Deakin Waurn Ponds acknowledges the Wadawurrung people of the Kulin Nation, the Traditional Custodians of the land on which the Delama Dja Walk is situated. We pay our respects to their Elders and Ancestors, acknowledge their continuing connection to this beautiful Country, and thank them for their care and custodianship over many thousands of years.
In Wadawurrung language, Delama Dja means to 'embrace Country'. This self-guided walk is a chance to do just that–to embrace Indigenous stories, history and ways of knowing; to embrace Country and our responsibility to care for it; to embrace the power of nature; and to connect with the land, waterways and skies of our campus.
The Delama Dja Walk is a two kilometre circuit marked by signage exploring Wadawurrung culture, Deakin’s sustainability initiatives and the history of the campus. We have collected many stories and perspectives to share with you. The walk comprises a combination of flat, slightly inclined, sealed and unsealed paths, and you can visit as many or as few signs as you please.
Download a detailed map of the Delama Dja Walk below. Directional signage is also available around the campus–keep an eye out for our friendly frogs.
Download the Delama Walk map (PDF, 1.3MB)
While the Delama Dja Walk is outdoors and always open, amenities such as toilets, cafes and food outlets are subject to the campus' operating hours.
Bring your own water bottle to fill at one of our water fountains, which display beautiful indigenous artworks and inscriptions by local artists, BJ O’Toole and Corrina Eccles. Each fountain is also outlined on the maps.
There are some areas of shade and shelter along the walk, but other stretches of the trail are open to the elements. We recommend checking the weather and dressing appropriately before you head off!
Seating is identified on the maps. There are spots for a rest at Union Green (stop 1), Library Lake (stops 2 and 3) and half way up the hill towards Waurn Ponds Estate (between stops 5 and 6).
Artwork: Bundjil Karringalabil Murrup by Jenna Oldaker 2020 (Murrup Art)
Bundjil the eagle is the spirit creator of Wadawurrung Country. Bundjil can be seen flying high over Wadawurrung land, as we send thanks to him for continuing to watch over us since his creation. Waa the crow, protector of our waterways, shares a strong connection with Bundjil, as he is our protector. The four outer circles in the artwork symbolise water, wind, fire, and land – with the centre circle depicting the most important element, the sun. Every element flows into the centre circle, as nothing can exist without our greatest source of life.
The Delama Dja Walk wouldn’t be possible without the contributions of Wadawurrung Traditional Owners, Challis Design, Ann Raybould and John Beckworth. Thank you for your support.
Our Campus Support team are available 24/7 if you need assistance. They can be reached on 1800 062 579. If life is in danger, please call 000.
