic healing power of the natural world. In today’s fast-paced environment, it’s easy to feel disconnected, overwhelmed, and stressed. We’ve created a unique space where you can choose to gently reconnect with yourself and the environment, allowing nature to support you in reducing stress, and rediscovering your inner calm through mindful engagement. We aim to be custodians for nature, fostering respect for the natural world while supporting your journey towards improved general well-being for all.
This video was created when i worked at Parks Victoria in 2020, and is displayed with permission.
Your Guide to Nature’s Embrace
Tony Fitzgerald
+61 491 373 281
My Story and Philosophy:
Nature Insights began in 1972 when a 10-year-old Tony felt a profound calling to connect with and protect the natural environment during a hike to Nunadhong (Cathedral Ranges), sacred to the Taungurung Traditional Owners. This early experience shaped a life dedicated to understanding and experiencing forests, leading to nearly 30 years as a Parks Victoria ranger. His work involved protecting national parks, public lands, and water catchments, always sharing his passion with the public.
Alongside his professional life, Tony pursued a spiritual journey of meditation, yoga, and mindfulness. After gaining guiding qualifications, he began leading groups, developing his skills with students, universities, and volunteers.
The devastating Black Saturday bushfires deeply impacted his beloved Kinglake Ranges. Amidst community trauma and his own PTSD diagnosis, Tony experienced nature’s healing power firsthand. As the forest healed, so did he. With Parks Victoria’s support, he initiated the first public Mindfulness in Nature walks, which inspired two YouTube videos during the Covid period:
In 2022, Tony left Parks Victoria to join the Taungurung Traditional Owner community, caring for their country part-time, while simultaneously building Nature Insights.
He sees the walks offered now as a gathering – a moment of presence, connecting and interacting with the entire forest environment: its place, sounds, smells, and feel. In that quiet presence, healing, insight, and ‘ah-hah’ moments sometimes emerge, on their own bidding. Tony cherishes the exchanges, joint explorations, and two-way sharing over a herbal tea at the end of each walk. It’s truly rewarding when someone contacts him after a walk, sharing how they tried a practice themselves and felt the benefit.
Tony Fitzgerald is a dedicated Parks Victoria licensed tour operator (CA-3624), committed to creating safe, engaging, and transformative experiences. He believes deeply in the philosophy of ‘I’m your guide, nature is the therapy’, ensuring every session is insightful, profoundly restorative, and tailored to empower you with techniques in which you can choose to reduce stress and improve general well-being. He truly enjoys seeing the engagement in nature and the transformed look in people’s eyes after an event.
Our Purpose: Connection & Well-being
Vision
To empower individuals with creating a deeper connection with the natural world.
Mission
Through tailored guided experiences, facilitate mindful engagement with nature as a pathway to inspire creativity and well being.
Empowering Connections
Our vision is to empower individuals by fostering a deep connection with the natural world, enhancing mental and emotional well-being.
Guided Experiences
We offer tailored experiences that facilitate mindful engagement with nature, inspiring creativity and personal growth.
Holistic Well-being
Our mission is to promote holistic well-being through immersive nature experiences that reduce stress and improve mental health.
Community Building
We aim to build a strong community around nature-based wellness, offering diverse programs for all age groups.
The Nature Insights Difference
Therapeutic Journeys Tailored for You
We offer more than just walks; we offer guided therapeutic journeys designed to foster deeper connection and inspire well-being. Our focus on mindfulness, proven forest therapy principles, and tailored experiences for diverse groups – including youth, schools, mid-age individuals, couples, and those with disabilities – sets us apart. We prioritize creating a welcoming and safe space where every participant can choose to truly engage with the environment, ensuring a personal and impactful connection with nature’s healing embrace, allowing it to support their transformation.
Your Safety, Our Priority
Ensuring a Secure Experience in Nature
As a Parks Victoria licensed tour operator (CA-3624), Nature Insights adheres to the highest standards of safety and professionalism. All our guided experiences include comprehensive safety briefings and are conducted with careful consideration for environmental conditions. We prioritize keeping participants comfortable and safe, even when facing challenges like wet weather or specific natural elements. Your well-being and a secure, enjoyable experience in nature are paramount, allowing you to fully immerse and draw on its support.