Bunjil's Shelter, Grampians Travel Guide

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Discover Bunjil's Shelter in the Grampians: An ancient Aboriginal rock art site and a window into the Dreamtime of southeastern Australia.

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Bunjil's Shelter

Bunjil's Shelter, nestled in the Black Range Scenic Reserve near Stawell, Victoria, is a significant Aboriginal rock art site. It features the only known painting of Bunjil, a creator deity, depicted in human form with two dingoes. The shelter offers a glimpse into the spiritual and cultural heritage of the Aboriginal people of southeastern Australia.

A brief summary to Bunjil's Shelter

Bunjils Cave Rd, Black Range, Victoria, 3381, AU
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Bunjil's Shelter.

Respect the cultural significance of the site. This is a sacred place for Aboriginal people.
The painting is protected by a fence, so viewing is from a distance. Bring binoculars for a closer look.
Combine your visit with a trip to Brambuk the National Park and Cultural Centre in Halls Gap to learn more about Aboriginal culture and the Bunjil creation story.

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Getting There

Driving

Bunjil's Shelter is located in the Black Range Scenic Reserve, approximately 22km from Stawell. From Stawell, take the Pomonal Road. Turn onto Bunjil's Cave Road, a one-way road that leads to the parking area. From the parking area, it's a short, 100-meter walk to the shelter. Parking is free. Be aware that Bunjil Cave Road is unsealed.
Public Transport

Limited public transport options are available. From Halls Gap, take a bus to Stawell. From Stawell, you will need to arrange for a taxi or rideshare to reach Bunjil's Shelter, as there is no direct public transport to the site. A taxi or rideshare from Stawell to Bunjil's Shelter will cost approximately $40-$60. Check local bus schedules for times and availability.

Discover more about Bunjil's Shelter

Bunjil's Shelter is an ancient Aboriginal sacred site located in the Grampians region (Gariwerd) of Australia, within the Black Range Scenic Reserve near Stawell. This small shelter at the base of a large granite boulder holds immense cultural significance as the only known rock art depiction of Bunjil, the creator deity in many Kulin and other Aboriginal cultures of Victoria.Bunjil, often represented as a wedge-tailed eagle, is a principal legendary hero, the creator who provides for all and remains a protector of the natural world, his people, and their beliefs. The painting within the shelter portrays Bunjil in human form, accompanied by two dingoes, believed to be his helpers. The exact age of the painting is unknown, but it is estimated to be thousands of years old.The site has been known to European locals since 1911 and to the general public since 1957. Due to repeated vandalism, the painting has long been protected by a steel-mesh fence. The paintings at the shelter have been proven to be of authentic Aboriginal origin. Bunjil's Shelter sits within the Gariwerd, a cultural landscape that supports people both physically and spiritually. As you walk towards the painting of Bunjil you can look out across the plains and mountain ranges of Gariwerd's Indigenous people which includes descendants of the Djab Wurrung and Jardwadjali people.