Harry and Meghan join Aboriginal walking tour in Melbourne

A Cultural Experience

On the third day of their Australian trip, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex immersed themselves in the history of First Nations Australians by participating in a guided walking tour in Melbourne. The couple, now private citizens, visited the Scar Tree Walk—a significant cultural heritage site—where they explored the city’s deep-rooted ties to Indigenous traditions. The tour was led by local Aboriginal guides, who shared insights about the Birrarung, the traditional name for the Yarra River, and its historical importance.

During the excursion, the pair had the opportunity to handle a Marngrook, a ceremonial ball made of possum fur. This artifact is believed to be the precursor to the oval-shaped ball used in Australian Rules Football (AFL). The experience also included a visit to an art installation and a lesson on how traditional communities historically utilized the river for fishing and hunting.

“The fact that the Duke yesterday was at a football club, I think it’s a really great connection,” said Tom Mosby, CEO of the Koorie Heritage Trust. “This tour was about the couple being able to see what actually lies under the city. Melbourne is a ‘contemporary urban place,’ but ‘at the same time there is still a very strong connection by the Aboriginal people to this traditional country.'”

Public Appearances

Prince Harry’s engagement extended beyond the tour, as he attended a report launch on fathers’ mental health. He reflected on his own journey as a parent and emphasized the importance of children evolving into “an upgrade” of their fathers. Meanwhile, Meghan filmed an episode for the latest season of MasterChef Australia, set to debut as a guest judge on Sunday.

On Wednesday, the former royals also visited the Australian War Memorial in Canberra. In addition to these activities, they combined their trip with advocacy for charitable causes and commercial projects, reflecting their current roles outside the royal family. Local residents and visitors shared heartfelt encounters with the couple during the walk. Sofia Rocha, a Brazilian woman in Melbourne for her sister’s wedding, spotted them while running along the river. “It was so nice,” she said. “They are the most gorgeous couple.”

“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,” remarked Narelle Zagami, a Melbourne resident who joined the tour.

Another local, Vita Benic, echoed Zagami’s sentiments, noting the couple’s resemblance to the royal figures they once represented. “I just wanted to let them know what wonderful people they are,” Benic said, presenting the couple with children’s coloring books for Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. “They’re the epitome of what a family should be,” she added.

A Historical Context

The couple’s previous visit to Australia was in 2018, shortly after their marriage. They spent nine days in the country, drawing large crowds during public appearances. This time, their focus on cultural immersion aligns with Victoria’s recent achievement of passing Australia’s first formal treaty with traditional owners in 2025, a topic of interest for the pair during their visit.