
DHURRA-GA-RRA
There are many ways to learn and connect with the diverse Aboriginal cultures found throughout the Murray River region, whether it's by taking a locally guided tour; exploring the galleries and attractions along the Cultural Trails, or venturing on a road trip through the World Heritage-listed national parks of Ulupna Island, Gorbram Falls, Winton Wetlands or further into Beechworth.
DESCRIPTION
The Tour:
Blessings are heard for all to see. The song of a smoking ceremony. Linked to their land. Eucalyptus leaves are burnt by hand. Guest all gathered round. And piled their gum leaves on the ground, Then a smoking fire was made. And a breath of Australia made this grade.
Mooroopna (meaning ''deep water hole) is in the centre of a very special Cultural Landscape for Aboriginal people. Scattered through out the landscape, historical stone Milbi (caves) following stone channels moved by and Yurlunggur the rainbow serpent are hidden in the hills.
Galin-bundinya (waterfalls), home sites and scare trees scattered through the area, water wells dating back 65,000 years.
Your guide will show you these sites, as well as:
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a 400-year-old birthing tree used for women business only.
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an area of lava flow river bed featuring canoe scare trees
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a freshwater inland beachs associated with trapping and holding fish.
Visit several National Parks in Chesney Vale National Park, Ulupna Island, Gooram Falls and Yeddonba Aboriginal Cultural Site each site you will enjoy a Dreamtime story of each area and a tour guide.
The spirit of this land Dunghala, and has a strong connection to the Barmah National Park ‘Kanny Goopna’ ( Shepparton) meaning deep waterholes by which people camped, is where the legend of Dunghala began.
Your guide will take you on 4 cultural treks over 5 days with key features of interest including:
Wetlands, Directional Trees, Caves, waterfalls, and Wildlife.
After each day, return to for lunch at selected cafes, arriving at approximately 1 pm. (Lunch included).
A Madhanmadhu Dhal (Bush Tukka)
tasting plate can be ordered for an
additional cost.
DID YOU KNOW?
. Kurtonitj (meaning 'crossing place') is sacred to the many First Nation people of the area with enormous cultural, archaeological, and environmental significance.
. You can book these tours as a single-day visit pass to a site or a full five-day tour.
.You can add an extra day to include the Bush Tukka cooking class experience.
WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS SAY
Tour guide Avalon was engaging, entertaining, easy to talk to, and very knowledgeable. The 5-day tour took us to several sites with different land uses and topography, all beautiful and interesting. Highly recommend getting the Bush Tukka tasting platter as well.
Mooroopna
Welcome to Country
Day 1
2. 00pm : Arrival
Arrive at you accommadtion and be greated by your host and guide. Then settle in to your deluxe accommodation for the night.
Yeddonha Aboriginal Cultural Site
SHHH we are entering sacride sit of the Yeddonha people.
Day 4
9.00am :
Beechworth.
Boasting many significant areas including a rock shelter and bush tucker area. The site is of particular archaeological importance as it features an Aboriginal red-ochre painting
Lake Mokoan
Scar Tree trail and hand dug water well.
Day 2
9.00 am :
Heading from Mooroopna we follow the women's business trail, bringing us to Lake Mokoan there you will learn about men's business around inication
Ulurpna Island
Time to say farewell to your guide.
Day 5
9.00am:
Final treak towards Cobram.“Gulpa Gaka Anganya – Gaka Yawal Ngulla Yenbena Yorta Yorta Woka,” We farewell you with a inland beach for a swim or just wide down– come walk along the shores of Barmah National Park.
Gooram Falls
Learn about how local people trapped fish.
Day 3
9.00am:
Euroa. A series of two cascades in "Yera-O" which means joyful separated by a flat section of volcanic lava flow. Here you will see serval canoes carved in the tree surrounding the area.
Kaiela Arts
Oportunity to buy a gift from the local people
Day 5
Our finish the day off with returning back to Shepparton. And a opportuinty to buy local and support Aboriginal artists.