Melbourne Aboriginal Heritage
When Europeans first settled the Port Philip region it was occupied by five Aboriginal language groups, which together formed the Kulin Nation.
Aboriginal art is among the oldest in the world – for tens of thousands of years Aboriginal people have recorded their ancestral stories, history and day-to-day activities in rock art, bark paintings, wood carvings and sand drawings.
Learn about the customs and rich heritage of the Aboriginal people in Melbourne by visiting the following attractions.
Taken from the word 'Bunjil', a creation ancestor for most of Victoria's Aboriginal language groups, and 'Aka', meaning place or land, Bunjilaka is the Aboriginal Centre at Melbourne Museum.
Each year, the Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre hosts three Koorie community exhibitions. Exhibitions at the centre feature traditional and contemporary pieces, influenced by a culture that has existed for thousands of years.
Experience the unique pieces of art on display, and admire their earthy tones and individual significances.
| Where: | 11 Nicholson Street, Carlton. |
| Phone: | +61 (0)3 8341 7777 |
| Website: | Melbourne Museum |
The world's first major gallery showcasing only Australian art, the Ian Potter Centre: National Gallery of Victoria features a suite of galleries dedicated to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art.
The gallery displays a timeline of Australian art, from the Colonial Period through to the contemporary age. Mediums such as photography, prints, textiles and drawings are all used throughout the gallery.
| There is wheelchair access in the theatre and studios as well as throughout the gallery spaces. Wheelchairs are available from the Information Desk (booking is advised, telephone: 03 8620 2222). All statutory signage includes Braille and raised letters. | |
| Where: | Federation Square (corner of Russell and Flinders Streets), City. |
| Phone: | +61 (0)3 8620 2222 |
| Website: | National Gallery of Victoria |
Learn about 60,000 years of heritage from the Aboriginal people who experienced it. The richness, diversity and beauty of the Indigenous people of south-eastern Australia can only be discovered at the Koorie Heritage Trust Cultural Centre.
The Centre is the only one of its kind in Australia and is fast becoming a cultural icon for Melbourne.
Located in the heart of Melbourne, the Centre allows visitors to learn about the art, heritage and culture of the Koorie people, from 60,000 years ago through to contemporary times. The Centre houses the world's most comprehensive collection of Koorie artworks and artefacts.
The Koorie Heritage Trust Cultural Centre provides a unique venue for emerging and established Koorie artists to exhibit, with exhibitions changing every 3-4 months and many having an educational focus.
The retail outlet offers authentic Koorie art, gifts and souvenirs with royalties paid to all artists and proceeds returned to Aboriginal communities.
Experience the oldest living culture in the world at the Koorie Heritage Trust Cultural Centre!
| Where: | 295 King Street, City |
| Phone: | +61 (0)3 8622 2600 |
| Website: | Koorie Heritage Trust Cultural Centre |
Experience Melbourne's Royal Botanic Gardens in a more traditional way by taking part in the award-winning Aboriginal Heritage Walk.
An Indigenous interpreter will give you a greater understanding of the customs and rich heritage of the local Boonwurrung and Woiworung people.
The Aboriginal Heritage Walk takes you on a journey through the camping and meeting grounds of the traditional owners of the land, against the vibrant setting of the Royal Botanic Gardens. See the land through the eyes of a cultural expert.
Duration:
Approximately 1.5 – 2 hours
| Bookings are essential | |
| Where: | Departs from Royal Botanic Gardens, Birdwood Avenue, South Yarra. |
| Phone: | +61 (0)3 9252 2300 |
