A walk in the Wheatbelt
Grey nomads and locals alike have been taking the time to learn more about Aboriginal culture and history as traditional owner Mick Hayden leads tours at Merredin.
The Njaki Njaki Aboriginal Cultural Tours explore the rich Aboriginal culture and heritage of the Wheatbelt region, with a walking tour of Merredin Peak or a full-day Moulyk Dreaming tour traversing significant locations in the region.
Tour leader Mick Hayden says he started the tours in 2015, taking travellers and locals from May to the end of September.
He says the tours are popular with those travelling around Australia, heading north or on their way to Wave Rock. Locals have also been taking the tours to learn more about their home.
As a young boy Mick grew up on Merredin Reserve and remembers a close extended family where he spent time playing in the bush with siblings and cousins.
His knowledge of the bush food, traditions and Aboriginal culture is relayed to travellers on his tours.
On the cultural walking tour of Merredin Peak and the surrounding reserve, Mick looks at bush tucker and bush medicine, the different types of wood available to make boomerangs, didgeridoos and tapping sticks, Dreamtime stories, the artefacts and tools used by Njaki Njaki Aboriginal people, and Aboriginal history and culture.
“We can all benefit from Aboriginal stories and it is important that people know about them,” he says.
At the top of Merredin Peak walkers are rewarded with delightful views of the town and reserve.
Mick also leads a full-day Moulyk Dreaming tour travelling to traditional and historical sites important to the Njaki Njaki Nyoongar people. Tailor-made tours can also be made upon request.
Top picture: Mick Hayden.
Fact File
- The two-hour Merredin Peak tour costs $70 per adult, $55 for seniors and $40 for children (10-17 years).
- The full day Moulyk Dreaming tour costs $150 per adult, $120 for seniors, $100 for children (10-17 years), and $450 for a family of four.
- See njakinjaki.com.au.
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