DESTINATIONS ACTIVE & ADVENTURE | TASMANIA


exper expert ASK THE


Nicole Mitchell executive officer,


Discover Aboriginal Experiences


“Today’s travellers are seeking authentic connections to the land and sea and the wukalina Walk offers a rare window into Tasmania/lutruwita’s Aboriginal cultures, taking


place on cultural homeland. All the experiences on Tourism


Australia’s Discover Aboriginal Experiences programme are Aboriginal-guided, bringing landscapes and cultures to life through personal stories. And the diversity of experiences is as vast as Australia’s landscapes. In addition to walking tours, adventure seekers can join Aboriginal


guides on quad bikes to explore the largest moving sand dunes in the southern hemisphere on the Central Coast of New South Wales, while learning about Indigenous culture.


Food enthusiasts can discover ingredients like quandong,


Davidson’s plum, lemon myrtle and wattleseed, featured in restaurants worldwide. Art lovers can visit contemporary


galleries showcasing extensive Indigenous art collections and explore ancient rock


paintings or create their own canvases under the guidance of Aboriginal artists.”


The wukalina Walk is particularly special, as clients spend four days in a small group with guides, offering the opportunity to learn about Aboriginal culture in a much deeper way. It’s by far one of the most memorable travel experiences I’ve had in years. Within minutes of meeting us, Nathan tells us he’s


comfortable with us asking whatever questions we’d like. “If you ever think you shouldn’t ask a question, please ask,” he says. But he’s quick to highlight that while the walk is about cultural exchange and historical storytelling, there’s a wellness element too. “The walks are about being present with yourself and that opportunity to recharge. And reciprocity – we might learn something from you too.” That element of mindfulness is certainly there as we near the camp on the first evening. As the skies begin to darken, Nathan advises us to keep our torches off so our eyes adjust to the lower light. And as we keep walking through the bush, towards the coast, I’m surprised by how much I can see in the light of the nearly full moon. Surrounded by nature, hours since we had mobile phone service, I feel completely immersed in the adventure.


RESTING PLACE We eventually reach our camp – krakani lumi, which means resting place – in a coastal heath. The domed timber huts are built using blackwood in


It makes [us] proud of [our]


culture. I want people to feel what I feel when I’m back here on country – grounded


the style of traditional palawa huts, a collaboration between a Hobart-based architect, the Land Council and the broader Aboriginal community. The main social space is open-fronted, facing a firepit, with separate, solar-powered kitchen and bathroom areas and five comfortable sleeping huts. It’s among the cosier glamping experiences I’ve had, with a thick mattress and kangaroo skins adding warmth to the bedding set-up, and a glowing, colour-changing orb for lighting to help us find our way on the timber paths around the camp after dark. Once we’re settled, we’re warmly greeted by Mel, who has prepared fresh oysters, grilled octopus and scallops, and a selection of tasty salads for us. Mel’s cooking, using traditional ingredients, is a highlight here: a ploughman’s lunch with local correa alba leaves in the relish; a seafood chowder made with locally caught mussels, white fish and squid; muttonbird curry and wallaby and possum stew for the adventurous, mopped up with fresh-baked damper bread.


² 52 6 FEBRUARY 2025 travelweekly.co.uk


CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: A palawa guide shares knowledge with guests on the wukalina Walk; lunch and open fire at krakani lumi, a standing camp on the route PICTURES: Jillian Mundy; Tourism Tasmania


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