Bruny Island Doctors Wellbeing Walk
Continuing Professional Development Accredited
Embark on an exclusive Bruny Island Long Weekend adventure designed specifically for medical professionals, led by Sheena Polese, MSc Psych Coach, and Dr. Natalie Burch. Over three days, delve into the science of achieving peak well-being and burnout avoidance while traversing some of Tasmania's most spectacular coastline. This tailored experience fosters open dialogue about the challenges doctors face, provides evidence-based strategies, and fosters camaraderie as participants journey through the stunning landscape together.
For all enquiries please contact Tasmanian Walking Company at (03) 6392 2211 or email bookings@taswalkingco.com.au
CPD Accreditation Hours
This event has been accredited for CPD by ACRRM (8 hours) and ACEM (4 hours). Other colleges such as RACGP and ANZCA have indicated the event is appropriate to self lodgement of CPD on receipt of a certificate of attendance.
- Learning Areas
- Leader (LDR)
- Musculoskeletal (MSK)
- Communicator (COM)
- Professional (PRO)
- Curriculum domains covered
- Domain 1 - Specifically: Patient-centred care and teamwork
- Domain 7 - Specifically: Continuous learning, teaching, ethical care
- Domain 8 - Specifically: Resourcefulness, independence, flexibility and professional networking
- Assessment information
- Impact evaluation
- Survey about changes in practice and attitude
- Reflection essay - 500 words
- To Be returned within 4 weeks of trip to gain a certificate
- Context
This activity is primarily targeted towards doctors experiencing or at risk of burnout.
Rural doctors are particularly at risk due to social and professional isolation, their personal connection with many of their patients, their inability to easily take leave and holidays, and their increased scope of care and responsibilities
The activity involves evidence-based tools and techniques, and education regarding self-care, patient care, professionalism and ethics, however just as important for rural doctors is the ability to completely remove ourselves from our demanding lives with no phone or internet, family or social demands.
Lastly, the ability to network, share stories and support like-minded doctors is likely the biggest benefit of this activity.
- Workshops
Our days begin before breakfast with an optional meditation. Our walks provide time for reflection and contemplation. The journey importantly offers precious opportunities for one-on-one conversations with Sheena and Natalie. Each afternoon and evening at the lodge we engage in workshops and journalling at the lodge. Each night finishes with a post-walk body-check. The workshop content will be tailored to the groups and include the following:
Letting Go. Re-discover your inner strengths!
The power and healing of Mindfulness in everyday life!
Rediscover your own North Star!
New Beginnings.
Fit Mind Coaching - Sheena Polese
We help people identify their inner and natural character strengths so they can unlock the key to thriving. We take time to explore values, reassess and reprioritise what is important to you. Using research, we explore the importance of emotional intelligences and use a wellbeing model that enables valuable reflection, appreciation and intention setting for sustainable change.
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We explore what is flourishing, the importance of hope, the value of slowing down, and we show how time in nature restores the body and soul. We incorporate pre-work, on-the-ground fun activities, and worksheets, as well as the science of reflection and journaling, meditation, and mindfulness practices, all with an evidence-based approach.Sheena Polese, MSci (Psych Coaching) USyd, is a Development and Leadership Coach, a Mindfulness, Wellbeing and Change Practitioner, and a Facilitator of Immunity to Change. She is the current President of the Australasia NSW Branch of the International Coaching Federation, an Associate at the Positivity Institute and is highly trained in Stages of Adult Psychological Development, Mental Toughness, Global Leadership Wellbeing Diagnostics and Mental Health. Sheena runs her own coaching practice, designs and delivers development and wellbeing programs, and has co-facilitated Leadership and Development trips with Outward Bound Australian and Australia for UNHCR in Uganda. Webpage | LinkedIn
Dr Natalie Burch
Natalie Burch trained in Queensland as a GP Obstetrician before moving to Tasmania in 2001, where she has been a rural generalist in northeast Tasmania, living, working, and raising her family. Owning a practice, consulting in private practice and working on call at the district hospital, as well as raising her family of three children, she knows the face of burnout well.
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She has long been a passionate medical educator in private practice, with RACGP, ACRRM and the Remote Vocational Training Scheme. Currently she is piloting an innovative supervision model in her practice and local hospital, runs the Observer program at the Launceston General Hospital for International Medical Graduates, and is studying a Masters in Health Professionals Education.In 2020 having sold her practice and trying to survive the Covid crisis, she was introduced to bushwalking by her best friend. There she found the peace and strength to continue to care for her community, colleagues, family and most importantly, herself. Her focus is now doctor wellbeing - creating environments and cultures that celebrate doctors as whole people in well communities and cultures.
She strongly believes that rather than trying to balance our work and life, constantly trading one for the other, we can integrate our lives, bringing our whole selves to work, to home and to the community we live in. When we are walking our whole selves are walking in time with the country and creatures around us. On this journey we can walk together, come back into focus, reintegrate those fragmented parts and pause for a while.
Natalie has been awarded Tasmanian Rural Doctor of the Year, Distinguished Service Award for ACRRM and Supervisor of the Year Tasmania for Ochre.
Bruny Island Wellbeing Walk for Doctors
A three-day itinerary
Bruny Island is a showcase of some of the most spectacular coastline in Tasmania. Our guided walks take you through varied terrain including beaches, rocky headlands, bush trails and rainforest. By the end of the Long Weekend, you will know Bruny Island intimately.
During the retreat, participants can engage in discussions and activities that explore practical strategies for enhancing their wellbeing. Sheena Polese and Dr. Natalie Burch, experts in their fields, share evidence-based approaches that promote a more positive sense of life, bring joy to everyday experiences, and build resilience for the future.
Over fine Tasmanian wines, oysters and cheese doctors can connect with others facing similar daily challenges. This restorative and energizing program aims to provide a supportive environment where doctors can relax, recover, and learn practical strategies to improve their overall wellbeing and prevent burnout.
Our exclusive accommodation is only available to guests of The Bruny Island Long Weekend. Well-secluded, on a private 100 acres this little haven represents the perfect place to retreat.
Day 1: Great Bay
Approximately 5-6 hours walking.
This morning you will meet your tour guides and fellow guests (maximum of 8) on the waterfront of Tasmania’s capital city, Hobart. Step aboard your private boat and let the adventure begin with a cruise down the Derwent River to Bruny Island. Today our goal is to walk out to a spectacular cape on the east coast of Bruny Island.
On returning from our walk we will wade out into the crystal clear waters of Great Bay to learn how the famous Bruny Island oysters are farmed and shuck them straight out of the water. The perfect way to cool down after a walk!
Next stop; our camp. After a hot shower, join us in the dining house for a drink and to share stories of the day’s adventures as the guides busy themselves preparing your dinner sourced from either on the island or in the waters surrounding it.
Day 2: East Cloudy Head
5-6 hrs walking
Day two might begin with a gentle thumping past your tent. While the inquisitive wallaby isn’t your wake up call, his visit, or the promise of warm croissants might lure you from your crisp sheets to reunite with us at the rustic wooden dining table once more.
Today’s walk is East Cloudy Head for views of Tasmania’s far south and the wild Southern Ocean. The five-hour (14km) journey begins by walking the length of Cloudy Bay Beach. Windswept and beautiful, the walk then leads us into coastal heath and up toward spectacular views of Bruny Island’s rugged south coast.
Back at camp enjoy time to sit on the deck, walk among the ferns, partake in another lavish shower or simply read a book while your guides prepare the evening meal.
Day 3: Mt Mangana
Approximately 3 hours walking
This morning you can choose a leisurely start or have some time to yourself and explore our 100-acre property and try to spot some of Bruny Island’s 150 species of birds (including all 12 Tasmanian endemics). Once we farewell camp, our goal is to climb through the ancient Gondwanan rainforest to the highest point of Bruny Island, Mt Mangana (4km, 3 hrs).
To finish your long weekend in style, Ray Jones at The Jetty Café will serve lunch as we await the arrival of our private boat on the beach below. There will also be some time to explore the gallery showcasing some of Bruny’s 60+ artists. The return boat trip to Hobart offers a scenic farewell to your adventure. Before you know it you’ll be back at the Tasmanian capital, likely wondering if the long weekend was one big thrilling daydream from your office chair.
Your Bruny Island Long Weekend guides
What truly defines the professionalism, passion and dedication of our Bruny Island Long Weekend guides is their unparalleled focus on delivering an exemplary guided walking experience for you. This is reinforced by their passion for Bruny Island, detailed knowledge of the local flora, fauna, geology and history; and their love of cooking using local produce to deliver a diversity of delicious cuisine each evening.
We consider our guides to be highly trained experience artisans, seamlessly bring together all the attributes of a great walking experience to deliver something that is truly unforgettable.
Our Bruny Island Accommodation
Our groups have exclusive use of our completely off-grid private accommodation, nestled in amongst tall eucalypts on the foothills of Mt Mangana at the southern end of Bruny Island.
With our days spent walking in wild, powerful, coastal places, our campsite is a sanctuary we can return to each evening. It features a gorgeous bespoke designed celery top timber kitchen and dining room, four canvas tents containing split king beds with quality linen, towels and pillows. The highlight for many of our guests is an incredible hot water shower discretely located with spectacular views!
One of the best things about our accommodation being located at the southern end of Bruny Island is the night sky. With no light pollution, the stars are incredible and occasionally we have been lucky enough to experience the Aurora Australis.
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The accommodation was architecturally designed to have as little impact on the site as possible. In fact, it has been designed so that it could be easily moved to another site. If this were to happen there would be little evidence of the building's footprint. We built from Celery Top Pine, supplied by Southern Forest Farm Products, just across the channel from Bruny Island at Garden Island Creek. The business has a 'no waste policy'. This means that all the timber used in the construction of our accommodation was salvaged from the southern forests of Tasmania, essentially the timbers left behind as waste in existing forestry coupes.
Once the accommodation was constructed we began a program to restore the rest of the land to its original state. This involved an eradication program for non-native species on the property, as well as a program to re-introduce endemics. Eucalyptus viminalis (white gums) have been planted around the property to support and encourage the Forty Spotted Pardalote, a rare and threatened endemic bird species. These birds only exist where Eucalyptus viminalis occur and Bruny Island is a stronghold for them.
Itinerary Details
Bruny Island Doctors Wellbeing Walk
- Each trip requires a minimum of 6 guests (twin share). The maximum is 8.
- Available anytime by request for private groups.
- All accommodation is twin share.
- Single supplement - $955.34 per person (inc. GST).
Bookings
- Phone: (03) 6392 2211
- Email: bookings@taswalkingco.com.au
- or complete the below enquiry form.
Special Interest Walks — Terms and Conditions
Our standard booking terms and conditions apply to all bookings. In addition:
- Cancellations
- more than 90 days from the scheduled departure date, a fee of $350 per person will be charged with the balance payment refunded;
- within 90 days of departure, no refund is available. Bookings are transferable to another name.
- Minimum numbers are required four months before departure.
- This walk cannot be booked in conjunction with any other offers and discounts.
Inclusions
- Return transfers between Hobart and Bruny Island.
- Accommodation (twin-share) each evening in one of our five private tents.
- All meals and non-alcoholic beverages, plus a limited selection of Tasmanian wines.
- All bedding and linen.
- Workshop sessions
Additional information
- Have a burning question? Check out our FAQ page, and if you need further help please don't hesitate to contact our friendly reservations team.
- Ready to start planning your next adventure and want to know what to bring? Check out our detailed gear list, including details on what's provided. If you're unsure about anything on the gear list please call us or talk to you local outdoor adventure store.
Enquire
Need help deciding? Talk to an expert
We're here to help 9am – 5pm Monday to Saturday, otherwise, email us anytime and we'll be in touch.