🌿 Step into the Royal Botanic Gardens, one of Melbourne’s most beautiful urban oases. This 170-year-old landmark is not only a lush sanctuary in the Southern Hemisphere, but also a culturally significant place cherished for generations by the Kulin Nation.

Led by an Aboriginal guide, embark on a meaningful cultural walking tour through 40 hectares of stunning landscapes. Wander among towering lakeside trees, elegant gardens reflected in tranquil ponds, and graceful black swans — a peaceful escape from the city’s bustle. Along the way, your guide will share ancient stories of the land and the Kulin Nation’s deep knowledge of living in harmony with nature, from sustainable fire-stick farming that enriches the soil to the use of digging sticks (kannan) for harvesting roots while preserving plant life for future generations. Native plants here have long provided food, medicine, tools, and materials for ceremonies.

Discover the tuber plants that once supplied up to 80% of the diet for Kulin women, strong fibre plants used for tools, and sacred species important in cultural traditions. Learn how native plants sustained tens of thousands of years of Aboriginal life and civilisation. You may also witness traditional practices such as smoking ceremonies and visit historic landmarks like the Separation Tree, connecting Melbourne’s past and present through nature and culture.

This experience is more than sightseeing — it is an immersive cultural journey. Relax in the healing greenery, hear authentic stories from Aboriginal voices, and gain a deeper understanding of the Kulin Nation’s enduring connection to the land. Every step becomes a meaningful encounter with history, culture, and nature.