Last Thursday, the volunteers and the Volunteers Team embarked on an outing to the Royal Botanic Gardens – an oasis of lush greenery and natural beauty nestled in the heart of the city. This time, our visit took on a unique and enlightening perspective as we immersed ourselves in the Aboriginal Heritage Tour. Little did we know that this experience would not only open our eyes to the rich history of this land but also transform our perspective on the familiar flora that surrounded us.
The day could not have been more perfect, as the sun graced us with its warm presence on this cold winter’s day. Our guide, a knowledgeable Wiradjuri storyteller, greeted us warmly, and we knew instantly that we were in for a special journey.
As we wandered along the meandering paths of the Royal Botanic Gardens, we were taken aback by the abundance of history and cultural significance that lay hidden beneath the foliage. Our guide skillfully unraveled the intricate tales that intertwined with each plant, unveiling the deep-rooted connection between the Aboriginal people and their natural surroundings.
Listening to stories from the Aboriginal perspective, we realised how little we truly knew about this land we thought we knew so well. The landscape transformed into a living, breathing entity, each plant carrying a unique tale that spoke of survival, sustenance, and spirituality. We learned that what might appear as ordinary vegetation to an untrained eye held profound meanings for the Aboriginal people.
One such remarkable discovery was the lemon myrtle – an aromatic plant with a very delightful citrus fragrance. We were fortunate to each bring some lemon myrtle home, and I must say, adding it to my tea was an absolute delight! Its fragrance enhanced the tea, making it a truly memorable experience. Now that hard thing for me is to remember how to find them to add to my tea in the future!
During our tour, we also got to taste some of the berries that adorned the gardens. We couldn’t help but marvel at how nature gifted us not only with beauty but also with flavours – how wonderful!
As the tour drew to a close, we found ourselves filled with gratitude for the opportunity to learn from the Aboriginal perspective. We left the Royal Botanic Gardens with a newfound appreciation for the land we call home, understanding that its history is layered with countless stories waiting to be heard.
After our enriching tour, we were treated to a cup of tea and coffee at the café, which was a lovely end to our afternoon. Sipping on our beverages, we couldn’t help but reflect on the wisdom and beauty we had encountered throughout the day.
Our outing to the Royal Botanic Gardens was an unforgettable experience fostered a deeper connection with the cultural heritage of this nation. We realised that there is always more to learn and appreciate about the places we think we know well. The wisdom of the Aboriginal people and their harmony with nature left an indelible impression on our hearts, urging us to carry their stories and knowledge forward with the utmost respect and reverence.
I would highly recommend you all to take an Aboriginal Heritage Tour in the Royal Botanic Gardens next time you’re around the city. That’s it from me this month, we hope to see you next month on our outing!
Jessie Wang
Volunteer Program Partner