Tours & Experiences
Welcome to our cultural tours, providing an immersive experience into the Country, People, Language, and Culture of Djaara (Dja Dja Wurrung People). For thousands of years, Djaara have cared for their traditional lands and maintained their unique Culture.
Our tours offer an opportunity to walk with Djaara and gain a deeper understanding of their connection to Country and how we’ve maintained our Culture over time.
Ulumbarra CBD Walking Tour
Adults: $85 per adult
Children: $55 per child (10-17 years, under 10 free)
Duration: 90 minutes
Length: 2.5 km
Experience the Ulumbarra CBD Walking Tour and uncover the rich cultural histories of Bendigo. Step into the city’s past, present, and future, and explore the living culture of Djaara (Dja Dja Wurrung people).
Witness the commitment to preserving Cultural Heritage, surrounding significant sites, and the inspiring collaboration between the State Government and local First Nation Communities, leaving you with a deeper appreciation of our unique history and unbreakable bond of Community.
Start Location: Ulumbarra Theatre (front steps), Gaol Rd, Bendigo
End Location: Galkangu (GovHub)
Embark on an unforgettable journey through time with the Ulumbarra CBD Walking Tour in Bendigo, where you’ll explore the rich cultural heritage of the city and the living traditions of the Djaara people. This immersive experience will connect you to the ancient culture and provide a deeper understanding of Bendigo’s past, present, and future.
Your adventure begins at the Ulumbarra Theatre with the fascinating stories of ancient scar trees, carefully relocated to the site, showcasing the city’s dedication to preserving its cultural legacy. In Rosalind Park, marvel at the beautiful trees and the thousands native grey headed flying foxes adopted as local pets. Visit the rotunda where the Recognition and Settlement Agreement was signed, marking a significant moment in our history.
Continue your tour to Bendigo TAFE, where you’ll learn about the region’s animals and the pathways that reveal the involvement of Djaara families in the area.
Explore the Bendigo Law Courts, where the Koori courts feature Bunjil (the creator spirit). His etched form is prominently shown for all to see, emphasising the importance of working together and whose stories strongly relate to the landscape, culture, traditions, and lore of the Djaara people.
Your tour concludes at Government Hub, Galkangu (“build together”). Witness the inspiring collaboration between the State Government and the Djaara people and explore the proposed site for the Circle of Elders sculpture, asserting cultural protocols and leadership.
This unique experience promises to leave you with a newfound appreciation for the Dja Dja Wurrung culture and the unbreakable bonds that unite Bendigo’s people.
Important Things to Know
As this tour is outdoors, please dress appropriately for weather conditions on the day. You are welcome to bring a water bottle if warm, or an umbrella if weather is inclement.
Upon arrival at the front steps of Ulumbarra Theatre, look for the DUMAWUL sign and your guide will be ready to greet you.
Tour Accessibility
Accessible by wheelchairs and participants with limited mobility. For participants with limited mobility, please note there are rest areas and seating available at each stop of the tour.
Kooyoora Cultural Tour
Adults: $195 per adult (18+)
Duration: Half day (10am – 12.30pm, may vary slightly on the day)
Length: Up to 5km
Join us on the awe-inspiring Kooyoora Cultural Tour and discover the rich history and natural wonders of the ‘Mountain of Light.’
Beginning with a traditional Welcome to Country Smoking Ceremony, our expert Djaara guides take you on a journey through lush landscapes and magnificent formations carved by nature over millennia.
Start Location: Bridgewater Hotel
End Location: Kooyoora
Learn about bush tucker, land use, and how traditional owners have adapted to changes in the environment over time. This is a one-of-a-kind enriching adventure providing a unique opportunity to learn about the rich histories of the Djarra people.
Embark on a journey through time and nature with the captivating Kooyoora Cultural Tour. This tour offers an opportunity to uncover the rich history and natural wonders of the “Mountain of Light.”
At the tour’s commencement, you’ll be welcomed with a traditional Welcome to Country Smoking ceremony, honouring the traditional owners and custodians of the land by purifying the space. Knowledgeable guides will then take you through the lush landscape, introducing you to the area’s ancient rock forms that testify to the deep connection between the First Nations people and their environment.
Visitors will also visit instructional rock pools, which offer insights into the region’s unique geology and the role water has played in both shaping the landscape, and nurturing water spirits which hold dreamtime stories. The secrets of the area’s fascinating microclimates, which showcase the remarkable diversity of plant and animal life in this seemingly small area, will also be uncovered.
Throughout the tour, Djaara Cultural Interpreters (guides) transport visitors back in time to experience what the land was like 40,000 years ago. Engaging storytelling and vivid descriptions offer a deep understanding of bush tucker, land use, and how Dja Dja Wurrung people have adapted to changes in the environment over time.
As you explore the granite boulders and rocky terrain, you’ll be in awe of the area’s striking natural beauty. This tour is more than just a sightseeing experience. It offers an opportunity for you to connect with the land’s timeless spirit and gain a deeper understanding of the Djaara peoples rich heritage.
The Kooyoora Cultural Tour promises an unforgettable and enriching experience for all who embark on this journey through time and nature, whether you’re a history buff, nature enthusiast, or simply seeking a unique and memorable adventure. It’s a chance to walk in the footsteps of ancient custodians, be humbled by their wisdom, their connection to the land, and their enduring legacy.
Important Things to Know
Please allow appropriate time to travel to our departure location. As this tour is outdoors. please dress appropriately for weather conditions on the day. You are welcome to bring a water bottle if warm, or an umbrella if weather is inclement.
Upon arrival at the Bridgewater Hotel, look for the DUMAWUL sign and your guide ready to greet you.
Tour Accessibility
Tour participants must be able to walk comfortably for two hours and unassisted for a minimum of half an hour over uneven ground. Comfortable footwear is essential. Rest stops are available along the tour path.
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