Bunyip State Park

Bunyip State Park is 16600 hectares in size. The exceptional natural condition of much of the Park, with its diversity of flora and fauna and high landscape values, creates a distinctive bush atmosphere. The Balluk-William clan of the Woiworung (Yarra Yarra) tribe were the first people to live in the area. The miners and prospectors of the mid 1850's were the first Europeans to visit the district, but they soon moved on to more promising goldfields.

The Bunyip! Beware of the Bunyip, a dark furry animal with a round face, small ears and fiery eyes that glow in the dark! According to Aboriginal mythology, the Bunyip or "Buneep" (the original spelling on early maps showing the river, first cattle run and township) is a spirit that punishes bad people. Local Aboriginal people believed the Bunyip lived in the swamps of the Bunyip River and avoided the area. Many early settlers, believing this story, never pitched their tents near a 'Bunyip hole'. People were also careful not to make ripples when collecting water. This upset the Bunyip.