Bataluk is a Gunaikurnai (pronounced: ‘gun-i kurn-i’) language word for lizard and is the name given to this trail which winds through East Gippsland like the tail of a lizard.

The Gunaikurnai people of East Gippsland invite you to visit the sites along the Bataluk Cultural Trail. These are landscapes where you will be introduced to aspects of Gunaikurnai history and culture including Dreamtime Stories, Traditional lifestyles, European invasion and settlement and Present day life. 

Initiation rites for young Gunaikurnai men and women in East Gippsland in the past consisted of a progression through several stages. Initiation ceremonies were major events attended by all clans. Ceremonies would last for five days and entrance to a higher tier of knowledge and understanding was only granted when participants had reached an appropriate level of commitment and readiness.

Your journey along the Bataluk Cultural Trail will involve a similar process. The trail can be experienced in a variety of ways; you can travel from one end to the other, or you can select from the range of sites and activities to design a route, which suits your own particular interests.

The Trail will introduce you to many aspects of Gunaikurnai life. The more time you spend and the more places along the trail you are able to visit, the greater your appreciation and understanding of Gunaikurnai culture and heritage in East Gippsland.

– Extract from batalukculturaltrail.com.au

1. White Woman’s Waterhole

2. The Lagoon 

3. Knob Reserve

4. Ramahyuck Cemetery

5. Den of Nargun

6. Krowathunkooloong Keeping Place

7. Howitt Park

8. Legend Rock

9. Buchan Caves

10. Burnt Bridge Reserve

11. Salmon Rock and Gunai Boardwalk

Please note: For a variety of reasons such as environmental or historical sensitivity, some sites in the region are not appropriate for unrestricted access by members of the general public. We ask that you treat all sites along the trail with respect and care, to ensure that they are preserved for future generations.

CAV | OHM reminds participants to be aware of their surroundings and to adhere to road-safety guidelines at all times. When following this tour, participants must assume personal responsibility for any liability, injury, loss or damage in any way connected with the tour.

Tour content courtesy of Bataluk Cultural Trail. Waterfront is proudly presented by Centre for Architecture Victoria | Open House Melbourne, in partnership with DELWP and East Gippsland Shire Council. Waterfront is part of Melbourne Design Week 2021, an initiative of the Victorian Government in collaboration with the NGV.