Harry and Meghan join Aboriginal walking tour in Melbourne
Harry and Meghan Join Aboriginal Walking Tour in Melbourne
On the third day of their Australian visit, Prince Harry and Meghan embarked on a cultural journey through the history of First Nations Australians in Melbourne. The couple participated in the Scar Tree Walk, a significant heritage experience led by Indigenous guides in the city. This tour highlighted the traditional name for Melbourne’s Yarra River, Birrarung, and its deep ties to Aboriginal communities.
As private citizens, the former royals are blending charitable efforts with commercial projects during their trip. The tour began at the Koorie Heritage Trust in Federation Square, where they engaged with a Marngrook—a traditional ball made of possum fur believed to inspire the design of the Australian Rules Football (AFL) oval. Harry had previously joined AFL players for a session on the sport, a move that Tom Mosby, CEO of the Koorie Heritage Trust, praised as a meaningful link to the community.
“The fact that the Duke was at a football club yesterday, I think it’s a really great connection,” Mosby told the BBC. “This tour was about revealing what lies beneath the city, showing how the Aboriginal people still hold strong bonds to this traditional land.”
During the walk, the couple observed an art installation and learned about the river’s historical role in fishing and hunting by local traditional owners. They also expressed interest in Victoria’s Treaty process, which recently saw the state pass Australia’s first formal treaty with Indigenous communities in 2025.
Some locals and visitors had the chance to meet the pair. A Brazilian guest at Melbourne’s Federation Square shared her encounter during a run along the river, calling the couple “the most gorgeous couple.” Narelle Zagami, a local resident, similarly described their visit as “very emotional,” adding that they are “beautiful people.” Zagami defended the couple’s decision to monetize their trip, stating, “They’ve got to make a living as well. It’s part of their life now, so I think it’s good.”
Other attendees echoed this sentiment. Vita Benic, who had the opportunity to meet the royal couple during their 1983 visit, noted, “I just wanted to let them know what wonderful people they are.” Benic gifted children’s coloring books to Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, declaring, “They’re the epitome of what a family should be.”
Harry and Meghan’s previous Australian trip occurred in 2018, shortly after their marriage. During that time, they spent about nine days in the country, drawing large crowds during public engagements. In recent days, Harry addressed a report on fathers’ mental health, reflecting on his experience as a parent and advocating for children to be an “upgrade” of their fathers. Meghan, meanwhile, filmed an episode for MasterChef Australia, set to appear as a guest judge on the show this weekend.
Throughout their visit, the couple has sought to connect with Indigenous culture while also engaging in various public and private initiatives, underscoring their ongoing commitment to both community and media projects in Australia.