Aboriginal Heritage Walk: Discover Melbourne’s Indigenous Roots at the Royal Botanic Gardens

Aboriginal Heritage Walk

Amidst the lush greenery of the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, an enriching cultural experience awaits visitors looking to connect with Australia’s First Nations heritage. The Aboriginal Heritage Walk is a guided journey that delves into the traditions, history, and profound relationship that the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people, the Traditional Custodians of the land, have with the flora and fauna of this stunning urban oasis.

A Deeply Immersive Cultural Experience

Led by an Aboriginal guide, the 90-minute walking tour is more than just a stroll through the gardens—it’s an invitation to see the land through the eyes of its original inhabitants. The experience begins with a traditional smoking ceremony, where native plants are burned to cleanse and welcome guests to Country. This ancient ritual, performed for thousands of years, is a powerful introduction to the deep spiritual connection between the Wurundjeri people and the land.

As you meander through the tranquil landscapes of the Gardens, the guide shares Dreamtime stories, traditional land management techniques, and the diverse uses of native plants for food, medicine, and tools. Along the way, you’ll gain insight into how Indigenous Australians have sustainably lived in harmony with nature for over 60,000 years.

Bush Tucker and Traditional Knowledge

One of the highlights of the tour is the discovery of bush tucker—native plants that have been used for food and medicine for millennia. You’ll learn about ingredients such as:

• Lemon myrtle – a fragrant leaf used in teas and cooking.
• Kangaroo apple – a fruit with medicinal properties.
• Paperbark – traditionally used for wrapping food before cooking.

The guide also explains how certain plants were used to craft tools, weave baskets, and even create natural dyes, offering a fascinating glimpse into the sustainable practices of Australia’s First Peoples.

A Unique Perspective on Melbourne’s History

Beyond the plants, the Aboriginal Heritage Walk provides a new way to understand Melbourne’s Indigenous history. Long before the city’s European settlement, this land was home to the Wurundjeri people, whose culture and traditions remain deeply embedded in its landscapes. The tour offers an opportunity to appreciate Tanderrum, the ancient practice of welcoming visitors to Country, and understand how sacred sites across the city continue to hold cultural significance today.

Why You Should Join the Walk

Aboriginal Heritage Walk

For travelers seeking a meaningful cultural experience, the Aboriginal Heritage Walk at the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne is a must-do. It’s an eye-opening journey into the world’s oldest continuous culture, offering visitors a chance to appreciate the land in a new and deeply respectful way.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor to Melbourne or a local looking to connect with the city’s Indigenous roots, this tour is a chance to walk in the footsteps of the Wurundjeri people and gain a deeper appreciation of Australia’s rich Aboriginal heritage.

Plan Your Visit

Location: Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, Birdwood Avenue, South Yarra
Duration: 90 minutes
Tours: Available on select days; bookings essential
For more information and tickets, visit: www.rbg.vic.gov.au

Step into the living history of Melbourne’s First Nations people and experience the profound connection between culture and nature on this unforgettable Aboriginal Heritage Walk.