Harry and Meghan join Aboriginal walking tour in Melbourne
Harry and Meghan Join Aboriginal Walking Tour in Melbourne
On the third day of their Australia trip, the Sussexes embarked on a cultural exploration of Melbourne’s First Nations heritage. Prince Harry and Meghan participated in a guided walk led by Indigenous locals, focusing on the city’s historical ties to Aboriginal communities. The tour, known as the Scar Tree Walk, highlights significant cultural landmarks and offers insights into the region’s traditional practices.
A Cultural Heritage Experience
The couple traversed the Birrarung, the original name for Melbourne’s Yarra River, during the event. They engaged with local guides who shared stories about the land’s significance, including its role in fishing and hunting by traditional owners. The experience also included a hands-on interaction with a Marngrook, a ceremonial ball made of possum fur, which is believed to have inspired the design of the Australian Rules Football (AFL) oval ball.
“The fact that the Duke yesterday was at a football club, I think it’s a really great connection,” said Tom Mosby, CEO of the Koorie Heritage Trust.
Mosby emphasized that the tour aimed to reveal the deeper roots of Melbourne’s history beneath its modern urban landscape. He noted that while the city is a “contemporary urban place,” its Aboriginal communities maintain a profound connection to the land. The couple’s interest in Victoria’s Treaty process was also highlighted, as the state recently finalized its first formal treaty with traditional owners in 2025.
Public Engagement and Local Reactions
During the walk, some residents and visitors had the chance to meet the pair. Sofia Rocha, a Brazilian woman visiting for her sister’s wedding, encountered the couple while jogging along the river. She described their appearance as “so nice” and praised their “most gorgeous” demeanor. Narelle Zagami, a local, shared her admiration for Harry and expressed support for their commercial activities during the trip.
“They’ve got to make a living as well. It’s part of their life now, this sort of thing, so I think it’s good,” Zagami added.
Meanwhile, Vita Benic, a Melbourne resident, recalled how she had previously met the royal couple during their 1983 visit. She shared a similar sentiment, highlighting their role as “the epitome of what a family should be” and presenting them with children’s coloring books for Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
Recent Activities and Past Visits
Prince Harry’s schedule included a speech at a father’s mental health report launch, where he discussed his own parenting journey and encouraged children to be an “upgrade” of their fathers. He also visited the Australian War Memorial in Canberra. Meghan, meanwhile, recorded a segment for the latest season of MasterChef Australia, set to appear as a guest judge on Sunday. Their 2018 visit, which occurred shortly after their marriage, had seen large crowds gather to welcome them during public appearances.
