Wilami Wunmabil Trail
Jul 2, 2025
Scott Killeen, Experience Designer
Kelp Creative
The Wilami Wunmabil Trail is a rich, multi-layered experience that enhances a large-scale landscape restoration project through cultural education, and digital experiences. By showcasing Wurundjeri stories— told through Wurundjeri voices, language, and art—the trail engages visitors emotionally, fostering a deeper understanding of Wurundjeri culture and Country.
The project began with the transformation of a creek. Melbourne Water is working with project partners and community to reimagine several creeks across Melbourne. This work aims to transform stormwater drains and modified creeks into natural, welcoming waterways. The revitalisation of a 360-metre section of the concrete-lined Moonee Ponds Creek in Strathmore and Oak Park was one such project. The project was led by Melbourne Water on behalf of the Chain of Ponds Collaboration—a collaboration of local and state government, community groups, not-for-profits, water authorities and researchers—with landscape design undertaken by Spiire Landscape Architects.
During early planning, a Cultural Values Assessment was undertaken with the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation. One of the report’s recommendations was to interpret and share Wurundjeri culture along the creek through a Wurundjeri Immersive Trail. The project also sought to build the capacity of the Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation to deliver cultural interpretation projects on other locations through the creation of interpretive assets. Funding was secured through the Victorian Government’s Port Phillip Bay Fund, which supports self-determination for Traditional Owners.
What is an immersive trail?
This trail was to go beyond traditional signs. It would incorporate physical and digital interpretive media; enable Elders and knowledge-holders to tell their stories themselves; evoke emotional connections to Country so people ‘feel differently’ when they leave; be multi-sensory; and provide a sense of discovery so not everything is visible at first glance.
Being Wurundjeri-led was key.
The project was made possible through deep collaboration with Cultural Consultation and Education Teams at Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation. From that early engagement, several guiding principles were established: include Woi-wurrung language; prioritise oral storytelling over written text; and ensure materials and design reflect and belong within the natural landscape. The process began with a walk on Country, exploring the landscape, sharing stories, and identifying opportunities then continued with regular engagement.
Facilitate, not dictate
Kelp Creative led the consultation, design and delivery of the trail in collaboration with a team of specialists. Sandpit developed and implemented the digital experience; Nuttshell created all graphic design elements including the integration of Wurundjeri artworks; and Aeroplane Workshop was responsible for the design and fabrication of all built structures. Our role was to facilitate—to give shape and form to stories and ideas generously shared by the Wurundjeri community.
A digital layer deepens engagement
As language was to be a key feature of the trail, hearing language spoken was critical. The digital app enables us to include Woi-wurrung language through pronunciation and translation, play audio stories told by Elders and other knowledge-holders, and animate artwork using augmented reality.
Naming the Trail—Wilami Wunmabil.
During research conducted by the Wurundjeri Cultural Heritage team, it was discovered that the Woi-wurrung name for Moonee Ponds Creek is Wilami Wunmabil, meaning “home of the bustard or turkey”—a bird once common along the creek. In recognition, Wurundjeri Elders incorporated the Traditional name of the creek into the Trail’s name.
“The Wilami Wunmabil Trail is my favourite project to date, especially working with Wurundjeri Elders from start to finish. It feels like Aunty Julieanne and Aunty Gail are there with you on the walk and you’re seeing, hearing and feeling exactly what they were so kind to share. The experience is just magic.”
Rachel Lopes, Chain of Ponds Collaboration Lead
Deep listening crafted four trail stops
Through collaboration with Aunty Gail Smith, Aunty Julieanne Axford, and Charley Woolmore, four cultural themes emerged. As stories emerged, four stops were proposed, each with a Woi-wurrung word linked with an aspect of culture. Interpretive media were proposed and refined through Elders’ feedback. The project steering committee—with representatives from Melbourne Water, Merri-Bek City Council, Moonee Valley City Council and local artists —also informed the trail. Spiire Landscape Architects were regularly engaged to ensure that the interpretive media, which were planned after landscape work had commenced, integrated well with the landscape design.
“There was great listening in this project, and that doesn’t always happen.”
Aunty Julieanne Axford, Wurundjeri Elder
Wominjeka—“Come with purpose”
Trailhead signs—one at either end of the trail—include a map and waterway artwork by Dr Mandy Nicholson which is also used across the site and digital app to unify all elements. Scanning the QR code launches a Welcome to Country audio by Uncle Bill Nicholson.
Biik—“Country”
Wurundjeri people have cared for Country for tens of thousands of years. ‘Seven Seasons’ artwork by Wurundjeri artist Ky-ya Nicholson-Ward illustrates the changes across the Wurundjeri seasonal calendar. The calendar features a carved timber grub which is moved by students from nearby Strathmore North Primary School as each season begins. A QR code launches a pronunciation of “biik” by Aunty Gail Smith and two audio stories. The first features Uncle Bill Nicholson, Aunty Gail Smith, Eddie Mullins and Jack George speaking about caring for Country. The second audio by Kelvin Thomson discussed the Friends of Moonee Ponds Creek’s role in caring for the waterway and their advocacy to remove the concrete from the creek. Visitors can also explore the artwork using augmented reality which animates key aspects of each season, revealing their meaning.
Marra—“Community”
Early consultation expressed the desire to interpret the devastating impacts of colonisation. In response, an installation of 17 timber posts was created—representing the number of Wurundjeri people left after colonisation. The three central poles carry the names of today’s surviving Wurundjeri families. Scanning a nearby QR code provides a pronunciation of “marra” by Aunty Gail Smith and plays an audio story by Uncle Bill Nicholson about the resilience of today’s Wurundjeri community.
Mooroop—“Spirit”
Wurundjeri culture is deeply rooted in their spiritual connection to Country. Artist Ash Firebrace illustrated five Creation Spirits selected by Elders—Bunjil, Waa, Balyang, Wourn-gūrk, and Dan-tun—which were turned into profile-cut steel and translucent polycarbonate artworks. A QR code launches a pronunciation of “mooroop” by Aunty Gail Smith and audio stories from Uncle Bill Nicholson, Jack George and Rebecca Axeford about the importance of the Creation Spirits and spirituality in Wurundjeri culture.
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