Background

Billimina Shelter: Ancient Aboriginal Rock Art

Discover ancient Aboriginal rock art at Billimina Shelter in the Grampians National Park, a journey into Indigenous culture and history.

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Billimina Shelter, located in the Grampians National Park near Glenisla, Victoria, is a significant Aboriginal rock art site. The shelter features a massive rock overhang adorned with over 2,500 red ochre motifs, offering a glimpse into the lives and stories of the Jardwadjali people who once gathered here.

A brief summary to Billimina Shelter

  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Start your visit at the Brambuk – The National Park and Cultural Centre in Halls Gap to learn about the cultural significance of the site and obtain maps.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for the 1.1km walk from the Buandik picnic area to the shelter.
  • Bring water and snacks, as there are no facilities available at the shelter.
  • Take your time to carefully observe the rock art, looking for the various motifs and figures hidden within the red ochre.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    Billimina Shelter is accessed via a 1.1km walking trail from the Buandik picnic area. From the picnic area, follow the signs along Billimina Creek towards Buandik Falls. The trail continues past the falls to the rock shelter. The walk is relatively easy and takes approximately 30 minutes.

  • Driving

    To reach Billimina Shelter by car, navigate to the Buandik picnic area, located off Goat Track in the Grampians National Park. From Halls Gap, take Grampians Road north towards Wartook. Turn onto Mt Victory Road, then onto Goat Track. Follow Goat Track to the Buandik picnic area. Parking is available at the picnic area, from which the walking trail to the shelter begins.

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Discover more about Billimina Shelter

Billimina Shelter, nestled within the rugged landscape of the Grampians National Park, is a captivating historical landmark that provides a window into the ancient culture of the Jardwadjali people. This impressive rock overhang served as a gathering place and seasonal shelter for Aboriginal communities, particularly from late winter to early summer. Archaeological excavations in 1976 unearthed stone tools and remnants of plant and animal foods, revealing the shelter's importance as a campsite. The rock walls are adorned with over 2,500 motifs created with red ochre, showcasing a rich tapestry of Aboriginal art. The most prominent feature is the series of red bar strokes, believed to have been used for counting events, recording time spent at the shelter, or retelling stories. In addition to the bar markings, visitors can discern depictions of emu and kangaroo tracks, along with 55 human stick figures. Billimina Shelter holds the highest concentration of rock art sites in Australia, with over 80% of Victoria's rock art located in this area. Exploring the shelter offers a unique opportunity to connect with the spiritual and cultural heritage of the Aboriginal people who have inhabited this land for thousands of years. The site is accessible via a leisurely 1.1km walk from the Buandik picnic area, making it an ideal destination for families and individuals seeking a blend of natural beauty and cultural immersion.

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