Indigenous oral tradition suggests occupation in Victoria 34,000 years ago

Play
Stop
 
 
Photo by Caitlin Wynne on Unsplash

In light of new scientific evidence, ancient Indigenous Australian oral traditions of the Gunditjmara people – the traditional owners of lands in South-West Victoria – of Budj Bim and its eruption suggests there were witnesses to such an event.

New volcanic activity dating techniques have placed two historic volcanic eruptions, Tower Hill and Budj Bim, as occurring approximately 34,000 years ago.

These two pieces of information, paired with a stone axe found buried underneath volcanic ash at Tower Hill suggests Indigenous Australians were inhabiting Victoria at least 34,000 years ago and have passed on the same oral traditions from generation to generation for just as long.

(Visited 49 times, 1 visits today)
Download Audio

The Wire is produced in partnership by

Contributor Stations

Supporters and Program Distribution