Bend Road archaeological site, Archaeological excavation site near Dandenong Creek, Victoria, Australia.
Bend Road archaeological site is an excavation area in Dandenong South spanning two sections on either side of the road. The location contains thousands of preserved stone artifacts, including asymmetric points and geometric microlith forms that researchers examine to understand how ancient people made their tools.
Excavations by La Trobe University in 2006 uncovered stone artifacts dating back around 30,000 to 35,000 years. This discovery established the site as one of Victoria's oldest Aboriginal settlements and reveals how long people have lived in this region.
The location near Dandenong Creek and surrounding wetlands provided Aboriginal communities with hunting grounds rich in birds, fish, and water-based resources. This proximity to water made the place a natural gathering spot for people who depended on hunting and gathering.
The ground can be uneven and difficult to walk on, so wear sturdy shoes and bring weather protection. Check ahead whether guided tours or site access is available, as this is an active research area and entry may be restricted.
Despite disturbance from natural processes like soil mixing and wind erosion over thousands of years, the site has kept much of its archaeological integrity. Many artifacts remain where they were originally left, offering rare insights into how ancient people actually lived.
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