wawa tabilk-tabilk
Minimum Guests 6
Maximum Guests
15
Price
$180.00
On this experience our passionate Taungurung leaders reveal layers of cultural story found within tabilk-tabilk (the place of many waterholes). This area of Taungurung biik (Country) within Tahbilk Winery and Wetlands, boasts 1,214 hectares of river flats with an extensive frontage to the waring (Goulburn River) and impressive backwaters and creeks. We share with you our story of our People and our culture connected to the story of water. Water is the lifeblood of biik and it shaped the cultural life of our Ancestors. We discuss the impacts of colonisation on water supply, and subsequent food and movements of our People in this area. Understand how Taungurung People today are partnering with Tahbilk to reinstate our language, our perspectives, and our cultural values to support the restoration of this biocultural landscape for future generations.
You will experience a traditional Welcome Smoking Ceremony, inspiring yarns with two Taungurung guides, a guided walk along the tabilk-tabilk Indigenous Flora Trail and a gentle cruise through the wetlands keeping an eye and ear out for birdlife, frogs, turtles, and seasonal aquatic life unique to this place. We finish by giving ngun godjin (thanks) to Country – the keeper of our stories, past, present, and future.
Inclusions
This 4-hour cultural experience departs and ends at Tahbilk Winery - Wetlands View Restaurant, includes quality time with two Taungurung guides, a traditional Welcome Smoking Ceremony, morning tea using delicious bush ingredients, a boat cruise on the Tahbilk wetlands, and plenty of opportunities to ask questions and yarn with our guides.
Experience details
Departs from Tahbilk Restaurant carpark at 9.00am and concludes at this location by 1.00pm.
Requires a short boat journey. The bus can be boarded by a small step up or via a wheelchair lift. The boat is accessed via a ramp.
Roughly 1.5-2km of flat walking on uneven ground is required
We will have one and a half hours without access to a toilet (there is always the traditional bush loo available).
A morning tea is provided – dietary requirements can be met upon request
Parking is available at the Tahbilk Wetlands View Restaurant carpark
For detailed accessibility information see here.
Please bring
A hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
A raincoat
Comfortable walking shoes
Reusable water bottle
Insect repellent
Personal medications if required
Getting there
Tahbilk Winery and Wetlands is located just outside of Nagambie in the wetlands of Taungurung Country at 142 Mulberry Dr, Tabilk VIC 3608.
Via car, Tahbilk is 90 minutes from Melbourne along the Hume Highway. Follow the signs for the Tahbilk Wetlands View Restaurant once through the front entrance.
Via public transport, Nagambie can be accessed via train and bus. For details see www.vline.com.au
Tahbilk Winery is approximately 30min via bicycle from Nagambie town. There are bicycle racks available in front of the Cellar Door.
wawa biik features in a range of publications, websites and across news outlets as we highlight the Taungurung story alongside the experiences offered.
Please click here to read the latest edition
Just like the pride and purpose our Elders feel when wrapped in their possum skin cloak, we want wawa biik to be a warm and inspiring space that brings people together to celebrate and learn about our traditional and contemporary aspects of Culture.
Cultural heritage – “It’s still here and so are we” – a yarn with Jonah
Jonah Honeysett is a proud Taungurung /Wiradjuri man of the Nira-balluk clan who considers himself lucky to have grown up knowing about his culture, immersed in his culture, and learning about his culture from his Aboriginal parents and grandparents.
“It’s not Aboriginal heritage, it’s Australia’s Heritage” – a yarn with Ashley.
Ashley Wilkinson is a proud Taungurung man of the Yeerum-Illiam-Balluk clan, which is below Benalla and Mansfield area.
Cultural Heritage – an Elder’s perspective (Uncle Shane)
As a Taungurung Elder who has worked for his mob for two decades doing cultural surveys, Uncle Shane could probably write a book about what he’s seen and experienced out there in the field. Protecting cultural heritage is core to the work of any Custodians of Country and is a responsibility that is directly overseen by Elders.
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We acknowledge and pay respects to Taungurung Ancestors and Elders, past present and emerging. We continue to remain strong in culture, traditions and memories of those who have paved the way for Taungurung People and Country. We move forward proudly and thank our Ancestors for their guidance and protection throughout our journey.
