A new book explores Melbourne’s Aboriginal heritage and provides walking tours of places of past and present significance.
Melbourne remains one of Australia’s most frequented cities by both domestic and international travellers, yet many never discover the rich and complex Aboriginal heritage that lies beneath the city’s busy landscape. In Melbourne Dreaming: A guide to important places of the past and present (Aboriginal Studies Press, $29.95), author and historian Meyer Eidelson provides readers with an authoritative travel guide to thirty six local sites of both historical and contemporary Aboriginal significance, helpfully divided into seven precincts.
Produced in consultation with local Aboriginal groups, historical sites featured include the Birrarung (Yarra) art and heritage walk, Federation Square & Southbank, Merri Creek, Fitzroy Aboriginal History Trail, Melbourne General Cemetery, Collins Settlement & Nepean Peninsula. Local beaches, parklands, camping grounds, city buildings and sites of colonial contact are all explored and their historical importance explained.
Designed for guided tours and self-guided walks (ranging from 30mins to a whole day), the book provides key travel information, detailed maps, illustrations and stories of alternative social history so that readers can gain an understanding of the Aboriginal people’s historical, cultural, social and economic contribution to the city. Melbourne Dreaming is an essential guide for those looking to discover the true history of Melbourne.
Meyer Eidelson has authored more than a dozen books about Melbourne and created this updated edition in consultation with the relevant Aboriginal groups. He runs Melbourne Walks, an award-winning accredited company providing personalised history walks.
