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.