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The first people to use this diverse natural environment were the people of the Bidawal tribe. This coastal beach midden was originally within the dune system, but erosion has damaged it. The midden is typical of temporary sites which were near food collection points. The molluscs were consumed and the empty shells discarded, rather than carrying shells to a more distant campsite before consumption. This midden is suffering from shoreline erosion and pedestrian traffic. A midden has been fenced in an attempt to prevent further destruction. This site gave good views of the coastline and was near fresh water and the habitat of large wading birds. Road sides often reveal midden deposits. |
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Captain Stevenson's Point was a camp site used by people for many years. Today it is a playground and a lookout. In 1978 the workers on a sewer trench excavation uncovered human remains and the site was investigated. A large number of molluscs, as well as fish and mammal remains, were found in its various layers. The site was probably chosen for the view it gave of the surrounding area. This is the view to the west over the sand and mudflats of Devlin's Inlet. |
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Large numbers of shells were used by the people of this time. This picture illustrates some of those found in their middens. Mud oyster, Blacklip abalone, Dog winkle, Ribbed top shell ( Zebra periwinkle), Sydney rock oyster, Variegated limpet, Scaly limpet, Mud whelk, Club mud whelk, Edible mussel, Beaked mussel, Black nerite, Spengler's rock whelk, Pipi, Flame dog cockle, Mud ark, Wavy volute, Duckbill (portion), Turban shell, Sordid sand snail. |
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Although shells
make up the major component of the midden deposit, food energy
would have also come from vertebrate animals, such as this swamp
wallaby. Their significance is not as obvious as the molluscs
as their remains are less durable and often carried off by scavenging
animals before becoming a part of the midden structure. Eastern
grey kangaroos are common in the Mallacoota area, especially
at the local golf course. The dingo was generally not eaten by
the Bidawal, but two skeletons were found in a burial pit at
the Captain Stevenson's Point excavation. They were probably pets. |
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Marine birds were also part of the diet of the Bidawal. Fairy penguin remains were found at Captain Stevenson's Point. There may have been burrows nearby, but there were also rookeries on Gabo Island. During the aboriginal occupation of the area the island was attached to the mainland. Penguins and mutton birds would have been easily collected from their burrows.The colony of the great Australian seal at The Skerries, Wingan Inlet. Seal remains were also found at Captain Stevenson's Point.The goanna was another important food source for the Bidawal. |
