Kurtonitj Indigneous Protected Area (IPA) was dedicated in 2009. This IPA is a beautiful 353 hectare wetland of national cultural and natural significance. It is located in Victoria's Mt Eccles Volcanic Plain bioregion.
The natural landscape is formed by deep freshwater and seasonally inundated shallow marshes. The property's western boundary borders the crystal clear waters of Darlots Creek, known as Kallara in Gunditjmara language.
The Kurtonitj IPA forms part of the Budj Bim National Heritage Landscape, sacred to the Gunditjmara people. Ancient stone kooyang (eel) traps, stone channels, house sites and kooyang smoking trees, are scattered across the landscape.
The area is one of Australia’s earliest and largest aquaculture systems. The passage of the eels through the waterways is an important part of the Gunditjmara heritage. Budj Bim rangers work to ensure optimal conditions for the survival of native species such as the eel and brolgas.
State: Vic
Administration Organisation
Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation and Winda Mara Aboriginal Corporation