A Welcome to Country delivered by Murrundindi, head man of the Wurundjeri Clan of Melbourne, greatly impressed international buyers at AIME.

Murrundindi spoke in his native language.

Visitors to Australia for business or pleasure – particularly those on incentive visits – are keen to experience the Indigenous culture. Melbourne offers a lot of it. Here’s a suggestion from Melbourne Convention Bureau.

Aboriginal Melbourne itinerary for your next incentive day out in Melbourne

Enrich your colleague’s cultural knowledge by exploring Melbourne’s diverse urban Aboriginal experiences on a day filled with art, culture, food and nature. Talk to local guides and gain an understanding of the Aboriginal story in both its historic and contemporary forms, all without leaving the city.

11 am

Start your team’s Melbourne experience with an Aboriginal guided walk at the Royal Botanic Gardens. Hear how local Aboriginal groups lived off the land and learn more about local ecosystems, flora and fauna.

12.40 pm

Stop into the Shrine of Remembrance and find a spot on the steps, from where you can look down St Kilda Road towards the iconic image of Aboriginal artist and leader William Barak on the Barak Building.

1 pm

Share a seasonal menu of native flavours at an all-day bar and kitchen Big Esso by Mabu Mabu, with Torres Strait Islander chef Nornie Bero at the helm. Admire the bright space filled with artworks by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists.

Alternatively, time your visit for a Thursday or Friday at 1 pm when the Koorie Heritage Trust offers the Birrarung Wilam guided walks along the Birrarung Marr – the Aboriginal name for the Yarra River. Hear the stories of the river, visit places of significance and browse the collection of Aboriginal art and historical objects housed at The Koorie Heritage Trust.

2 pm

Take a stroll up to Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre for an interactive tour through the nation’s premiere Aboriginal cultural centre. Join an Aboriginal guide and discover more about Aboriginal history and contemporary Victorian Aboriginal life through interactive audio-visual displays.

Any time

Learn more by downloading the Yalinguth self-guided walking tour app for a First Nations augmented audio experience.

Time-poor and unable to schedule a full day out with your team? Reach out to the team at MCB who can help you plan a bespoke culturally packed itinerary that your colleagues won’t forget.

Edited by: Peter Needham

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