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Cultural Heritage

Lake Tyers State Park

Lake Tyers State Park is one of the jointly managed parks within Gippsland. The Joint Management agreement recognises the fact that the Gunaikurnai people hold Aboriginal Title and maintain a strong connection to Country. As custodians of the land, they are the rightful people who speak for their Country. These parks and reserves are cultural landscapes that continue to be part of Gunaikurnai living culture. For more information on Joint Management, please visit the Gunaikurnai Traditional Owner Land Management Board and the Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation.

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Bung Yarnda (Lake Tyers) was an important meeting place for Gunaikurnai groups throughout the area. It was a neutral place that was rich in food and materials. It is the place our mob lived when we were forcibly removed from our homelands by European settlers. The catchment area surrounding the Lake Tyers mission is also very significant to us. Our ancestors often passed through this bushland to get to and from Bung Yarnda, as we continue to do today.

The catchment area is where a lot of our mob lived, camped and fished. It is an abundant place, providing us with food all year round. And it is a beautiful place – you can see why the old fellas went there. As home to our ancestors, there are many recorded sites – scar trees, artefact scatters, birthing places and burial sites. Burnt Bridge Reserve is a popular gathering place and ochre site. The cultural sites continue all the way along the coast to Corringle further east.

Lake Tyers Mission

By the 1850s, the Aboriginal population had significantly declined. Missions were established where the remaining Aboriginal people would be located and be Christianised. After rejecting Mitchell River because of its cold winter, Lake Tyers was chosen for its reliable supply of food and water. The mission was both good and bad for Gunaikurnai people.

For some, Lake Tyers was home – a place where people were born and grew up. Where family were buried and where connection to Country could be maintained without persecution. Others felt hemmed in by the rules and rigid protocols of the governing agencies, the severity of which varied depending on the government of the day.

Lake Tyers was one of the last remaining missions, where Aboriginal people were sent from across Victoria when other missions were closed. In 1970, Lake Tyers was the first transfer of crown land back to Aboriginal people.

 

Sources/from: Gunaikurnai Whole‐of­‐Country Plan (GLaWAC 2015); The Gunaikurnai and Victorian Government Joint Management Plan - Lake Tyers State Park - Krauatungalung Country.

 

Preserving the past is important to better manage our cultural landscapes. Patrick Mullett is a proud Gunaikurnai man working on Country to manage Aboriginal cultural heritage. He assesses sites and provides advice under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 on how to best protect cultural heritage.

 

Things To Do

 
Fishing and boating at the Glasshouse camping area in Lake Tyers State Park

Camping at Lake Tyers

Listen to the rolling surf on Ninety-mile Beach, or enjoy serene views of the lake - Lake Tyers has a range of camping options for visitors to enjoy.
The walking track down to Lake Tyers Beach.

Walking at Lake Tyers State Park

Explore the forest setting around Lake Tyers on one of several walking tracks in the park.
Fishing at the Glasshouse camping area in Lake Tyers State Park

Water activities at Lake Tyers

The still waters, shady banks and sandy beaches around Lake Tyers and along Ninety-Mile Beach provide great opportunities for fun in the water.

How to get there

Cultural Heritage

Need to know

Cultural Heritage

Change of Conditions

Nature being nature, sometimes conditions can change at short notice. It’s a good idea to check this page ahead of your visit for any updates.

  • Notices Affecting Multiple Sites

    Lonely Bay Walk, Toorloo Walk and Burnt Bridge Day Visitor Area are currently closed due to flooding

    Lonely Bay Walk, Toorloo Walk and Burnt Bridge Day Visitor Area are currently closed due to flooding.

    Lake Tyers State Park is an iconic part of Victoria and an important focal point for many visitors. With a large number of visits per year, it’s very popular for outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, boating and walking. 

    Unfortunately, sometimes we must close unsafe tracks, sites and infrastructure, we do so in the interests of public safety and/or environmental protection, and to ensure that no one gets hurt and environmental impacts are avoided and/or managed.

    Before visiting, Visitors should always check the Parks Victoria website for the latest information about their destination.

  • Gibbs Beach (Lake Tyers State Park)

    Track closures in Lake Tyers State Park

    Lake Tyers State Park is an iconic part of Victoria and an important focal point for many visitors. With a large number of visits per year, it’s very popular for outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, boating and walking. 

    Unfortunately, sometimes we must close unsafe tracks, sites and infrastructure, we do so in the interests of public safety and/or environmental protection, and to ensure that no one gets hurt and environmental impacts are avoided and/or managed.

    Gibbs Track, Morass Break Track, Reedy Arm Number 1 and 2 and Happy Valley Track have been closed due to the impact of severe weather.
     
    Cherry Tree Picnic Area, Cameron’s Arm No 1 and Trident Arm Campgrounds are currently 4WD access only.
    Before visiting, Visitors should always check the Parks Victoria website for the latest information about their destination.

  • Marsdenia Rainforest Walk (Lake Tyers State Park)

    Lake Tyers State Park - Marsdenia Rainforest Walk Closure

    Marsdenia Rainforest Walk is currently closed due to the need to upgrade bridges and boardwalks which have been deemed unsafe.
     
    Victorians love getting into nature, and we want to ensure people can do so safely while managing the park estate sustainably.
     
    Unfortunately, sometimes we must close unsafe sites and infrastructure, we do so in the interests of public safety and/or environmental protection, and to ensure that no one gets hurt and environmental impacts are avoided and/or managed.
     
    Before visiting, Visitors should always check the Parks Victoria website for the latest information about their destination.

  • The Glasshouse Camping Area (Lake Tyers State Park)

    Lake Tyers State Park - Glasshouse Campground closure

    The access road to the Glasshouse Campground in Lake Tyers State Park has been under water for some months, rendering access to the area unsafe.
     
    Once the water subsides there will still be time required for the road surface to dry out, before vehicles can use it.
     
    Water bollards are in place and signage has been posted. Damage to the environment by bypassing the bollards is causing environmental damage. Campers who ignore the road closure will be subject to enforcement notices from Authorised Officers.
     
    The safety of our visitors, staff and contractors is our top priority. We will not hesitate to close an unsafe site or asset if it means protecting the health and well being of visitors, staff and volunteers.
     
    Unfortunately, sometimes we must close unsafe sites and infrastructure, we do so in the interests of public safety and/or environmental protection, and to ensure that no one gets hurt and environmental impacts are avoided and/or managed.
     
    Before visiting, Visitors should always check the Parks Victoria website for the latest information about their destination

  • Notices Affecting Multiple Parks

    Ground shooting operations targeting deer

    Control operations (ground shooting) targeting deer are undertaken in this area.  The Park will remain open to visitors during operations.
     
    For more information about deer control to protect biodiversity, please visit this link.

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