HIGHWAYS THROUGH COUNTRY: NAARM TO EORA VIA THE HUME HIGHWAY

The holidays are finally here and there’s nothing better than loading up the car (or the truck) and setting off on a road trip. Australia is packed with exquisite landscapes, a vast, long-reaching history and unique First Nations cultures. As introduced during a previous blog First Nations on the Road: Highways Through Country, a fantastic way to introduce yourself to the varied First Nations cultures in Australia is through getting to know the Country’s you drive through on Australia's major highways. You can explore more through this map of Indigenous Australia on the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) website, and learn which Country you live, work and play on. This blog explores the Hume Highway which begins in Naarm (Melbourne) and brings you to Eora (Sydney).

KNOW THE HUME

The Hume Highway begins in Wurundjeri Woiwurrung Country in Naarm (Melbourne), then moves through Tuangurrong Country, Waveroo Country in the south, through to Wiradjuri, Ngunawal, Gundungurra, Tharwal and finally, Kunringai Country in Eora (Sydney). While you might not make a stop in each Country, it’s still interesting to know whose tribal Country you are driving through. Learning the names of the First Nations Countries can assist in appreciating the broader history and cultures of Australia that many non-Indigenous Australians may not have much awareness of.

REST STOPS FOR SMALL STUFF

Wiradjuri, Ngemba and Paakantji writer Gemma Pol says that, taking notice of the small stuff is an important part of First Nations thinking and notions of Country. When travelling along the Hume Highway the rest stops might not seem grand, but they can give you insight into the landscape and the interconnectedness of the plants and wildlife of Wurundjeri Country. Take a moment to look at the plants nearby, maybe photograph them to look up their names later – Google lens is an excellent tool for this. Think about how they work with the animals, birds and the feel of the land. Take a moment to slow down before hitting the road again. Spending mindful time being connected to the land is a relaxing way to break up any long drive and gives you a fresh appreciation for the Country you are on, and Australia as a whole.

FULL BELLIES ON THE ROAD

There is nothing worse than getting hungry on a road trip or worse, starting off with a growling belly. A healthy well-rounded meal can make all the difference on the road, so when starting your journey in Naarm (Melbourne) why not check out Mabu Mabu in the heart of the CBD if you want to stretch your legs and enjoy delicious native ingredients put to use by Torres Strait Islander head chef Nornie Bero. You can expect a large range of native ingredients on offer and used throughout the menu, as well as native seafood, wallaby, crocodile and a vast vegan menu stacked with native spices, fruits and veggies. If you want to grab something for the road, takeaway is available, as is the pantry range of teas made from native herbs and spices. Or try the wattle seed hot chocolate, perfect for a cuppa at a truck stop - as long as you pack your thermos! In Eora (Sydney), fuel up your tummy and your soul at The Lillipad Café. The menu is bursting with meals that cater to a large range of dietary needs and each dish is chockers with native ingredients seasoning the meat and vegetables as well as flavouring the dessert menu. The venue is run by husband-and-wife duo Laszio and Nyoka. The team consulted and worked with the Traditional Landowners and Elders of Kunringai Country to get the best possible advice for incorporating native ingredients. The textiles and materials are recycled and upcycled goods, and Nyoka, who is an Aboriginal woman from Far North Queensland, puts her knowledge and her ethnobotany skills to use when planning the menu and building community in Eora.

THE ROAD DOESN’T END HERE

There is always more to learn about the First Nations people of Australia, along with the paths and roads used by Aboriginal people and where they overlap with Australia’s highways. From bushwalks steeped in ancient cultures and sites, contemporary cuisine innovated by Indigenous restauranteurs, connecting to Country by observing plants, animals and the land around you at rest stops or visiting Aboriginal art galleries to gain further appreciation for culture – there really is no end to your on-road journey. Stay tuned for further blogs in the Highways through Country series to see where you can road trip next. Heading out on the highway these school holidays? Check out this blog to brush up on your road etiquette and road rules around trucks.