30/09/2026
Happy School Holidays everyone!
Wominjeka fellow travellers, school holidays are approaching again and this week I’d like to give a few ideas on places of Indigenous interest that you might visit with the little ones.
A very excellent guide to be found in the little Allwood Library is a book titled “Welcome to Country” by Aboriginal elder and scholar, Marcia Langton. This book is an essential travel guide for people interested in exploring Indigenous Australia.
The book begins with a history of Australian Aboriginal people from pre-history right up to the present. It discusses the hundreds of Indigenous languages, cultures and customs, in chapters peppered with vibrant coloured and historical photographs, maps and charts.
For those that are time poor, each state has its own chapter, broken down into places to see, and annual events occurring during the Aboriginal calendar.
We are currently transitioning from the Orchid (Guling) season into the season of Poorneet (Tadpole), so what better time to take your little ‘Tadpoles’ to learn something of our shared history? Yes that one, the oldest continuous culture in the history of the world, the one we joined a little over two hundred years ago.
The city of Melbourne has so much to entertain and awaken their curiosity. A train ride from Nillumbik to Federation Square and a visit to Koori Heritage Trust will transport you back thousands of years to view the weapons, art pieces and woven basketry. Our first peoples had cultures, spirituality, creativity and governance that is equal to any other in the world and this building showcases some of the finest examples, and its free admission and what child doesn’t enjoy a train ride? I know I do😊
Birrarung Marr, one of Melbourne’s newest parks, winds along the Yarra River next to Fed Square and showcases Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander art all year round. Look out for the five metal shields, standing proudly in a semi-circle, representing the five language groups of the Kulin Nation.
The Bunjilaka Aboriginal Centre at the Melbourne Museum tells the story of Aboriginal survival against the odds and celebrates the vibrant cultures that have emerged. There are so many interactive and learning opportunities at the Museum for kids of all ages, and free for children under 16 years.
Just a small sample of free and low-cost activities for you and your ‘Tadpoles’ this school break. And so much more in Marcia Langton’s book, “Welcome to Country” for trips all around Victoria and Australia.
Welcome to our country, so much to take pride in. Take a break from the car and the high cost of fuel, pack a tucker bag with snacks and strong coffee and do yourself a favour. Go back in time and relive a life more balanced, less stressed, one that was in step with the environment, and enjoy the trip – your little ones will.
Til next week Triganin – see you soon!
David Kerrigan
References:
Marcia Langton, Welcome to Country (available to borrow from the Allwood Library)
https://kht.org.au/
https://museumsvictoria.com.au/bunjilaka/about-us/
https://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/birrarung-marr
Full article: https://allwoodhouse.org.au/fnf-post-template/
