By Dominique Hes
Something magical stirs in the leafy pockets of Melbourne’s Inner West, where eucalyptus trees lean gently over winding trails and tiny hands reach for gumnuts and feathers. Whispered stories of fairies, tiny doors tucked into benches, and memories of sparkling trails have taken root in the hearts of local children and their families. But this isn’t just whimsy – it’s a growing movement rooted in biophilia, the need for our connection to nature, and it’s having a profound impact on children’s development.
During Melbourne’s COVID lockdowns local parks became havens. At Newport Lakes Reserve, a former quarry turned green space, something magical appeared; six small fairy doors nestled in trees and rocks, lovingly crafted and placed.
These whimsical doors offered more than charm; they brought joy and imagination during a tough time. Families explored the trails, children left notes and drawings, and stories of hidden fairies bloomed. It was healing through play. Even when some of the viewing platforms were rebuilt or updated, the spirit lived on. Though one fairy door was removed, rangers and carpenters created a new space for hidden messages and shared treasures, keeping the magic alive.
Gumnut trails and first aid for fairies
Created post-pandemic by Melbourne local Christina Carter, Gumnut Trails blends storytelling, art, and adventure into nature walks for families. Launched in 2021 with help from her husband and young daughter, the trails encourage kids to become explorers, detectives, and guardians of the land – guided by nature and imagination.
Since being featured in The Westsider in 2022, more trails have been launched and thousands of families have taken part. Christina also co-created a mosaic treasure trail on Merri Creek, now featured on the Victoria Walks website.
“Gumnut Trails began as a way to connect families with nature and each other,” says Christina. “It’s about giving kids the kind of screen-free, outdoor childhood many of us remember.”
These trails offer a simple way for urban families to connect with nature, boosting kids’ mental health and mindfulness – muddy boots and all. In harmony with this philosophy comes First Aid for Fairies: From Rain to Rainbows. In this enchanting book by Newport author Louise Karch, young people learn seven emotional regulation tools – so friends can be a rainbow in someone else’s cloud. Louise (yes, dressed as a steampunk fairy!) and Dr. Liz Cyarto will soon be sharing these uplifting tips during mindful walks for neurosparkly youth in Newport Lakes.
Together, Gumnut Trails and First Aid for Fairies form a powerful toolkit for young people’s mental wellbeing. One encourages physical engagement with nature and story, the other cultivates compassion and emotional awareness. Both reinforce that imagination isn’t something to outgrow—it’s something to protect, nurture, and celebrate.
Biophilia and the future of child wellbeing
Biophilia – the idea that humans are wired to connect with nature – is vital for kids. Time outdoors reduces anxiety, boosts focus and strengthens social skills. When imagination enters the mix, like playing in nature, it builds lasting resilience.
Fairy doors, Gumnut Trails, and books like First Aid for Fairies are part of a growing movement to revalue wonder. In today’s urban world, they remind children that nature is alive, they belong in it, and even tiny beings deserve care.
Yes, there are fairies in the West—and in believing, young people learn to believe in themselves and their power to shape a better world.
