|
Aboriginal Attractions |
Yarrawonga / Mulwala Aboriginal Attractions
Below you will see some information on
Aboriginal Names
Aboriginal Diggings, Boat Rock
Aboriginal Canoe Trees
Yarrawonga - running water over rocks
or
- nesting place of cormorants
Mulwala - big black water or big lagoon
Aboriginal Diggings - Boat Rock
The Australian Aboriginals have never been considered people who prepare for the future. The Boat Rock is a man made reservoir to catch and hold water for use over the summer period.
Very considerable initiative was shown in its creation. A big fire was lit on the site then allowed to cool. When cold gravel would be loosened and dug out. The same process would then happen again, and again, fire - dig.
This process was repeated until a hole 2 metres deep was made.
The site for the hole was chosen with great care and foresight. A small shower of rain is sufficient to fill the hole with water, which is very necessary over the summer period.
Within close vicinity to the Boat Rock are Kangaroos which stay in the area because of the water supply. This made them an easy catch for the aboriginals.
|
|
Above is a photo of the reservoir, dug out near the top of a hill. The next photo shows the rocky outcrops sloping towards the dug out hole. This water hole is situated on the only hill for miles/ kilometres around.
 |
A trip to Boat Rock is a must do item for anybody who is
interested in Australian history. This man made dam, although very small, is one of its
kind throughout the many thousands of years of aboriginal history. The round trip is about 50 km, and the map on the left is NOT to scale. Leaving Mulwala drive north along Melbourne St, turn left over the canal, and right into Savernake Rd, driving straight until the railway line crosses the road. Turn left at the next intersection, and cross the dirt road. Boat Rock gate is about 400 metres on the left, and Boat Rock is about 400 metres in through the gate2. |
The Boat Rock is on land proclaimed by the Government, it is not a picnic area. To get to it you have to pass through private land. Please remember to close both gates as you pass through.
Even though there are no facilities there, Boat Rock is a one of a kind, and thus you will not see a phenomenon like this anywhere else in the World. Worth a trip for this alone.
Aboriginal Canoe Trees
In the area in and around Yarrawonga Mulwala there are many trees from which canoes and shields have been cut by the aboriginals.
Bark was taken mostly from Red Gums from river flats as they could be handy to the water. Some were taken from Box trees, but these were usually a kilometre or so from the water.
The bark would be 3 to 4 feet across ( about 1 metre ) and about twice the length. A stone axe was used to cut both sides to make the width from top to bottom.
This was mainly done with one native sitting on another's shoulders. Failing this they would get a sapling long enough to climb up and then cut the top part of the bark. When the bark was loosened, ( it was very heavy when green ), they would lie it on the ground flat and it dried to shape.
If left with the outside down it would curl as it dried and sticks were put in to hold it from closing up. Stones etc., were assembled to to keep the ends together and then it would be joined and sewn with reeds. Wood was made into a paddle.
The photo below is a fine example, and is at Kiffins Reserve, Mulwala, near the island or point.
|
For more Information on Yarrawonga Tourist Attractions please phone the Yarrawonga Tourist Information Centre on 1800 062 260
The Up Button will take you back to the Home Page