The Great Migration: A Story Thousands of Years Old

Each year, these incredible kooyang (eels) make their journey from the Hopkins River to the ocean, following pathways their ancestors have taken for millennia.

For the Gunditjmara people, the migration of the kooyang is more than a natural wonder — it’s a vital part of culture, knowledge, and connection to Country. The ingenious aquaculture systems built by Gunditjmara to trap and harvest eels are among the oldest known in the world, showcasing a deep understanding of sustainable living with the land.

As the eels move, they carry with them stories of survival, resilience, and cultural continuity.

Let’s celebrate and respect the living knowledge and traditions that continue today.