Wominjeka - Welcome to Bunurong Country
You are visiting the Bass Coast and Milawul (Phillip Island), part of the homelands of the Bunurong People of the Kulin Nation.
For tens of thousands of years, Bunurong people have cared for this Country, its waterways, plants, animals and cultural places. Bunurong creator spirit Bundjil taught that visitors should promise two things: to care for the land and water, and to care for the children of Bundjil.
We invite you to enjoy your visit while helping protect and respect this living cultural landscape.
Respecting Country:
When visiting the Bass Coast and Milawul (Phillip Island) we kindly ask that you:
- Stay on marked tracks and paths to avoid accidentally damaging cultural sites.
- Leave artefacts, shells, stones and other cultural materials where they are.
- Do not disturb or remove anything that looks old, unusual, handmade, or naturally arranged
- Do not access restricted or signposted areas, as some places are culturally sensitive or protected for their significance.
- Follow Traditional Owner guidance, cultural protocols and seasonal closures, when on Bunurong Country.
- Report potential cultural heritage finds to Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation or Bass Coast Shire Council rather than touching or moving them.
The Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 protects Aboriginal cultural places and objects across Victoria. Visitors share responsibility for helping to protect and care for Country.
You can read more about the Act and how it protects Aboriginal cultural heritage in Victoria through the Victorian Government’s resources Aboriginal heritage legislation | firstpeoplesrelations.vic.gov.au
Cultural connections:
The Bass Coast and Milawul (Phillip Island) have long been an important place for Bunurong people. The Yallock Bulluk clan visited seasonally to gather shellfish, fish, marsupials and mutton birds, while ochre from the island was used for body decoration during ceremonies.
Today, First Peoples cultural heritage can still be found across the landscape.
What you might see:
- Shell Middens - Ancient accumulations of shell material that mark places where Bunurong people gathered, prepared food and spent time together.
- Stone Tools - Flint flakes and other stone artefacts created and used as part of everyday life.
- Scarred Trees - Trees where bark was carefully removed to make tools, shields, containers or canoes, leaving distinctive scars.
- Cultural and Ceremonial Places - Locations that continue to hold cultural, historical and spiritual significance for Bunurong people.
Please remember that these places and objects are part of a living culture and should be respected and left undisturbed.
Learn more about Bunurong culture:
- Bunurong Welcome to Country - Hear Bunurong Elders and Knowledge Holders share the significance of Milawul (Phillip Island) and the importance of caring for Country.
- Following the Lines - A Story of Bass Coast Country - Vacayit Audio story developed by Bass Coast Shire Council in consultation with Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation - George Bass Coastal Walk Audio Guides and Accessibility Information — Vacayit
- Discover Cultural Stories on Country - As you explore Bass Coast and Milawul (Phillip Island), keep an eye out for interpretive signage and cultural information at key visitor locations. Working with key partners, including Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation, Parks Victoria, Phillip Island Nature Parks and Westernport Biosphere, we help share Bunurong culture, history and ecological knowledge through stories connected to the landscape, walking trails and visitor experiences.
- Berninneit Cultural and Community Centre What’s On - Berninneit hosts a diverse program of exhibitions, talks, performances and community events, including activities that celebrate First Nations culture, stories and perspectives.
Bass Coast Cultural Venues | Live Events, Arts, Culture & Community | Victoria
- The Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation is the Registered Aboriginal Party and recognised cultural authority for this area. Visit their website to learn more about Bunurong Country, culture, heritage and community initiatives. https://www.bunuronglc.org/
- Aboriginal Heritage Resources - Learn how Aboriginal cultural heritage places and objects are recognised, protected and cared for across Victoria. Aboriginal places and objects | firstpeoplesrelations.vic.gov.au