Billimina Walk (2.2km)

The Billimina Walk is a 2.2km, Grade 3 return hike located in the heart of the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park, Victoria. It typically takes around one hour to complete, making it a perfect short yet immersive experience for those seeking both natural beauty and a glimpse into the area's rich Aboriginal heritage.

Starting at Buandik Picnic Ground, the track follows the peaceful flow of Billimina Creek upstream, leading you towards the stunning Buandik Falls. Along the way, the natural beauty of the creek is matched by the significance of the surroundings. As you approach the falls, you’ll uncover evidence of the region’s ancient Aboriginal history at the Manja and Billimina Rock Art Shelters. These shelters offer a unique opportunity to connect with the past and reflect on the stories held within the landscape.

Continuing along the track, you’ll find yourself at Billimina Shelter, an awe-inspiring rock overhang that was once a meeting place for the Jadawadjali people. Here, you’ll encounter one of the most significant Aboriginal rock art sites in the Grampians, where over 2,500 motifs are etched into the rock, primarily created using red ochre. The intricate designs, which include horizontal bar strokes, are believed to have been used to record events and stories, possibly marking the passage of time or the number of days spent at a place.

Archaeological excavations in 1976 revealed much about the life of the people who camped here. Stone tools, along with the remains of plant and animal foods, painted a picture of a group that spent time here from late winter to early summer, hunting kangaroos and small mammals like bandicoots, possums, and bettongs. Emu eggs and freshwater mussels were also gathered, adding to the richness of their diet.

The rock art at Billimina is not always easy to spot, but with a keen eye, you can discover various animals, including emus, kangaroos, and even tracks of these creatures. There are also 55 human stick figures, some of which are part of the middle panel of paintings. These figures are a fascinating part of the shelter’s history, and seeing them in person can be a powerful connection to the past.