Happy Sounds - A Serena Nature Sounds Podcast

The Northern Rivers area of eastern Australia is famous for its... rivers! This recording was made near a waterfall in one of the many waterways that form on the slopes of the Wollumbin volcano, which forms the northern edge of the region. The water here is cool and the hue is brown from the rich volcanic soils over which the rain flows before gathering in the river valleys. The area is famous for its healing energy and with this recording you can see whether this energy can be transmitted at a distance of space and time into your body. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The last time Wollumbin erupted was 23 million years ago. So, in bringing the fire element from the slopes of Wollumbin the sound comes from the combustion of local wood that had been felled by a recent storm. Even though the volcano once stood at more the twice its current height and breathed fire with such force that it created the largest erosion caldera in the entire Southern Hemisphere of planet Earth, it is quiescent now. But that energy still courses through the plants that grown from its soil and the waters that course down its skirts. So there is a volcanic element at play behind the crackling of the tree branches and leaves being burned in this recording. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Eastern edge of the Wollumbin caldera has eroded down into the sea. This point, called Cape Byron, is the Eastern most point of the entire Australian continent. It is often a very windy place. This recording was taken just off the beach beneath a Coastal Pandanus tree and captures the Air Element where it intersects with water (the South Pacific Ocean), earth (beneath a weathered tree perched between sand and mountain), and Fire (at the foot of a wise old volcano). Being so ephemeral, we can only sense the air element when it interacts with one of the other three elements. This recording captures all three interactions in one. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The north eastern corner of the Australian state of NSW is home to a primordial remnant of Gondwana Land's original rainforest. This area, sometimes called "The Big Scrub" was once a vast subtropical lowland rainforest fed by the rich volcanic soils left over from the ancient Wollumbin Volcano (or what white settlers called Mount Warning). The forest was largely destroyed starting in the 1840’s by the timber and then the dairy industries. Today the original rainforest exists only as isolated remnants scattered throughout the region ringed by the extinct Wollumbin caldera. It consistently rains around 2,000 mm/yr in the Big Scrub yet there are extended periods of sunshine (often on the same day as the rain). The rich, red volcanic soil and mild, largely frost-free climate compliment the rain and the sun to create the ideal conditions for the earth to manifest itself in all its variety and glory. This recording was taken at dawn along one of the ridges created by Wollumbin's last eruption 23 million years ago.

Not far from what is now called Sydney, on 7 May 1770, Captain James Cook sailed along Australia’s Eastern seaboard and described in his journal "some pretty high land which projected out in three bluff points.” One of the three “bluff points” was called Tudibaring in the local Aboriginal tongue, purported to mean 'place where the waves pound like a beating heart', perhaps because of the flat rock shelves at the base of the high bluff that the surf continuously pounds. This recording was taken during a hot summer afternoon thunderstorm in a quiet New South Wales coastal neighborhood that now hugs the rim of this headland.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

As you travel from Australia’s Eastern seaboard, the temperate forests and lush undergrowth slowly shifts to rolling grassland and eventually to a hard scrabble semi-arid region that marks the beginning of Australia’s great deserts. The biggest town in the area, Broken Hill, sits within a small range of mountains--hills really--that the English settlers called the Barrier Ranges because they marked this final shift from a land of the living to a land of apparent emptiness and death. To the East of these ranges, the third longest river in Australia, the Darling, finds its first shape and meanders aimlessly though the increasingly fertile landscape as it finds its feet and strength on the way to the ocean. To the West, however, the "barrier" is crossed and you could travel nearly 3,000 miles as the crow flies finding yourself only in desert before you hit the Indian Ocean. This soundscape is recorded near a hill called Mount Darling. In keeping with the minimalism of the place, you will hear very little and wha

On the remote eastern shores of Maui lies one of the worlds natural wonders: the Pools of ‘O’heo Gulch. Access to the wild shoreline where these pools empty into the Pacific Ocean is only by a multi-hour journey through dense rainforest and a seemingly endless number of muddy single lane bridges and tight coastal switchbacks. But when you finally arrive you are rewarded with an extraordinary river that runs out into the sea through a series of startlingly beautiful waterfalls and deep pools. During drier days and seasons, it presents itself as an idyllic Hawaiian playground seemingly designed to charm even the most well-travelled visitor. During a storm, even if the rain is miles distant somewhere on the slopes of the Haleakala volcano that rises steeply up into the clouds above, the gentle stream swells so quickly into a dangerous cataract that it has claimed more than a few lives over the years.This recording was taken just a few steps along the coast from this enchanting river’s egress into the sea, at the

Shenandoah is a phonetic rendering from the Algonquian schind-han-do-wi which means "beautiful daughter of the stars." The rolling hills are so iconic that not only have songs been written about them but the Shenandoah song is also known as the Ballad of America. The steady hum of crickets from deep in the woods in this section of the Blue Ridge Mountains will lull you to sleep or ensconce your meditation or study time into the sounds of Appalachia. Perhaps you will remember that you, too, are a son or daughter of the stars. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, for most of its acreage, is a harsh and unforgiving landscape of slickrock and sand, creosote bushes and cacti. But here and there you will find dry washes in the twisting, layered, petrified sand of white slickrock. And in some of those washes there are small, cylindrical basins with a bit of mud and grass. And if you’re lucky a little water. This recording was taken high up on the side of one of these slickrock mountains next to just such as water hole (though it was so small and muddy as to barely earn that name). The most prevalent sound is that of the ever-present wind moaning and muttering and shoving across the hard rock of the landscape in an undulating intensity. But, thanks to the little bit of water, you can hear the occasional sounds of flying, chirping, buzzing and crawling insects (some a little close for comfort!), as well as the little tussocks of grasses moving in their natural rhythms with the endless wind. Despite the desolation of the place

Southern Utah on a map or from the air looks like a land of sand and rock and heat. But threading through the almost Martian landscape are scores upon scores of narrow canyons and deep gorges. At the bottom of these gullies are rich riparian environments that support a wide range of plant and animal life. In this recording you will hear the calming sounds of birds at dawn from the bottom of one of these canyons in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. If you listen closely you may catch the occasional cricket and perhaps even the distant sound of the small animals going about their morning routine. Perfect for meditation, studying, sleep, or any other situation where white noise/nature sounds are useful.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

If you are looking for a vibrant, undulating, natural white noise to allow you to focus on your meditation or studying or melt into sleep, this windy winter day’s recording near Australia’s Eastern shores makes an excellent choice. Just an hour or so to the south of Sydney lies a sprawling park that has over a hundred kilometers of walking tracks and some of the finest coastal vistas you will find anywhere on earth, which is probably why it was one of the first areas in the country to be set aside for conservation. The recording was made near a place called Wattamolla Beach (not far from the famous Wedding Cake Rock and Figure Eight Pools). The coastal track that snakes along the coastline of the park is a place of exceptional beauty, even on a blustery, rainy winter’s day. Perhaps especially on such a day. The vast grey expanse of the open ocean comes to a sudden end at the jagged line of warm yellow and copper colored sandstone coastal bluffs. The broken boulders and verticality of the cliffs tower above th

Bondi Beach is one of the world’s most beautiful city beaches. It is graced with clean white sand, turquoise water, perfect sunrises, and a steady swell for surfers. The Northern Headland (aka Ben Buckler) of Bondi Bay consists of weathered sandstone cliffs that drop right down into the surf. But at low tide when the surf isn’t too large, you can walk among the tidal pools and watch the waves steadily pound and surge up onto the flat rocks that jut out into the bay, forming a point just a few hundred meters from where the sand ends. It is such a popular spot that solitude is hard to come by. But I wanted this to be nature soundscape of Bondi as it has sounded for millions of years; that is, no people sounds. In order to avoid the any human-made distractions from the land, sea or air, this recording was taken in the hours well before dawn with low tide occurring at about the half way point in the recording. The recording is so close to the water that you can sometimes hear the waves surge across the flat rocks

The sounds from a busy spring afternoon on a quiet Sydney harbor neighborhood beach: The periodic ferry and occasional rumble of a sea plane or helicopter flying overhead. Clanging of boat rigging. Laughter and calls of children. Cicadas. Lapping waves. Birds chirping. The simple sounds that herald the coming of summer in a quiet corner of a beautiful city. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Muir Woods is nestled at the foot of Mt. Tamalpais, near where it meets the Pacific Ocean. The floor of the valley where this extraordinary redwood forest makes its home is a popular place for tourists and locals alike to visit. Because of this, as beautiful as it is, it lacks the solitude and peace that many crave when they seek out time in the wilderness. A little accessed part of the landscape lies only a couple of miles above the valley floor in a network of mostly empty trails that crisscross some of the most dramatic landscape in Northern California. This audio recording takes you to that place in a soundscape devoted primarily to a little waterfall tucked into one of these upper canyons. With names like BootJack and Spike Buck Creeks, it is a land of grandeur and history. The soundscape is designed for when you are looking for a simple natural background noise to your meditation or falling asleep time. Thanks to the eagerness and volume of the bubbling brook, it is particularly well suited for environm

Muir Woods is nestled at the foot of Mt. Tamalpais, near where it meets the Pacific Ocean. The floor of the valley where this extraordinary redwood forest makes its home is a popular place for tourists and locals alike to visit. It is popular mainly because of its extraordinary beauty but it doesn't hurt that Star Wars: Return of the Jedi located the filming of the Endor scenes (home of the Ewoks) not far from here. Because of this, as beautiful as it is, it lacks the solitude and peace that many crave when they seek out time in the wilderness. A little accessed part of the landscape lies only a couple of miles above the valley floor in a network of mostly empty trails that crisscross some of the most dramatic landscape in Northern California. This audio recording takes you to that place in a soundscape devoted primarily to a little waterfall tucked into one of these upper canyons. With names like BootJack and Spike Buck Creeks, it is a land of grandeur and history. The soundscape is designed for when you are

Las Virgenes Creek lies in the Santa Monica Mountain range near Malibu, California. Not far from the Reagan Ranch it also hosts the (now dilapidated) location for the old television series MASH (it is LA after all). It is hard to believe it is a mere 30 minutes from downtown Los Angeles. While it is a well-used gem, if you arrive there early enough, you can often have the whole 8,000+ acre park to yourself. This soundscape was recorded at dawn at the height of spring. It was a rainy year, coming after a long drought, so you can almost hear the birds celebrating. Las Virgenes Creek can be heard softly bubbling away in the distance but the real stars are riparian creatures going about their work as dawn turns to day. Perfect for background noise during meditation or rest time or a long drive. Though be forewarned, this is a park in the middle of Los Angeles (home to nearly 18 million people in the greater metropolitan area) so there is the inevitable (albeit occasional and distant) sound of road vehicles and ai

Sounds from deep in the heart of the Australian rainforest. Situated near the famous Glass House Mountains and not far from the beaches of Noosa Heads, Kondalilla Falls provides an unexpected diversion from the more popular spots. Though the creek is small, at nearly 300 feet, it is an impressive waterfall by any standard. There are swimming pools at the top and bottom and the surrounding rainforest is filled with all the sounds you would imagine in such a lush location. This recording was taking a kilometer or two further in to the jungle from the falls. You can just hear the creek gurgling away in the distance in some of the quieter moments. But the best bits come when the thunder rolls in as if to punctuate the growing intensity of the heat, humidity and incessant volume grinding out of the forest. The falls lie along Queenland’s Great Walks system of trails. Snaking their way through the state’s warm subtropical rainforest, you will also encounter tall open eucalypt forest and picturesque waterfalls along

The enchanted island of Miyajima lies on the Seto Inland Sea in Southern Japan. It is famous for the World Heritage listed Itsukushima Shrine. At high tide the whole temple looks like it is floating on the water and the giant Torii gate is said to be a point of connection between the spirit and physical worlds, a place you can pass back and forth between these two planes of existence. Just a short walk from the shrine itself is the little wooded valley of Momijidani. There you will find the beautiful Iwaso Hotel and just up from there an extraordinarily beautiful bright red bridge over an idyllic set of waterfalls. This recording was taken just a few steps into the forest from this set of manicured yet natural waterfalls on a clear, moon-lit night towards the end of summer. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This rainy nighttime soundscape was captured from a balcony overlooking a small, protected bay on the eastern side of Chiloé Island just before midnight in late autumn. Chiloé Island sits at the northern end of the Patagonian Archipelago, which stretches south for another 1000-plus kilometers. Picturesque snow-covered volcanoes located on the mainlaind can be seen in the distance. The word Chiloé is from the indigenous Mapuche language and means "seagull place". You can hear the gulls off in the distance in an almost regular rhythm throughout this recording. It is a land of cheerfully painted houses, small fishing and farming villages tucked into the rolling green hills or nestled alongside the many little bays and harbors. The island is probably most famous for the hundreds of fastidiously constructed catholic churches built by the Spanish missionaries and conquistadores in the 16th Century. But it also has international recognition thanks to Charles Darwin’s six month stay on the island

An ideal nature sound background track for meditation, massage, insomnia, yoga, travel, or working. The rainforest here just south of the Tropic of Capricorn is rich in dense vegetation and unique flora and fauna. Though the recording is mostly just the quiet and rhythmic sounds of the small night creatures of the rainforest, occasionally you can hear the sounds of some sort of larger mammal. Perhaps it is the famous Toucan bird landing on a branch nearby or a Sloth moving slowly along the forest floor? Both are plentiful where this soundscape was recorded so it could be. Or perhaps it is some other creature: Brazil's Atlantic Forest (Mata Atlântica) is called home by ~2,200 animal species – 5% of the vertebrates on Earth -- including nearly 200 bird species found nowhere else. The recording takes place a few meters from an idyllic little beach in the dead of night. It is the sort of beach where the shelter of the curving coast and distant islands create a steady, calming and regular wave action as they slowl