Well before European settlers arrived in the Central Goldfields during the 1840s, the area was home to the Dja Dja Wurrung clan. They refer to the region as Tuaggra and many sacred sites in the area are recognised by and for the vast Indigenous history the Central Goldfields celebrates.
Bully Gully Aboriginal Rock Wells - With a lack of permanent creeks in the region, Aborigines passing through looked to more creative ways to source fresh and clean water and their incredible rock wells are a wonderful feat of engineering. Just outside Maryborough is what is considered the best example of Aboriginal Rock Wells in Victoria. Bull Gully Rock Wells consists of four holes dug into the base of a large sandstone rock, making a natural catchment for falling rain. Additional water seeps in through cracks in the stone and the wells are thought to have a total capacity of 168 litres. The narrow mouths work to reduce evaporation and also keep pollution from animals or windblown debris to a minimum. Locals say the wells have never dried up even during extended periods of drought, over the last 150 years.
Aboriginal Shelter Tree - This red river gum (Eucalyptus Camaldulensis) is believed to be about 700 years old. The girth of the tree is 15 metres and the hollowed out centre was used by the Dja Dja Wurrung people for shelter. it would have been a small seedling at around the same time as the Black Plague was deminating Europe. This site is classified by the National Trust.
For further details contact the Visitor Information Centre.