Aboriginal Melbourne

Womindjeka / wominjeka! That means welcome in the languages of the Traditional Owners of the area now called Melbourne.

The City of Melbourne respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land, the Bunurong Boon Wurrung and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung peoples of the Eastern Kulin Nation and pays respect to their Elders past, present and emerging.

Today we are proud to say that Melbourne is a significant gathering place for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Find out more about Aboriginal culture through these places and events, and follow Aboriginal Melbourne on Facebook.

Reconciliation week events

Until 29 Jun

First Nations Art and Culture Events

Free events celebrating First Nations people and culture.

One Song: The Music of Archie Roach

5 – 6 Jul

The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and guests celebrate the legacy of Archie Roach.

Flinders Street Station at night illuminated with blue lights and the word RISING attached to the exterior.

Shadow Spirit

7 Jun – 30 Jul

An exhibition of First Peoples’ spirits, time travel and memory within Flinders Street Station.

Man in dark singlet, with right arm around torso and shoulder; against green background.

Jacky

Until 24 Jun

A sharp-witted play from a fresh Aboriginal voice on the cost of balancing family, work and culture.

Indigenous dot painting artwork on bark.

Nitel: An Exhibition of First Nations Artists

Until 30 Jul

An exhibition of artworks by five women from the Bendigo region on Dja Dja Wurrung country.

Bronze statue of Pastor Sir Douglas and Lady Nicholls.

Aboriginal Melbourne walk

Discover Melbourne's Aboriginal heritage and culture on this walking tour of significant sites, from Melbourne's Fitzroy Gardens to the harbour at Docklands.

You'll see artefacts of Aboriginal history and culture including scarred trees, historical meeting places, artworks and monuments.

A couple in a gallery listening to a man with a boomerang.

Koorie Heritage Trust

Based at Federation Square, the Koorie Heritage Trust promotes Aboriginal culture through an ever-expanding collection of art, cultural artefacts and oral histories. The centre offers a regular program exhibitions, workshops and tours.

The centre's retail space showcases items designed or crafted by Aboriginal people, including books, artwork, clothing, jewellery and homewares.

A woman sitting on a bench and looking at paintings in an art gallery.

Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia

The world’s first major gallery dedicated exclusively to Australian art, the Ian Potter Centre showcases an impressive collection of works by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists.

See 19th century drawings by William Barak, 20th century paintings by Albert Namatjira, and work by contemporary artists Reko Rennie and Brook Andrew.

A couple walking through a sculpture park by the river.

Birrarung Marr

This popular park along the Yarra River is named from the Wurundjeri people who originally inhabited the area: ‘birrarung’ means ‘river of mists’ and ‘marr’ relates to ‘side’.

The Birrarung Wilam art installation celebrates Victoria’s Aboriginal culture, while a semicircle of metal shields represents each of the five groups of the Kulin Nation.

Bunjilaka

Melbourne Museum’s Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre celebrates the history, culture, achievements and survival of Victoria's Aboriginal people.

The centre is named after Bunjil, the eagle creator deity of the Kulin Nation. Under his metaphorical wing, the centre presents permanent and temporary exhibitions, as well as events and activities.

People dining in a casual restaurant with a red neon sign.

Mabu Mabu - Big Esso

If you've never tried local delicacies like saltbush fried crocodile or charred emu with cassava crisps, then grab a seat at the communal table. This Indigenous-owned and run restaurant in Fed Square celebrates First Nations' food and culture.

In the spirit of community, dishes are designed for sharing. Pumpkin damper with golden syrup butter is essential, as is a bucket of the charred king prawns.

A bright yellow interior of a cafe with small tables and red stools.

Pawa Cafe and Bar

Hamer Hall's new cafe is a celebration of native flavours, from strawberry gum brownies to kangaroo pies. Enjoy lunch outside or stop in post-show for cheese and local wine.

Established by Aboriginal woman Niyoka Bundle from the Gundijtmara people, Pawa works with Indigenous native food growers, farmers, local artisans and makers.