Harry and Meghan join Aboriginal walking tour in Melbourne

Harry and Meghan Join Aboriginal Walking Tour in Melbourne

On the third day of their Australian trip, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex participated in a cultural journey through the history of First Nations Australians in Melbourne. The couple joined an Aboriginal-led walking tour known as the Scar Tree Walk, a significant heritage site in the city. This experience, which took place on Thursday, included a visit to the Birrarung—Melbourne’s traditional name for the Yarra River—guided by local Indigenous leaders.

As private citizens, the couple has integrated their travels with both charitable efforts and commercial projects. During the tour, they encountered a Marngrook, a traditional ball made of possum fur believed to be the inspiration for the oval shape of the Australian Rules Football (AFL) ball. Earlier in the week, Prince Harry had engaged with AFL players to learn the sport, a move that Tom Mosby, CEO of the Koorie Heritage Trust, praised as a meaningful link to Indigenous culture.

“The fact that the Duke was at a football club yesterday is a really great connection,” Mosby remarked to the BBC. He added that the tour offered a deeper understanding of Melbourne’s historical ties to its traditional lands, emphasizing how the city remains rooted in Aboriginal heritage despite its modern identity.

Some locals and tourists were fortunate to meet the couple during the walk. A Brazilian visitor, who had come to Melbourne for her sister’s wedding, spotted the royal pair while running along the river. “It was so nice,” she said, expressing admiration for their appearance. Similarly, Narelle Zagami, a local resident, shared her excitement about the encounter. “They are the most gorgeous couple,” she said, highlighting their warmth and approachability.

The former royals also demonstrated interest in Victoria’s ongoing Treaty process. In 2025, the state became the first in Australia to formally sign a treaty with traditional owners, a development that resonated with the couple. Zagami defended their commercial activities, stating, “They’ve got to make a living as well. It’s part of their life now, so I think it’s good.” This sentiment echoed with Vita Benic, who had traveled to meet the couple during their 1983 visit as Prince Charles and Princess Diana.

Prince Harry’s recent public engagements included a speech at a father’s mental health report launch, where he reflected on his own parenting journey and encouraged children to “be an upgrade” of their fathers. Meanwhile, Meghan filmed a segment for the latest season of MasterChef Australia, set to appear as a guest judge on Sunday. The couple’s previous visit to Australia in 2018 saw them welcomed by large crowds during public appearances, a stark contrast to the more subdued interactions this time around.