Organ Pipes National Park has an interesting Pre and Post European History......
 

The Jackson's Creek Valley which runs through the park was part of the lands occupied by the Woiworung tribe. The creek formed part of the boundary between two clan estates, Marin-Bulluk and Wurundjeri-Willam. Archaeological surveys undertaken in the park have located Koori campsites and isolated artefacts. Such as the stone artefacts pictured. Activity: Research some of the plants that would have been utilised by the Koori people. Identify how many you can find when you visit the park.

The open grassy nature of the Keilor Plains made it instantly suitable for grazing and allowed Europeans to quickly settle in the area after their arrival in Victoria. Meaning that the Kooris were quickly displaced. The initial land for the park was donated to the Government. There are remnants of the Parks former life as a farm, but unfortunately none of these are readily accessible to the public. The remains of a stone house built in the 1850s (Pictured Left) can be seen from the lower lookout tower below the visitors centre. Activity: draw a picture of the house, recreating how it might have looked in the 1850's. Write a story what your life may have been like if you lived in that house.

 

Various families farmed the Organ Pipes area until it became a national park in 1972. Farming practices have altered substantially in the time the area has been settled but neighbouring landholders still face problems with noxious weeds and other 'modern' impacts such as Melbourne Airport, the 'Thunderdome', suburban sprawl and roaming domestic animals. The photo shows some of the mess left over from farming. Activity: Explain how each of the problems listed above may adversely affect the park.