There are few indigenous cultures in the world more closely linked with nature than Australia's Aboriginal people. They have long understood that their very existence relies on the conservation of the plants and animals, the purity of the water, the air which sustains them and their imprint upon the Earth.
Cultural sustainability is a cornerstone of the Emirates Conservation Programme and extensive consultation with indigenous communities has taken place. The traditional land owners of Wolgan Valley have maintained cultural ties with the land and sites of historic or spiritual significance, having acted as its custodians for tens of thousands of years.
With experienced Field Guides on hand, it's possible to rediscover what life was like in times past, by visiting rock art sites and shelters, as well as viewing some of the traditional stone artefacts found onsite.
Treks are conducted all year round and are scheduled taking into consideration weather conditions on the day.
Duration: 1.5 hours
Grade: Easy
Departing from the Heritage Precinct, the Field Guide escorts guests through the reserve to an area of great historic significance. Through the ancient tradition of Dreamtime legend, the indigenous people imparted the wisdom of their ancestors and this tour illustrates the depth of understanding of the medicinal uses of native plants, and how the seasons governed the hunting and gathering of animal and plant species. This and the traditional land management practices they employed, ensured the conservation of natural resources for future generations.
Guests are told about the trees used to craft traditional weapons such as the boomerang and spear, and are given the opportunity to use them, along with a spear thrower called the woomera. They are also shown the earliest form of “bush telephone”, the Bull Roarer, which was used as a communication device across vast distances for thousands of years.
Tours depart either in the morning at 0830 hours and finish in time for morning tea consisting of scones and billy tea 'swung' by the Field Guide; or take place in the afternoon at 1600 hours commencing with afternoon tea of 'damper-bread' fresh from the campfire and 'swung' billy tea and return in time to prepare for pre-dinner drinks and the evening meal.
Duration: 1.5 hours
Grade: Easy
Departing from the Heritage Precinct, the Field Guide walks guests through the historic development, explaining the restoration process of the old homestead.
This is the ideal way to learn about the harshness of settlement times and how the Australian landscape tested the mettle of the early graziers. With hard work and ingenuity, they established the pastoral property using local materials to build an outpost that had to be virtually self sufficient in order for its people to survive.
Guests visit the fully-functioning heritage kitchen garden, which has been re-established to supply fresh vegetables, fruit, nuts and herbs to the resort kitchen. They are also guided around the buildings that form the Heritage Precinct; including the original Homestead, men's quarters, woolshed, barn, slaughterhouse and meat safe.
Tours depart either in the morning at 0830 hours and finish in time for morning tea, consisting of scones and billy tea 'swung' by the Field Guide; or take place in the afternoon at 1600 hours commencing with afternoon tea of 'damper-bread' fresh from the campfire and 'swung' billy tea and return in time to prepare for pre-dinner drinks and the evening meal. Tours can be arranged through the Guest Services Agent and are conducted subject to weather conditions on the day.
