Aboriginal Connections in Alpine National Park

The Aboriginal people of this area have had a long association over thousands of years with Alpine National Park. Because of the harsh winters Aboriginal people visited and lived in the mountains only in the warmer months where various groups would meet, socialise, hold ceremonies and trade between each other.

One of the most famous events on the Aboriginal calendar was the annual anticipation and feasting on Bogong moths which arrive in their millions during late Spring. The moths migrate from south-western Queensland and parts of western NSW to avoid the hot summers and shelter in alpine caves and rock crevices. It was said that Aboriginal people roasted the moths in hot coals which removed their wings and legs, leaving the fatty body to eat. They are also a nutritious food source for the local animal inhabitants.

Occasionally Bogong moths get blown off course and end up in the capital cities of Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra. Most south-eastern Australians have ended up 'adopting' these moths at one time or another.

For more information:

http://www.abc.net.au/science/scribblygum/november2002/default.htm

http://www.amonline.net.au/factsheets/bogong_moths.htm