Journey with us

Experience Taungurung Country

Story flows through the water that journeys from the Alpine peaks into the Goulburn waterways and catchments. It is held within the soil where old-growth forests and native grasslands once thrived. It rises with the smoke of cultural fire and the knowledge systems that have cared for Country for thousands of generations. It echoes through the changing seasons and in the voices of generations of Taungurung Custodians. It brings purpose to our inaugural Mountains to Rivers Festival, a celebration of living Taungurung Culture inspired by Biik Nganyin Datbu – Caring for our Country.

Just as water flows from mountains to rivers, knowledge, care and responsibility have flowed through generations of Taungurung Custodians. This festival is an invitation to experience those enduring connections through story, creativity, music, food, nature and shared learning.

Whether you’re discovering Taungurung Culture for the first time or returning to Country with a deeper understanding, Mountains to Rivers welcomes everyone to listen, learn and reflect on how we can all care for Country, together.

A Festival Shaped by Country

Inspired by the interconnected landscapes of Taungurung Country, the festival unfolds across a series of immersive spaces, each offering a different way to experience Country.

Welcome Grounds (Wumindjika Biik)

Begin your journey where a cultural fire burns throughout the day, offering a place of welcome, gathering and reflection.

Story Grounds (Marrening Biik)

Experience First Nations music, storytelling, yarning, delicious food and a vibrant Taungurung makers’ market. Enjoy performances by Kutcha Edwards, Big City Combo, Jack & Indi, and discover handcrafted cultural works created by Taungurung artists and makers.

Water Grounds (Baahn Biik)

Journey by boat and kayak to understand the cultural stories of these waterways or set off on a purposeful self-guided wetlands walk.

Knowledge Grounds (Ngarrngga Biik)

Deepen your understanding through immersive workshops, demonstrations and experiences led by Taungurung Elders, artists and Knowledge Holders.

Play Grounds (Djila Biik)

A space for young explorers to connect with nature through storytelling, cultural games, art and hands-on activities inspired by Country.

What You’ll Experience:

• Live First Nations music and performances, headlined by Kutcha Edwards and Candice Lorrae
• Cultural workshops and demonstrations
• Storytelling and yarning
• Guided cultural boat tours
• Unique tabilk tabilk wildlife kayak experience
• Wetlands walks
• Bush food tasting platters
• Taungurung makers’ market
• Family-friendly nature play

Why Mountains to Rivers?

Mountains to Rivers is more than the name of a festival.

It reflects the journey of water across Taungurung Country, connecting landscapes, sustaining life and shaping place. It also speaks to the enduring flow of knowledge, stories and care that continue to be shared across generations.

The festival invites us to honour these connections and contribute to the continued flow of stories and care for Country, now into the future.

Spend a day immersed in living Taungurung Culture.

Experience the generosity of a community deeply connected to Country. Feel nurtured and inspired, and leave with a renewed sense of respect, reciprocity and care for a Culture and Country that continue to give so much.