Harry and Meghan join Aboriginal walking tour in Melbourne

Harry and Meghan Join Aboriginal Walking Tour in Melbourne

Prince Harry and Meghan embarked on a cultural exploration in Melbourne on the third day of their visit, immersing themselves in the history of First Nations Australians. The couple participated in a guided Aboriginal walking tour known as the Scar Tree Walk, a significant heritage site in the city. This experience included a visit to the Birrarung, the traditional name for Melbourne’s Yarra River, where they engaged with Indigenous storytellers and learned about the land’s ancestral use for fishing and hunting.

During the tour, the couple had the opportunity to handle a Marngrook, a ceremonial ball made of possum fur. This artifact is believed to have inspired the design of the oval ball used in Australian Rules Football (AFL). The event began at the Koorie Heritage Trust in Federation Square, highlighting the couple’s blend of personal interests and public engagement. Tom Mosby, CEO of the Koorie Heritage Trust, shared that the visit aimed to connect the pair with the deeper roots of the city’s cultural identity.

“The fact that the Duke yesterday was at a football club, I think it’s a really great connection,” said Tom Mosby.

While on the walk, several locals and tourists encountered the couple. Sofia Rocha, a Brazilian visitor, spotted them during a run along the river and praised their charm. Narelle Zagami, a local resident, expressed admiration for the pair, noting their approach to balancing philanthropy with commercial work. “They’ve got to make a living as well. It’s part of their life now, this sort of thing, so I think it’s good,” Zagami added.

Some residents recalled past encounters with the royal couple. Vita Benic, who attended the 1983 visit of the future King Charles III and Diana, Princess of Wales, shared that she hoped to meet them again. She gifted the couple children’s coloring books for their kids, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, and described them as “the epitome of what a family should be.”

Harry and Meghan’s last trip to Australia was in 2018, shortly after their marriage. That visit saw them spend nearly a week in the country, drawing large crowds during public appearances. This time, their focus shifted to private initiatives, including a public speech by Harry on fathers’ mental health and Meghan’s appearance on MasterChef Australia. The former prince also visited the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, while Meghan filmed a segment for the show’s new season.

Victoria’s recent formal treaty with traditional owners, signed in 2025, was another topic of interest for the couple. Mosby emphasized the importance of understanding the connection between the land and its original inhabitants, even as Melbourne continues to evolve as a modern urban center.