Nelson - Bocara Cultural Walking Tours
Bocara Cultural Walking Tours offers a fascinating Aboriginal cultural experience along the Glenelg River at Nelson in far south-west Victoria, led by Gunditjmara Traditional Owner Judy McDonald.
The approximately two-hour guided walk explores Gunditjmara history, traditional knowledge, bush foods, native plants and culturally significant places within the beautiful river landscape.
Bocara is the Gunditjmara/Dhauwurd Wurrung language name for the Glenelg River, while Mirring means Country.
Visitors walk along the river through native vegetation, learning about the Gunditjmara people who have lived on and cared for this Country for thousands of years.
The tour is particularly interesting for families because Judy adapts the stories and information to suit the interests and ages of the participants.
Aboriginal Cultural Walking Tour:
The guided walk begins at Simsons Landing, beside the Glenelg River in Nelson.
Over approximately two hours, visitors explore a mixture of sandy, gravel and dirt tracks while learning about Gunditjmara culture and the surrounding landscape.
Highlights include:
- Learning about Gunditjmara history and traditional clan groups.
- Discovering the cultural significance of Bocara (Glenelg River).
- Hearing about life on Country before European settlement.
- Learning about the effects of colonisation on Gunditjmara communities.
- Exploring the Gunditjmara seasonal calendar and its six seasons.
- Discovering native bush foods and useful plants.
- Seeing and handling selected native plants and botanicals growing in the area.
- Visiting a culturally significant sacred site.
- Learning about traditional customs, practices and connections to Country.
- Hearing about contemporary Gunditjmara life and culture in Nelson.
The walk covers approximately 2 km and is graded easy, although there are sections of uneven sand and gravel.
Gunditjmara Culture and History:
One of the most important aspects of the experience is the opportunity to learn directly from a Gunditjmara Traditional Owner.
Judy shares stories about the traditional Gunditjmara clan groups who lived along the river and surrounding Country, explaining how people used the natural environment and maintained their cultural practices.
The tour also explores the impact of European settlement and colonisation, while highlighting the continuing strength of Gunditjmara culture and connections to Country.
Bocara forms part of the western boundary of Gunditjmara Country, with the Glenelg River connecting communities, landscapes and cultural stories.
The region also contains important connections between Gunditjmara and Boandik Country.
Bush Foods and Native Plants:
During the walk, Judy introduces visitors to native plants and bush foods that grow naturally along the Glenelg River.
Participants can see and handle selected plants while learning about their traditional uses.
Topics may include:
- Native plants used as traditional foods.
- Seasonal changes in the availability of bush foods.
- Plants and botanicals important to Gunditjmara people.
- Traditional knowledge about the natural environment.
- Connections between the landscape, wildlife and the Gunditjmara seasonal calendar.
Only handle plants when invited to do so by the guide.
Gunditjmara Seasons:
The tour introduces the Gunditjmara seasonal calendar, which recognises six different seasons.
These seasons reflect changes in the natural environment, including the weather, flowering plants, animal behaviour and the availability of traditional foods.
Judy explains how Aboriginal people have used detailed observations of Country to understand seasonal changes over generations.
This is an interesting aspect of the experience for children, particularly those learning about nature, plants, wildlife and the environment.
Culturally Significant Sites:
The walking tour includes a visit to a sacred site associated with Gunditjmara history and cultural traditions.
Judy explains its significance and introduces visitors to appropriate cultural protocols.
Photography is not permitted at the sacred site, and there may be other places where visitors are asked not to take photographs or share particular information.
Visitors must follow the guide's instructions and treat culturally significant places with respect.
About Judy McDonald:
Bocara Cultural Walking Tours was established in 2024 by Judy McDonald, a Kerrup Jmara Gunditjmara woman and Traditional Owner.
Judy was born on Country and returned to Nelson in 2020, reconnecting with the landscapes and family history of the Glenelg River region.
Drawing on cultural knowledge passed down through her family, along with her experience in research and education, Judy established the business to share Gunditjmara history, stories and traditions with visitors.
Her tours provide a welcoming environment where people can learn about Aboriginal culture and ask questions.
Judy is a licensed tour guide, has first aid qualifications and holds a Working With Children Check.
Visiting with Children:
Bocara Cultural Walking Tours welcomes children, and Judy adapts the content to suit the interests of the group.
Children may particularly enjoy:
- Discovering native plants and bush foods.
- Learning how Aboriginal people used plants and natural materials.
- Exploring the river environment.
- Hearing stories about Gunditjmara history and culture.
- Learning about the six Gunditjmara seasons.
- Discovering the importance of caring for Country.
Children under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or carer.
There are opportunities to stop while the guide explains different features, but seating is only available at the beginning and end of the walk.
Families with very young children should consider whether they can manage the walking distance and two-hour duration.
Private Group Tours:
Private cultural walking tours can be arranged for groups, including schools, workplaces, community organisations and special-interest groups.
The programme can be adapted to suit the interests and educational requirements of the participants.
Private bookings are available outside regular tour times by arrangement.
Contact Judy to discuss group sizes, availability, children's participation and any special requirements.
Important Visitor Information:
The walking tour covers approximately 2 km along a combination of sandy, gravel and dirt tracks.
The walk is graded easy but is not suitable for wheelchairs or visitors with significant mobility limitations because of the uneven and unstable surfaces.
Visitors should bring:
- Comfortable enclosed walking shoes.
- Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
- Drinking water.
- Rain jacket if required.
- Any necessary personal medication.
Photography is allowed in some areas, but visitors must respect cultural restrictions, particularly at sacred sites.
Tours do not operate on public holidays or total fire ban days and may be cancelled because of severe weather conditions.
Meeting Point:
Tours begin and finish at the picnic area at Simsons Landing on Simsons Landing Road, Nelson.
Look for the Bocara Cultural Walking Tours banner near the picnic tables.
Parking and public toilets are available at Simsons Landing.
Visitors should arrive approximately 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
Opening Hours:
Tours are generally scheduled for Friday, Saturday and Sunday mornings, with private group bookings available at other times by arrangement.
Online bookings are essential.
See current tour times and booking information.
Cost:
Charges apply for guided cultural tours, with discounted senior tickets and children's rates available. Children under six can participate free when accompanied by a paying adult.
See current tour prices and booking details.
Review:
Bocara Cultural Walking Tours offers a wonderful opportunity for families to learn about Gunditjmara culture while exploring the beautiful Glenelg River landscape.
One of the most appealing aspects is the opportunity to hear cultural stories directly from Judy McDonald, whose family connections to Country bring a personal perspective to the experience.
Rather than simply reading signs about Aboriginal history, participants can ask questions, hear stories and learn about the continuing culture and traditions of the Gunditjmara people.
The bush foods and native plant activities are particularly interesting for children, providing an opportunity to discover that many ordinary-looking plants have important traditional uses.
Learning about the six Gunditjmara seasons is another fascinating element, demonstrating how closely Aboriginal cultural knowledge is connected with changes in plants, animals and the natural environment.
The visit to a sacred site provides an opportunity to appreciate the cultural significance of places that visitors might otherwise pass without recognising their importance.
The attractive Glenelg River setting adds to the experience, with native vegetation and opportunities to appreciate the local environment.
The approximately 2 km walk is manageable for many families, although the sandy and uneven sections may be challenging for younger children or visitors with mobility limitations.
A particularly valuable feature is Judy's willingness to tailor the experience to the interests of each group, making the tour suitable for a wide range of ages and backgrounds.
For families visiting Nelson and the far south-west corner of Victoria, Bocara Cultural Walking Tours provides an excellent combination of Aboriginal cultural learning, nature and an enjoyable outdoor experience.
Location
Simsons Landing picnic area, Simsons Landing Road, Nelson 3292 View Map
✆ 0438 561 608
Email Enquiry
Web Links
→ www.bocaraculturalwalkingtours.com.au
→ Bocara Cultural Walking Tours on Facebook
