X

Acknowledgement of Country

The producers acknowledge the First Peoples of the land bridge who have cared for this Country since at least the last ice age.

We extend this acknowledgement to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Traditional Owners and Custodians of Country and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters, culture, and community.

We pay our respects to the Ancestors, Old People, and Elders past and present.

Please take care: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this website may contain images, voices and names of deceased persons.

Some speakers mention sorrowful times of invasion and colonisation which can be distressing to hear.

Many thousands of years ago, during the last ice age, falling sea levels exposed the shallow Bass Strait seafloor as land.

Mainland Australia became connected to the great southern island of Lutruwita/Tasmania. This connection is called a ‘land bridge’ because people, plants, and animals could use it to cross to distant lands which before had been separated by the sea.

Scientists have named this ancient landscape the Bassian Plain.

First Nations communities think of it as Country.

MORE

 

Digital Stories

Access to freshwater was essential for survival
Once was a grassy plain

What did the Bass Strait land bridge look like during the last ice age and how do we know what and who once lived and journeyed on it?

The shallow waters create a variety of habitats.
Underwater worlds

Stories of the seabed, ocean currents and marine life of the Bass Strait today.

Access to freshwater was essential for survival
Over the waves, on the land & in the sky

Stories of the remnant lands of the ancient Bassian Plain: the islands, promontories and coasts of the Bass Strait today.

Access to freshwater was essential for survival
Cultural traditions

First Nations knowledge holders share stories and speak of cultural connections to the times of the Old People of the land bridge.

Documentary

Loveable yet intimidating