[2] The Brataualung's traditional territories embraced some 1,900 square miles (4,900 km2), extending eastwards from Cape Liptrap and Tarwin Meadows east to the maritime outlet of the Merriman Creek.
In July 1843 relations may have soured when several whites, possibly fugitives from Van Diemen's Land, who had set up shop as traders in grog at Port Albert killed some Brataualung men.
The reprisal that followed was severe: local squatters mustered to undertake a vigilante raid that led to substantial loss of life among these tribesmen, and put an end to the apparently amicable relations that had existed to that point in time.
[5] The advent of the Victorian gold rush in 1851-2 drained all available white hands from the local economy, and pastoralists designed to offer employment as stockmen, reapers and sheep herders, surprising their employees by the abilities they showed in such tasks.
Forging bonds with Braiakaulung men who had also experienced and adapted to the radically changed conditions on their lands, they formed groups that adopted European manners and lifestyles, including playing cards for money, drinking and smoking.