Budj Bim

Welcome to the Budj Bim Cultural Landscape, a site of profound archaeological and cultural significance nestled in the southwestern reaches of Victoria. As we stand upon this ancient volcanic terrain, we are traversing a…

We begin our detailed exploration at the Tyrendarra Aquaculture Center, a focal point for understanding the sophisticated economic and ecological practices of the Gunditjmara. Here, the relationship between the people and the…

Continuing deeper into the landscape, we arrive at the site of the ancient stone huts, specifically in the Kurtonitj (Kur-ton-itj) area. This location offers some of the most compelling evidence of permanent Aboriginal settlement…

We now ascend toward the dramatic epicenter of the landscape: Lake Surprise. Located within the crater of the Budj Bim volcano, this lake is a visual centerpiece and a site of immense spiritual value. …

As we move further south from the crater, we encounter the heart of the ancient engineering: the eel traps themselves. These traps are a sophisticated combination of natural basalt formations and man-made stone walls. …

One of the most visually striking features of the Budj Bim landscape is the maze of lava blisters, also known as 'tumuli.' These rare geological formations occur when the surface of a lava flow cools and hardens, but the molten…

Our final stop on this journey through the Budj Bim landscape brings us to a place of reflection on the modern struggle for sovereignty and recognition. This landscape is not just an archaeological site; it is a symbol of…

As we conclude our tour of the Budj Bim Cultural Landscape, I hope you carry with you a new perspective on the history of this continent. We have walked through thirty-seven thousand years of geological history and six thousand…