Uncle Rick's Waaman Tours - Leading the way for 70,000+ years
Uncle Rick's Waaman Tours - Leading the way for 70,000+ years

Elder Led Cultural Tours
Castlemaine, Victoria, Jaara Country.

Discover Jaara Culture with Uncle Rick - The Waaman

Embark on an enriching journey with Uncle Rick Nelson, a revered Jaara Elder, as he guides you through the heart of Jaara Country. Uncle Rick’s Elder-led cultural tours offer an authentic immersion into ancient traditions and practices.

Based in Castlemaine, Victoria, Uncle Rick’s Waaman Tours is dedicated to fostering understanding, respect, and connection to Aboriginal culture.

Join Uncle Rick as we explore significant sites, share ancestral stories, and celebrate the vibrant living culture  of Jaara people.

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The Jaara Story

In the heart of Castlemaine and Upper Loddon, amidst the rugged terrain and sweeping vistas, lies a land steeped in the living culture  of the Jaara people. For thousands of years, this ancient landscape has cradled the dreams, struggles, and triumphs of our ancestors.

From the towering mountain Leanganook (Mount Alexander) and the ancient volcano Lalgambook (Mount Franklin) to the tranquil valleys and meandering waterways that have sustained our people for generations, every hill and riverbed carries the echoes of our past and the hopes for our future.

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What's included in the Waaman Tours

Welcome to Country/ Smoking Ceremonies

Experience the ancient ritual of smoke cleansing, known for its purifying and healing properties. Join Uncle Rick as he performs traditional Smoking Ceremonies to cleanse the spirit and connect with the land, fostering a sense of peace and renewal.

See Significant Trees and Sites

Explore the living history of Jaara Country through visits to boundary trees, scar trees, and ancient giants. Uncle Rick unveils the stories etched in these significant trees, offering a profound connection to the land's rich culture.

Uncle Rick's Private Collection of Artefacts

Explore a captivating collection of Indigenous artefacts with Uncle Rick. From boomerangs to didgeridoos, each piece carries deep cultural significance and tells a story of Australia's rich heritage.

Bush Tucker Sampling

Delight in the authentic taste of indigenous ingredients as you connect with the land during our bush tucker morning tea.

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Book a Private Tour with Uncle Rick Nelson

Whether for a work event, birthday, or a parent-friendly outing, we offer enriching experiences that connect you with our region’s cultural heritage.

To enquire, please contact us at info@nalderun.net.au

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Waa MerchNow Available

Order Merch Online

Purchase Uncle Rick’s Waa merchandise online.
Printed and designed locally. Shipping and printing are handled by Oni Streetware.

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Guided by Uncle Rick Nelson

Meet Uncle Rick Nelson, a revered Jaara Elder and Traditional Owner, dedicated to preserving and sharing the living culture of his people. With a profound commitment to his community, Uncle Rick serves as a cultural advisor, guiding initiatives and fostering understanding of Jaara traditions.

Building upon the legacy of his father, Uncle Brien Nelson, whose pioneering tours paved the way, Uncle Rick continues to honour the ancestral wisdom passed down through generations.

Through his Waaman Tours, Uncle Rick invites you to experience the richness of Jaara culture firsthand, offering a journey of discovery and connection that resonates with the spirit of his ancestors.

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Uncle Rick Nelson, Photo Liz Thompson/SharingStories Foundation

Book a Waaman Guided Tour

Ready for an unforgettable journey through Jaara culture with Uncle Rick Nelson?

Book your tour today and immerse yourself in the ancient traditions and the rich stories of Jaara Country. Guided by Uncle Rick. His tours offer a unique opportunity to connect with the land and the living culture .

All tours depart from Castlemaine Visitor Information Centre right in the heart of Castlemaine on Jaara Country

Don’t miss out – secure your spot now and join us for an enlightening exploration of Jaara culture.

Contact

For any enquiries please email us at info@nalderun.net.au. If you have questions about your upcoming event or booking, you can find the contact number in the event description on Humanitix.

Uncle Rick’s Waaman Tours 2025
Directed, operated and guided by Uncle Rick Nelson
Proudly supported by Nalderun Social Enterprise
Website and Design by Gravy Stain Pants
Photography by Stewart Carter