The Wathaurong people had lived in the Geelong region for more than 25,000 years before white settlers arrived. Various clans had campsites in the area, moving about in search of food and water.

White settlement from the early 1800s had a devastating effect on the Aboriginal people. Sheep destroyed much of the root crops, which the Wathaurong depended on and introduced diseases cut a swathe through their people. Birth rates and clan numbers fell.

About 140 archaeological sites have been found in the region, indicating a significant level of activity of the Wathaurong people. Yollinko Park Aboriginal Garden on the banks of the Barwon River contains the remains of living mounds and food plants. It also displays giant representations of Aboriginal implements.