Darrabi Native Food and Reconciliation Garden

The Darrabi Native Food and Reconciliation Garden in Ferguson’s Paddock, Hurstbridge is designed as an educational resource for children and visitors, and its layout reflects the ‘six seasons’ of the Middle Yarra Timelines Calendar: ie. Early Spring, True Spring, High Summer, Late Summer, Early Winter and Deep Winter.

Darrabi is a Wurundjeri word for “awaken” and the garden displays a wide range of native species used by Aborigines for food, medicine, implements, shelter and clothes. It also features a 20m circle of rock seats around a fire pit. The garden provides a unique gathering space available for outdoor education, indigenous ceremonies or other community groups to explore the rich cultural history of Indigenous Australia and the diversity of usefulness of our Australian native plants.

The garden is surrounded by bushwalking trails, playgrounds and public open space and is now maintained by Friends of Darrabi.

For a list of plant species or more information, please contact Susie Walker from the Friends of Darrabi on 9719 7170.

Moor-rul Viewing Platform

The Moor-rul viewing platform in Kangaroo Ground is an educational facility where visitors can relax, reflect and learn about the local history, while at the same time enjoying breathtaking 270 degree panoramic views of the Yarra Valley!

Moor-rul was named with the consent of the Wurundjeri elders in recognition of the traditional custodian’s name for the district. Sixteen interpretive panels highlight stories of the region’s rich history and include images and descriptions of Indigenous significance.

The viewing platform, designed by local architect Dennis Ward, forms the shape of the Boronia flower, with its stems reaching through the building’s roof towards the sky over an elevated platform. It features artwork by Indigenous artist Mandy Nicholson.

The site is host to over 30,000 visitors a year who come to enjoy the spectacular views and to commemorate those who have served Australia. It is located at Garden Hill, War Memorial Park and Tower, Eltham Yarra-Glen Road, Kangaroo Ground (Melway 271 G10).

GAWA Wurundjeri Resource Trail

The GAWA Wurundjeri Resource Trail is designed to provide visitors with a deeper understanding of how the Wurundjeri clan lived near the creek and used the land to provide themselves with food, medicines, implements, shelters and clothes – all created by their Dreamtime spirits. The area covers part of the homeland of the Wurundjeri-willam clan.

The 340 metre trail consists of a main track with a loop. Designed for self-guided walking, the trail introduces visitors to the habitat of a variety of native Indigenous flora and fauna, including Manna Gums, Lomandra (used to weave baskets) and Wombat burrows.

The Trail is widely used as a teaching aid and enables everyone to experience the knowledge and enjoyment it has to offer.

The GAWA Trail is situated on the Eltham-Yarra Glen Road, Watsons Creek (Melway 272 D5). The trail is suitable for wheelchair access. Public toilet facilities are available close by.