Broadford - Wawa Biik Taungurung Cultural Experiences
Wawa Biik is an Aboriginal-owned cultural tourism operator offering immersive experiences led by Taungurung guides on Taungurung Country in Central Victoria.
The name Wawa Biik means 'hello Country' in the Taungurung language, reflecting the organisation's commitment to sharing its living culture, traditions, stories and continuing connection to Country.
Owned and operated by the Taungurung Land and Waters Council, Wawa Biik offers guided cultural walks, traditional Welcome Smoking Ceremonies, bush food experiences, opportunities to learn about native plants, wetlands cruises and cultural activities for children.
Experiences are held around Nagambie and Euroa, with scheduled tours and private group bookings available.
Cultural Experiences:
Wawa Biik offers a range of guided experiences introducing visitors to Taungurung culture and the landscapes of Central Victoria.
Activities vary between tours and may include:
- Traditional Welcome Smoking Ceremonies.
- Learning Taungurung language and stories.
- Guided walks exploring the cultural significance of Country.
- Discovering native plants used for food, medicine, tools and fibre.
- Tasting traditional bush foods.
- Learning about caring for Country and environmental restoration.
- Guided wetlands cruises.
- Conversations with Taungurung cultural guides and Elders.
- Children's cultural activities and art workshops.
Wawa Euroa:
This three-hour cultural experience takes place at the Euroa Arboretum, a regenerated woodland landscape featuring native plants and wildlife.
The experience begins with a Welcome Smoking Ceremony, followed by a guided walk along the daanak trail.
Taungurung guides explain the cultural significance of native plants and their traditional uses for food, medicine, fibre and cultural practices.
Visitors can taste bush foods, share stories and learn about the connection between healthy Country and Taungurung culture.
The experience includes:
- Welcome Smoking Ceremony.
- Approximately 1 km guided cultural walk.
- Stories about traditional and contemporary Taungurung culture.
- Bush food tasting and morning tea.
- Opportunities to ask questions about culture and caring for Country.
Location: Euroa Arboretum, 76 Euroa Main Road, Euroa VIC 3666.
See Wawa Euroa tour information.
Wawa Euroa Wayilak - Children's Cultural Experience:
Wawa Euroa Wayilak is a special cultural experience designed for children aged 6-12 years.
Held at Euroa Arboretum, the two-hour programme introduces children to Taungurung culture through guided walks, storytelling, bush foods and hands-on activities.
The experience includes:
- Traditional Welcome Smoking Ceremony.
- Guided walk exploring native plants.
- Learning how plants are used for food, medicine and tools.
- Bush food tasting.
- Listening for birds, frogs and insects as signs of healthy ecosystems.
- Creative art workshop with materials provided.
- Souvenir artwork for children to take home.
- Opportunity for a photograph wearing a possum-skin cloak.
Age: 6-12 years.
Location: Euroa Arboretum, 76 Euroa Main Road, Euroa VIC 3666.
This experience is offered primarily through private group bookings, with occasional public sessions.
See Wawa Euroa Wayilak details and group bookings.
Wawa Nagambie:
Wawa Nagambie explores the relationship between Taungurung people and the waterways around Nagambie, particularly the waring (Goulburn River).
Taungurung cultural guides share stories about the importance of water, seasonal food sources and the continuing responsibility to care for Country.
The experience takes place around Tahbilk Winery and Wetlands and includes a combination of cultural activities, walking and travel through the wetland landscape.
Features include:
- Guided introduction to Taungurung culture.
- Stories about the Goulburn River and surrounding wetlands.
- Approximately 400 metres of walking on uneven ground.
- Bus and boat travel.
- Light picnic lunch.
Location: Tahbilk Winery and Wetlands, 142 Mulberry Drive, Tabilk VIC 3608.
See Wawa Nagambie tour information.
Wawa Tabilk-Tabilk:
This guided experience explores tabilk-tabilk, meaning 'the place of many waterholes', at Tahbilk Winery and Wetlands.
Taungurung guides introduce visitors to the cultural significance of the area, explaining traditional approaches to understanding and caring for Country.
The tour includes a walk along the Taungurung Flora Trail and a gentle boat cruise through the wetlands.
Highlights include:
- Welcome and grounding activity.
- Guided walk exploring native plants and cultural practices.
- Stories about Taungurung language, culture and Country.
- Wetlands boat cruise.
- Opportunities to observe birds, frogs, turtles and other wildlife.
- Morning tea.
Location: Tahbilk Winery and Wetlands, 142 Mulberry Drive, Tabilk VIC 3608.
See Wawa Tabilk-Tabilk tour information.
Ultimate Tahbilk:
Ultimate Tahbilk combines Taungurung cultural experiences with an exploration of the Tahbilk wetlands and winery.
The experience includes cultural stories, a guided walk through the wetlands, a boat cruise, morning tea and a shared lunch at Tahbilk Estate.
Duration: 5 hours.
Location: Tahbilk Winery and Wetlands, 142 Mulberry Drive, Tabilk VIC 3608.
See Ultimate Tahbilk experience details.
Private Group Bookings:
Wawa Biik offers private cultural experiences for groups, including educational and community organisations.
The children's Wawa Euroa Wayilak experience is particularly suitable for organised groups of children aged 6-12.
Group sizes, minimum participant numbers and availability depend on the experience.
Contact Wawa Biik to discuss suitable programmes, participant ages and booking arrangements.
Important Visitor Information:
Visitors are asked to respect Taungurung cultural protocols and follow instructions from their guides.
Important requirements include:
- Remain on designated paths.
- Do not remove plants, stones or other material from Country.
- Do not photograph Welcome Smoking Ceremonies or culturally significant locations.
- Videos are not permitted during cultural experiences.
- Ask permission before photographing guides.
- Wear comfortable enclosed walking shoes.
- Bring water, sun protection and suitable clothing for the weather.
Opening Hours:
Tours operate on scheduled departure dates and through private group bookings.
See current tour dates and availability.
Cost:
Charges vary depending on the cultural experience, with separate rates available for some concessions and private groups.
See current tour prices and experience details.
Review:
Wawa Biik offers families an opportunity to learn about Taungurung culture directly from the Traditional Owners of Country.
Rather than simply reading interpretive signs or viewing museum displays, visitors can hear stories from Taungurung guides, discover how native plants have been used for generations and develop a deeper understanding of the relationship between people and Country.
The Euroa Arboretum experiences are particularly appealing because they combine cultural learning with an attractive natural environment.
The Wawa Euroa Wayilak programme stands out for families with primary-school-aged children. Activities such as bush food tasting, identifying plants, listening for wildlife and creating artwork make the experience interactive and accessible for younger participants.
The Nagambie tours offer a different experience, exploring the waterways and wetlands of Taungurung Country through guided cultural activities and boat cruises.
These are structured, guided experiences rather than attractions that families can visit independently at any time.
Some of the longer experiences may be better suited to older children and adults, while the dedicated Wayilak programme has been designed specifically for children aged 6-12.
With knowledgeable Taungurung guides, fascinating stories and beautiful natural settings, Wawa Biik provides an excellent opportunity to learn about living Aboriginal culture and the importance of caring for Country.
Location
37 High Street, Broadford 3658 View Map
✆ (03) 5784 1466
Email Enquiry
Web Links
→ wawabiik.com.au
