Journey on Wadawurrung Country

Journey on Wadawurrung Country is a sensory and immersive cultural learning experience that shares life stories and sounds of Wadawurrung People and Country, entwined together to create an immersive experience.

Be in the space, surrounded by beautiful portraits and deeply listen to the lived experience, knowledge and history of Wadawurrung people.

Moving through the exhibition, the voices of Wadawurrung People can be heard, from Wadawurrung's most senior Elders, aged in their 90's, to future Elders, as they bravely share their journey and the journey of those who walked before them.

The sounds of Wadawurrung Country can also be heard, including the many sounds of the Barre Warre Yaluk (Barwon River), Parrwang (the magpie) and the sounds of the dawn rising over Wurdi Youang (the You Yangs).

Journey on Wadawurrung Country is presented by Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation.

Wadawurrung Traditional Owners have worked in close consultation with artists Ferne Millen (photographer) and Vicki Hallett (sound artist) to create this exhibition.

This project captures portraits, soundscape and stories from recognised Traditional Owners of Wadawurrung Country, entwined with the sounds of the birds and water of Wadawurrung Country.

Tuesday May 28 - Sunday June 16

Open daily 10am-3pm

The exhibition will be open for an additional evening on Wednesday 29 May, 5.30pm-7.30pm.

The exhibition will be CLOSED for the public holiday Monday, June 10.

Yes, entry is free for all ages.

Journey on Wadawurrung Country is a sensory, immersive cultural learning experience that will share life stories and sounds of Wadawurrung People and Country, entwined together to create an immersive experience – for people to be in the space, see the beautiful portraits and deeply listen to the stories.

You should allow at least one hour to visit the exhibition, but it is recommended that you allow more time to deeply reflect, ask a question or just have a yarn with the Wadawurrung Traditional Owner who will be on site daily.

Visitors can find ample free parking via Sweeney Lane around the Grenville Oval and Wadawurrung Way on either side of the Grant Pavilion (see image below).

During busy times, further parking is available at Wurdi Baierr Stadium or Surf Coast Shire Council offices via Merrijig Drive.

The most accessible parking, closest to the Grant Pavilion is at Sweeney Lane.

A Wadawurrung Traditional Owner will be on site at the exhibition each day from 10am-3pm to answer questions or to simply have a yarn as you visit the exhibition.

Volunteers and Council staff will also be available should you require assistance.

The Journey on Wadawurrung Country exhibition is open 10am-3pm daily from May 28 - June 16 (closed June 10 public holiday) with an additional open evening on Wednesday 29 May 5.30pm-7.30pm.

In Aboriginal communities, an Elder is a highly respected person who is a knowledge holder and custodian of cultural lore in their family and community.

As a sign of respect, Elders are addressed as Uncle or Aunty; and as a further sign of respect, Elder is spelled with a capital letter.

As you move through this exhibition, you will hear the voices of Wadawurrung people, from Wadawurrung's most senior Elders to future Elders, as they have bravely shared their journey and the journey of those who walked before them.

Yes, absolutely. Everyone is welcome to attend the Journey on Wadawurrung Country immersive exhibition.

This is a free community event presented by Wadawurrung Traditional Owners with the support of Surf Coast Shire Council, TAC, WorkSafe, and Give Where You Live foundation.

Visitors are invited to learn, listen and gain deeper understanding of the people and Country they live, gather, work and play on.

In the words of Wadawurrung Traditional Owners: “koling-wada-ngal” let’s walk together.

Yes, with parent, guardian or teacher supervision.

The interviews featured in this immersive exhibition are with Wadawurrung people talking about actual things that happened to their Ancestors, Elders, family members, or themselves.

A Wadawurrung Traditional Owner will be on site at the exhibition daily to answer any questions or to simply have a yarn as you visit the exhibition.

There will also be Volunteers and Council staff on site to provide assistance if required.

The Journey on Wadawurrung Country exhibition has been made possible by the generous support of TAC, WorkCover, Give Where You Live foundation, and Surf Coast Shire Council.

This exhibition has been further supported by City of Greater Geelong, Bells Fine Art, Bellarine AV, Otway Indigenous Nursery and Signific.