Did you know Bunyip Recreation Area was once a bustling logging hub? Imagine the sounds of axes ringing through the trees. The scent of sawdust thick in the air. For years the Bunyip State Park area was a source of timber. This changed in 1990 when forest harvesting ceased. Two years later in 1992 Bunyip State Park officially opened to the public. Today Bunyip Recreation Area is a peaceful escape. It is a place for outdoor adventures. You can explore dense forests. You can also discover swampy heathlands. The area offers a range of activities for visitors. Walking trails wind through the landscape. Mountain biking and horse riding are popular pastimes. The northern part of the park is suited for more adventurous activities. Four-wheel driving and trail biking trails are available there.
But Bunyip Recreation Area is more than just recreation. It’s rich in history and culture. The park is named after the bunyip a mythical creature from Aboriginal legends. These legends say the bunyip inhabited the Bunyip River. Local Aboriginal people the Balluk-William clan of the Woiworung people lived here long before the first Europeans arrived. Miners and prospectors briefly visited the area in the mid-1850s. The lure of gold elsewhere pulled them away. Timber became the area’s main draw. The Mortimer Mill built in 1898 near the Mortimer Picnic Ground stands as a testament to this era. Remnants of old tramways used to transport timber remain visible throughout the park. Large sawdust heaps are another legacy of the logging past. One can still be seen opposite Dyers Picnic Ground.
The park’s wildlife is abundant. Kangaroos koalas lyrebirds and wombats roam freely. Nectar-feeding birds such as the Helmeted Honeyeater and Southern Emu-wren flit amongst the branches. These birds are particularly fascinating for bird watchers. They are small and active. They jump between low-hanging branches. Sadly about 45 percent of Bunyip State Park was damaged in the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires. Despite this devastation the park has recovered remarkably well. It’s a testament to the resilience of nature. The park provides a beautiful and varied landscape. It has something for everyone. From the easy Mortimer Nature Walk to the more challenging Weatherhead Range Circuit. This beautiful park offers plenty to see and do. Come explore the beauty and rich history of Bunyip Recreation Area. Remember to respect the park’s natural wonders and cultural significance.