Tae Rak Gunditjmara Guided Cultural Tour

OVERVIEW

Follow a Gunditjmara Aboriginal guide through the Budj Bim landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage site that contains one of the world’s most extensive and oldest aquaculture systems. As you will discover, the Gunditjmara people have inhabited the area for at least 6,000 years and significantly modified its waterways and wetlands to better harvest the short-finned eels that live there. As an introduction to this protected volcanic landscape, you will see hardened lava flows, the remains of ancient Aboriginal stone houses and some of the channels and dams that the Gunditjmara have built to trap the coveted eels. The guide will explain the cultural and economic importance of the eels – known as kooyangs – which you will see in a holding tank at the Tae Rak Aquaculture Centre that overlooks Lake Condah. You will learn more about the wetlands and its marine life while walking the lakeside boardwalk. An eel tasting and time for shopping follows.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Discover the wonders of the Budj Bim wetlands where the Aboriginal Gunditjmara live.
• Tour the UNESCO World Heritage site wetlands with a Gunditjmara guide.
• See how the Gunditjmara have altered the waterways to harvest the eels that live there.
• Gain insight into Gunditjmara lifestyle at the Tae Rak Aquaculture Centre.
• Enjoy a tasting of eel and learn about the cultural significance of eels to the Gunditjmara.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.