Knob Reserve

Welcome to Knob Reserve, Stratford.

Knob Reserve has a rich cultural history dating back centuries. The Reserve was a major campsite and meeting place for the Gunaikurnai people who have lived in this region for thousands of years. It is located on Brayakaulung Country, 3km from the township of Stratford and is owned by the GunaiKurnai people and jointly managed by GunaiKurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation and the Victorian Government.

The Reserve was used as a traditional gathering place for the ancestors of the five clan groups of the Gunaikurnai. It was a place where they would feast, share information, trade goods, and practice cultural ceremonies. The Reserve holds significance for the Gunaikurnai people and was chosen as the place where the 2010 Native Title determination was signed.

During the mission era, the Reserve was also a place of visitation for Aboriginal people of mixed descent who lived in missions. They would secretly walk 15 km from Ramahyuck mission to meet their relatives at this traditional gathering place.

The Reserve offers several points of interest, including trees with scars where bark has been removed. Canoes, shelters, shields, food bowls, and infant carriers could have been made from this bark. Grinding stones for tool sharpening can also be found at the top of the hill. The Reserve is home to wildlife that is important to the Gunaikurnai, such as blackfish, eels, kangaroos, pelicans, swans, and possums.

The Knob Reserve is part of the West Gippsland Lower Avon sub-catchment and has a history of significant land clearing. Efforts have been