Full Day Guided Tour of Kooyang Yana with Lunch

Delving into Ancient Aquaculture at Tae Rak

The tour starts at the Tae Rak Aquaculture Centre, dedicated to Gunditjmara eel farming. Visit Kurtonitj Indigenous Protected Area, with eel traps and stone channels. See the ancient smoking tree used for eel preparation, vital to Gunditjmara culture. Marvel at their environmental knowledge as they carved rock channels, managing water flow from wetlands to sinkholes. This engineering feat created a network of channels, weirs, and dams for trapping and harvesting eels. Explore the Budj Bim seasonal calendar, displaying their understanding of seasonal changes.

Journey into Ancient Ingenuity and Cultural Significance

Your journey continues to Budj Bim National Park, home to 'Tungatt Mirring' or Stone Country, a diverse ecosystem of caves, lava tunnels, and an abundant koala population. The last eruption occurred over 20,000 years ago, determined by radiocarbon dating of charcoal in the lava flow. Here, enjoy a morning tea and later a hearty lunch at the Tae Rak Aquaculture Centre & Café. As the afternoon unfolds, a guided cultural walk through Tae Rak and surrounding wetlands awaits. Lake Condah, a vital part of Aboriginal history, brims with stone aquaculture sites, stone walls, and a lively display of birdlife.

Full Day Guided Tour of Kooyang Yana with Lunch

Embark on a transformative journey through time as you delve into the ancient landscape of Lake Condah, where Aboriginal culture breathes life in every corner. Visiting Kurtonitj Indigenous Protected Area and witnessing the ingenuity behind traditional eel-trapping methods, this tour is crafted for explorers of cultural heritage, devotees of natural wonders, and seekers of profound connections with indigenous traditions. Fun fact: you'll tread on ground older than the Egyptian Pyramids and Stonehenge, a UNESCO site that holds millennia of stories waiting to be shared. With Kurtonitj providing a window into Australia's rich prehistory and Tae Rak Aquaculture Centre offering a taste of contemporary innovation, this journey weaves past and present together, offering memorable encounters while understanding the delicate balance between heritage preservation and modern life.

Visiting Lake Condah's Cultural Heartland

Visit Lake Condah during the tour’s highlight segment where you'll explore its cultural heartland, home to the Gunditjmara people for over 20,000 years. Experience Kurtonitj Indigenous Protected Area, a site that showcases ancient stone huts and fish traps, illustrating the remarkable sustainable practices of early Aboriginal communities. Marvel at the intricate network of water channels and dams built from volcanic rocks, an engineering marvel older than many ancient civilizations. Discover the Gunditjmara’s deep connection to their land through storytelling sessions led by knowledgeable guides who share insights into aboriginal life, culture, and spirituality. Wander among the remnants of a thriving society where visitors can see firsthand how these people lived in harmony with nature for thousands of years.

Exploring Budj Bim National Park's Lava Tunnels

Experience Budj Bim National Park as part of the comprehensive itinerary featuring its unique geological formations. Access this national park included in the tour package enabling visitors to explore fascinating lava tunnels formed during volcanic eruptions thousands of years ago. Discover the intricate network of caves and tunnels that tell stories of ancient environmental changes and natural history. Witness nature’s own architecture with towering basalt columns and dramatic lava flows, a testament to the power of geological processes shaping our world. Explore the park's diverse flora and fauna, including adorable koalas nestled among eucalyptus trees, creating an enchanting backdrop for your adventure.

Discovering Kurtonitj Indigenous Protected Area

Explore Kurtonitj Indigenous Protected Area representing the tour’s centerpiece where visitors can immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage of the Gunditjmara people. Access this protected area included in the tour package enabling a deeper understanding of indigenous traditions and practices through guided walks led by knowledgeable local guides. Discover the ingenuity behind traditional eel-trapping methods that have sustained communities for generations, showcasing sustainable living techniques that are both ancient and relevant today. Experience the tranquility of Kurtonitj as you walk along stone pathways and learn about the significance of each feature in Gunditjmara culture.

Tasting Local Flavors at Tae Rak Aquaculture Centre & Café

Wander through Tae Rak Aquaculture Centre & Café showcasing the tour’s culinary appeal where visitors can enjoy a morning tea and lunch, featuring locally sourced produce and traditional aboriginal flavors. Access this aquaculture centre included in the itinerary providing an opportunity to learn about contemporary farming methods while savoring delicious meals prepared with care and attention to detail. Discover the sustainable practices behind the center's operations as you interact with knowledgeable staff who share stories of innovation and environmental stewardship.

Tour Highlights

• Visit Kurtonitj Indigenous Protected Area ancient stone huts
• Experience Budj Bim National Park lava tunnels spectacular geological features
• Discover Gunditjmara eel-trapping methods traditional sustainable practices
• Explore Tae Rak Aquaculture Centre local flavors comprehensive dining experience
• Access UNESCO site older than Egyptian Pyramids unique historical context
• Enjoy morning tea and lunch delicious culinary offerings included

Embark for explorers of ancient wisdom, wanderlust seekers of natural wonders, and curious souls yearning to understand the deep connections between past and present. This full day guided tour weaves together a tapestry of cultural heritage and modern innovation, offering unforgettable encounters that feel like stepping into a living history book where each stone tells a story and every meal is an adventure. Join us on this transformative journey as you forge meaningful connections with Australia's rich indigenous traditions while respecting the delicate balance between preserving heritage and embracing progress.