Billimina Shelter, Grampians

Deep in the Grampians National Park mountain ranges lies the Billimina Shelter an amazing Aboriginal rock art site. This rock art shelter is a great way to experience the rich Aboriginal history of the area and connect with the Djab Wurrung and Jardwadjali culture. The Grampians also known as Gariwerd is full of natural beauty with rugged mountain ranges, valleys and views everywhere you look.

History

The Billimina Shelter is of great historical and cultural significance. It’s a reminder of the Aboriginal people’s connection to this land; the rock art is a visual record of the Djab Wurrung people’s life, spiritual beliefs and practices. This rock art shelter was used for practical and ceremonial purposes, and the rock overhang provided shelter from the elements for thousands of years. If you are interested in Aboriginal history, the site is a tangible connection to Australia’s cultural heritage. Nearby are other important rock art sites, such as Manja Shelter and the Black Range State Park, to further illustrate the cultural depth of the Grampians.

Indigenous Rock Art

The Indigenous rock art at Billimina Shelter is some of the best in the Grampians. With handprints, animal figures and symbols, this rock art gives you a glimpse into the social and spiritual lives of the people who created it. As you stand in front of these ancient paintings, you can imagine the rituals and gatherings that took place here. The Grampians Peaks Trail also passes near other Aboriginal rock art sites so that you can see more of these cultural icons. This network of trails connects hikers to cultural heritage sites and the natural environment with rugged sandstone ranges, valleys and views everywhere you look.

The Cultural Heritage

Gariwerd, the Grampians as it’s known to its Traditional Owners, is a culturally and spiritually significant place. The Djab Wurrung and Jardwadjali people have been here for thousands of years, and their connection to the land is evident in the many Aboriginal rock art sites throughout the park. These shelters, like Billimina, are part of a larger cultural landscape of rock paintings, sacred sites and ceremonial grounds. We need to protect and preserve these sites so future generations can learn about the deep cultural values that still exist with the Traditional Owners of the region.

How to Get to Billimina Shelter

Location

Billimina Shelter is in the remote Victoria Range of Grampians National Park, 3 hours from Melbourne. You can access other great Grampians attractions here, including MacKenzie Falls, Reed Lookout and Boroka Lookout. While you’re here, be sure to check out the natural rock pools, mountain ranges and rugged scenery. The shelter is part of a network of trails that connect you to the rest of the area’s cultural and natural icons, including Hollow Mountain and Lake Bellfield.

Billimina Shelter

2.3km moderate trail for experienced and adventurous hikers. From the Buandik Campground the track goes through rough terrain and across Stoney Creek, past some of the best rock formations in the park. Great rock scramble with views of sandstone ranges and green valleys. You may see kangaroos and emus and some feral goats that are part of the landscape. Reward is a interesting rock shelter with cultural significance and great views.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Billimina Shelter is from March to October, when the weather is incredible, and the landscape is green. During this time, you can enjoy cooler temperatures, valley views and wildlife. Summer visits are possible, but the heat can make the hike more difficult, and there may be access restrictions due to fire management. If you want to see the sandstone ranges and panoramic views from nearby lookouts like Boroka Lookout, plan your visit in spring or autumn when the scenery is at its best.

Other Attractions

Besides Billimina Shelter, there are many other attractions in the Grampians National Park. MacKenzie Falls is a must-see, and Boroka Lookout has 360-degree views of the mountain ranges. If you want to see more Aboriginal rock art sites, Manja Shelter and Ngamadjidj Shelter are nearby and offer more insight into the area’s history. If you want a more hands-on experience, visit the Pomonal Glass-Blowing Workshop or take a tour of the 30,000-bottle wine cellar at Pomonal Estate. Rosehaven Farms are great for families, and guided tours will take you deeper into the natural and cultural wonders of the Grampians.

Guided Tours and Education

If you want to get a deeper understanding of the Aboriginal history and cultural significance of Billimina Shelter, we highly recommend a guided tour. Local guides, many of whom are descendants of the Traditional Owners, will share their knowledge of the rock art and Djab Wurrung culture. These tours also visit other important sites throughout the Grampians and include education programs at the Grampians Olive Co. and the Royal Mail Hotel. Education programs like these are a sensory experience that combines learning about Aboriginal history, exploring the park and enjoying the region’s award-winning wine and local produce.