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Cloggs Cave stands out for archaeology digs due to its intact 25,000-year sequence of Aboriginal occupation in a limestone rockshelter overlooking the Snowy River gorge in Gunaikurnai Country. Unique ritual features, like 12,000-year-old murrawan sticks in fireplaces used by mulla-mullung healers, mark it as the oldest known culturally transmitted sorcery site. Continuous layers from Pleistocene tools to 19th-century hearths offer rare depth into southeast Australia's human history.[1][2][3]
Top experiences center on excavating ritual pits with sticks, calcite powders, and quartz; analyzing bogong moth residues on grindstones; and sifting Small Tool Tradition artifacts from 17,000 years ago. Locations inside the 12-meter-deep cave focus on dry floors and secluded chambers, distinct from outer living areas. Activities involve troweling sediments with Monash and Gunaikurnai teams, emphasizing ritual over domestic use.[2][3][4]
Target summer (December–February) for dry conditions and moth season ties; expect cool cave interiors and potential rain nearby. Prepare for remote access, physical demands, and strict protocols—no solo digs allowed. Field schools provide training in radiocarbon sampling and microscopy.[1][3]
Digs partner with Gunaikurnai traditional owners, honoring oral histories of moth feasts and sorcery travels to the Alps. Community mulla-mullung rituals shaped the cave's exclusive use, fostering respect during modern excavations. Insiders stress reciprocity, sharing knowledge for cultural preservation.[3][4]
Contact Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation and Monash University Indigenous Studies Centre at least six months ahead for permitted digs, as access requires traditional owner approval and academic partnership. Book during December–February for stable weather, avoiding winter floods in the Snowy River gorge. Expect limited spots in supervised field schools rather than independent digs.
Prepare for rugged terrain with sturdy boots and prepare physically for crouching in low-ceilinged chambers. Bring insect repellent for summer moths and a notebook for sketching finds, as photography may be restricted. Coordinate with guides for cultural protocols, including no-touch rules for ritual artifacts.