Cultural Experiences at Budj Bim
Your journey through the Great Ocean Road region and the roads we travel on today follow the ‘songlines’ or ancient trading routes originally treaded by the first people of this land. Your whole visit is a cultural experience when you appreciate the land, the sea, its shelter and resources.
Located in the traditional Country of the Gunditjmara people, Budj Bim is a culturally significant, World Heritage-listed landscape and one of the standout cultural experiences in the Great Ocean Road region.
The unique lava flow from an ancient volcanic eruption is what created this significant landscape and connects the three main components:
- the long dormant Budj Bim Volcano and Tae Rak (Lake Condah)
- the wetlands of Kurtonitj
- the rocky ridges and marshes of Tyrendarra
Budj Bim’s system of weirs, channels and volcanic lava flow allowed the Gunditjmara people to craft the earliest living example of aquaculture in the world. Archaeological investigation of the history of eel farming here proves it dates back over 6,000 years, however evidence indicates these practices have occurred here for far longer.
The Budj Bim Landscape sits roughly between Portland, Port Fairy and Hamilton and it takes roughly 4 hours to reach by car from Melbourne if you travel directly. Tae Rak (Lake Condah) is around a 50-minute drive from Port Fairy. Driving to Budj Bim National Park will take around 40 minutes from Portland or Hamilton.
There are a few ways you can explore the Budj Bim Cultural Landscape. While some sites can be accessed at any time and are open to the public, other sites require an organised tour on Country with a Gunditjmara guide.
Whichever way you choose to explore Budj Bim, make sure you allow enough time. You will need at least a day, particularly if you want to visit multiple sites.
Budj Bim National Park
Nestled within Budj Bim National Park, the towering volcano overlooks the tranquil Lake Surprise. Accessible from Macarthur or via a scenic route west from Heywood, the park boasts a range of attractions, including the stunning Lake Surprise rim walk and lava canal walk. These trails take you past enchanting caves, the breathtaking Natural Bridge, and the impressive cantilevered Budj Bim viewing platform, offering unparalleled views of the landscape.
The Lake Surprise rim walk takes approximately 2.5 hours to complete, making it a perfect adventure for nature lovers.
Tyrendarra Indigenous Protected Area (IPA)
At the township of Tyrendarra you will find some welcome signage with information on Budj Bim and the cultural sites. This is generally where visitors would start their journey onto the Budj Bim Cultural Landscape. When in Tyrendarra we recommend you visit 2 Rivers Gallery, which features works by Gunditjmara artists.
Not far north of the township is the Tyrendarra IPA site. A loop walk through the landscape here takes you past eel traps, lava blisters ancient house sites (some dwellings have also been recreated to show people the type of homes our first people lived in).
Tae Rak Aquaculture Centre
The Tae Rak Aquaculture Centre & cafe was opened in July 2022 and is where you will start a range of tours with Budj Bim Cultural Landscape Tourism, which is run by the Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation.
The Aquaculture Centre and cafe building overlooks Tae Rak (also known as Lake Condah), and toward Budj Bim in the distance. Here you can learn about the relationship to Budj Bim for the Gunditmara people and how they relied on the lava flow to assist with their sustainable farming practices.
A tour here is a must to learn not only about the cultural connection to the land and how the aquaculture systems worked, but also how fascinating Kooyang (eels) are! In the cafe you will be able to taste the Kooyang in a number of ways both traditional (smoked) and non-traditional (try the arancini balls!).
The menu also features native plants and traditional indigenous ingredients, so there’s something delicious to try for everyone — even if you’re not keen to try the eel.
Explore Budj Bim National Park
Budj Bim National Park is the location of the volcano known as Budj Bim (Mt Eccles)
At this site a walking trail passes sites where remnants of Guntijmara dwellings are present, eel traps and lava blisters
At this site, you can book a guided tour with Budj Bim Tours to walk the site with a local guide. Some interpretive signing is available for self guided walking. Events such as basket weaving workshops are hosted in the building at the site owned by Windamara Aboriginal Corporation.
The Tae Rak Visitor Centre and cafe are located here, and it's the starting point for Budj Bim Cultural Landscape Tours on country.
This site is essential to gain an understanding of Tae Rak (Lake Condah), and it's significance. Book a tour to learn about eels, how they were farmed, and the significant impact the Budj Bim volcano had on the landscape that makes it so revered by the Gunditjmara people and worthy of UNESCO world heritage listing - which the landscape attained for it's cultural significance in 2019. A tour will also help you understand the impact of European settlement on local communities. The eel tasting plate at the cafe is not to be skipped.
Art gallery featuring local and Gunditjmara artworks
Check opening hours or call ahead for a viewing. Two Rivers Gallery features curated artwork and handmade items featuring over 40 artists.
Tae Rak Guided Cultural Walk
Explore Tae Rak (Lake Condah) with a Gunditjmara guide and discover wetlands, ancient aquaculture systems, and traditional kooyang (eel) harvesting.
Surf Coast Walk
View the full Surf Coast Walk
Offering natural beauty and easy access, the Surf Coast Walking track on the Great Ocean Road lets you relax and enjoy a world-class walking destination at your own pace. Explore inspiring landscapes on foot or bike on the edge of Victoria’s beautiful Great Ocean Road.
