Budj Bim Holds Ancient Aquaculture System

Why this is here: The Gunditjmara actively engineered the landscape around Budj Bim, manipulating water flows and building stone traps and channels at least 6,600 years ago to reliably cultivate eels.

In western Victoria, Australia, the Gunditjmara people cultivated a sophisticated aquaculture system for eels over thousands of years. Scientists estimate one of five systems at Budj Bim dates to roughly 6,600 years ago, based on carbon dating results. The landscape, a dormant volcano with basalt lava flows, earned recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2019 for its cultural importance—a first for the organization.

The Gunditjmara traditionally owned the land and faced colonization during the Eumerella Wars from the 1830s to 1860. Many lived at a Church of England mission near Lake Condah from the 1890s to the 1950s.

Today, Winda-Mara Aboriginal Corporation leads guided tours of the eel traps and stone houses. Visitors can even sample eel at the on-site café.

Archaeologists like Ian J. McNiven of Monash University note the discovery challenges past perceptions of Indigenous Australians as solely nomadic hunters and gatherers. Researchers continue to investigate roughly 300 stone structures near the eel traps, seeking evidence of permanent settlements predating European contact.