Aboriginal heritage

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    Aboriginal heritage

    No other country on Earth has the ancient stories and culture evident on rock art sites and rock wells throughout parks in Victoria, Australia. The Grampians National Park is the richest site for Aboriginal rock art in Victoria. The region has the largest number of rock art sites in southern Australia and 90 per cent of Victoria’s known rock art sites, some dating back more than 20,000 years. About 140 rock art sites are recorded in the Grampians National park with five sites open to the public. Most art sites are under rock over hangs providing shelter and strategic viewing points of the surrounds.

    Visit Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre to learn more about the Aboriginal culture and history of Grampians National Park.

    Experience Aboriginal culture

     
    A young couple walks up through ancient lava flows to Sundial Peak in the Central Grampians.

    Grampians National Park

    Rising abruptly from the surrounding Western Plains, the Grampians (Gariwerd) is a series of rugged sandstone mountain ranges and forests rich in wildlife. One of Victoria’s most popular holiday destinations, the park is a great venue for camping, climbing, scenic drives, bushwalks and nature study.
    A young couple walk through a cave in Budj Bim National Park

    Budj Bim National Park

    Budj Bim is a long dormant volcano. Budj Bim is the source of the Tyrendarra lava flow which extends over 50km to the southwest. It is central to the history of the Gunditjmara people.
    A waterfall in the Tarra Bulga National Park

    Cultural Heritage Tarra-Bulga National Park

    Tarra-Bulga sits in a significant part of the Gunaikurnai cultural landscape - on their creation storyline, where Borun travelled carrying his canoe from the mountains to the sea. There is still much work to be done to fully understand the cultural values within the park, but the significant remnants of old growth forest are characteristic of a period when only Gunaikurnai were present on the land.

    Raymond Island Gippsland Lakes Reserve

    Gippsland Lakes Reserve, situated on Raymond Island on Tatungalung Country, is highly significant to Gunaikurnai Traditional Owners due to its remarkable Aboriginal cultural heritage. Just a short ferry ride from Paynesville, you can leave the car behind and explore the island by foot or bike, or bring your car with you for a small fee. Raymond Island is a haven for wildlife, especially well known for its large koala population.
    A retired coulpe chat with a Parks Victoria Ranger at Fort Nepean.

    Point Nepean National Park

    Point Nepean has played an important role in shaping the early settlement and defense of Australia. Walk or cycle through this rugged coastal landscape.
    Two kayakers come across a group of pelicans on the Gippsland Lakes.

    Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park

    The tranquil Gippsland Lakes are a system of coastal lagoons separated from the Tasman Sea by the coastal dunes of the Ninety Mile Beach. Seven rivers terminate at the lakes – the Latrobe, Avon, Nicholson, Tambo, Mitchell, Macalister and Thomson rivers.
    Mother and young daughter look at the rock formations in the Fairy Cave at Buchan Caves Reserve.

    Buchan Caves Reserve

    Near the township of Buchan, lies a honeycomb of caves full of spectacular limestone formations. The caves were formed by underground rivers cutting through limestone rock
    A pelican on the water at the Lakes National Park in Gippsland.

    The Lakes National Park

    The Lakes National Park is a peaceful bushland retreat in the Gippsland Lakes, fringed by the waters of Lake Victoria and Lake Reeve.

    Need to know

    Aboriginal heritage

    Managing Country Together

    Parks Victoria recognises that Aboriginal people have lived across Victoria for over a thousand generations, maintaining complex societies with languages, kinship systems, laws and spiritualties. Aboriginal people are the original inhabitants, or First Peoples, of this state. Land forms the basis of Aboriginal existence and identity which, along with water and natural resources were sustainably managed according to traditional laws and customs.

    Discover more

     
    Father and son bird watching on boardwalk

    Bird watching

    From bushland to wetlands and everything in between, parks provide habitat to an abundance of common and rare bird species. Go for a wander and see how many you can spot.
    Two women follow the path through scrub up Mt Bogong with mountain views in the distance.

    Walking

    Whether you’re after a gentle stroll or something long-distance, there are walking trails to suit all levels of fitness and ability.
    A mother, father and their two young daughts gaze out at the sea from the lookout point of the lighthouse.

    Historic sites

    Journey back in time and visit some of the historic buildings of post European settlement in Australia, including huts, mansions and lighthouses.
    Wildflowers

    Wildflowers

    Whether you’re surrounding yourself with carpets of colourful flowers, spotting rare orchids, or just enjoying the local native flowers, it’s a great way to immerse yourself in nature and help your spirits soar.
    Three friends take a break from their walk to take a photo of a Kangaroo who is equally watching them.

    Wildlife viewing

    Get up close and personal with some of Australia's shy native wildlife or look up to spot tree-dwelling mammals and flocks of colourful birds,
    Two hikers reach the summit of Mount Nelse at Bogong High Plains
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