Aboriginal heritage – Grampians
A long history
Aboriginal people have had an association with the Grampians, traditionally known as Gariwerd, for thousands of years. The numerous local clans have left evidence of their lives in the region, including ancient oven mounds, scatterings of stone left over from tool making, rock art sites and the beliefs handed down from one generation to the next.
Recognising the heritage of Gariwerd
Descendants of the original clans of Gariwerd continue their strong connection with the region. In 1991, the traditional names of 49 places and features within the Grampians region were restored, recognising the important heritage and mythology of western Victoria’s Aboriginal people.
Bringing Aboriginal history to life
Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre in Halls Gap brings to life the history and culture of five aboriginal communities in Victoria. This impressive centre offers visitors information on the rich Aboriginal culture, heritage and local rock art sites.
Today approximately 60 rock art sites, containing more than 4,000 different motifs have been identified in the National Park. Several shelters are open to the public and are all easily accessible. In the Western Grampians you can visit Manja and Billimina shelters and in the north Ngamadjidj and Gulgurn Manja shelters. One of the most important sites in the region, and in Victoria, is Bunjil’s shelter.
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This unique centre highlights the history of the region through impressive experiences and displays based upon the Aboriginal cultural heritage and the natural environment of the Grampians National Park.
Grampians Road, Halls Gap
Ph 03 5361 4000(within Australia)
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Bunjil's Shelter
One of the most important aboriginal rock art sites in the region this site depicts Bunjil, the traditional creator of the land, and his two dingoes. Bunjil was known as a good spirit who created things as they are today and gave the tribes their law and culture.
11 kilometres from Stawell and sign posted off the Stawell-Pomonal Road
Gulgurn Manja Shelter
Gulgurn Manja means 'hands of young people'. The Gulgurn Manja Shelter displays small handprints in red ochre. Signage outlines some of the stories and legends of the Jardwadjali people and the mountains they call Gariwerd.
Mt Zero Road, Northern Grampians
Ngamadjidj Shelter
Take this self-guided walk to an Aboriginal art site that depicts the dancing spirit with white painted figures. The walk from the car park to Ngamadjidj Shelter is short and suitable for people with limited mobility.
Plantation Road and Grampians Road, Northern Grampians
Billimina Shelter
Start this walk at the Buandik camping ground and follow Billiamina Creek upstream to the Buandik Falls. From there a short walk leads you to the shelter. This massive rock overhang was once a meeting place for the Jardwadjali people, and is covered with over 2,500 motifs that consist of red ochre bar strokes.
Billywing Road off Henty Highway, Western Grampians
Manja Shelter
This fascinating large rock shelter is on the western side of the Grampians. Manja symbolises the link between the Jardwadjali and their land. It is believed that the hand stencils were a way of recording a visit to this incredible rock overhang. This rock site also has more hand stencils than any other site in Victoria.
Off Harrap Track via Glenelg River Road and Henty Highway, Western Grampians
