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  • Writer's pictureAvalon Karatau

Day 15: "Spirit Stones and Sacred Paths: A Walk Through Taungurung Country"


Welcome to Black Hill Reserve, a place where every stone holds a story, and the land whispers the tales of the Taungurung people. Today’s walk isn’t just a stroll through woodland; it’s a journey back through time, where the spirits of the ancestors guide our steps, and the echoes of the past resonate through the granite underfoot.

Taungurung Country: Where Land Meets Spirit

Long before Major Mitchell laid eyes on Black Hill, this land was the domain of the Taungurung people, the Traditional Owners of this country. For them, these hills and valleys were more than just landscape—they were alive, filled with the spirits of their ancestors, the creators of the land, and the guardians of their culture. Every tree, every stone, and every breeze carried a part of their story.



Clashes and Courage: The Resistance of the Taungurung

As European squatters began to invade this sacred ground, the Taungurung stood firm, defending their land and their way of life. The history here is marked by conflict—between 1838 and 1841, clashes between the Taungurung people and the squatters led to the tragic loss of many Indigenous lives. they say at least 24 Taungurung warriors were shot during this period. The truth is that only 24 Taungurung escape the slaughter



, their bravery and resistance etched into the soul of this land.

Cultural Heritage: Honoring the Past

Today, the Taungurung Land and Water Council is working with the Macedon Ranges Shire Council to ensure that the cultural heritage values of Black Hill are recognized and respected. As you walk these trails, you’re not just taking in the beauty of the landscape—you’re walking in the footsteps of the Taungurung people, connecting with a history that spans thousands of years.



The Sacred Stones: Guardians of the LandLook closely, and you might see more than just rocks and trees. The granite formations here are more than geological wonders; they’re sacred stones, guardians of the land, holding the stories of creation, survival, and resilience. The Taungurung people knew every inch of this land, every secret it held, and every lesson it taught. Today, we honor their connection to this place by walking with respect and awareness.

For more information or to book a tour, contact us at 0402606481 or visit our website at www.craigmuirlakehouse.com.

Let the spirit of the Taungurung people guide your journey, and may you leave with a greater understanding of their connection to this land—a connection that endures, as strong and as steadfast as the granite beneath your feet.


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