Aboriginal Victoria

Aboriginal people have lived in the vast region of Gippsland for tens of thousands of years, visiting the rugged coastline and the sacred land that is today known as Wilsons Promontory National Park, located at the southernmost tip of mainland Australia.

Wilsons Promontory
A visit to Wilsons Promontory will reveal a place rich in Aboriginal history that remains a site of major spiritual significance to Victorian Koorie communities today. Explore the fern gullies, sandy beaches and eucalypt forests and feel the spirit of this special part of Victoria.

Historic sites
Continue along the East Coast to Ninety-mile Beach, Bairnsdale, Lakes Entrance and Orbost. Travel the country of the traditional custodians to find evidence of their unique lifestyles. Shell middens, canoe trees and meeting places are still present, even after the thousands of years that have passed since their creation.

Craftspeople
Visit the Krowathunkaloong Keeping Place in Bairnsdale where the local people will show you examples of the skilled craftsmanship of traditionally made baskets, spears, shields and canoes.

And while much of the Aboriginal history of Gippsland is deep in the area's past, local Aboriginal communities are presenting it to visitors as nature walks, guided tours, cultural talks and travelling exhibitions.