Bungies Hole Landing

Beneath the rustling leaves of Chirnside Park, overlooking the Werribee River, lies Bungies Hole Landing. Bungies Hole Landing isn’t just a spot on the riverbank. It’s a portal to Werribee’s past, a place where the echoes of laughter and splashing water mingle with the whispers of local legends. Bungies Hole, the star of our story, was once the heart of Werribee’s social scene. Up until the 1950s, this elliptical pool, measuring approximately 75 by 130 meters, was a beloved swimming hole. Imagine the scene: a hot summer day, hundreds of bathers enjoying the cool, fresh water. Newspaper articles from the early 20th century paint a vibrant picture of Bungies Hole. There was an Olympic-sized swimming pool, a diving tower, changing rooms, and even a swimming club formed in 1924. The Werribee Swimming Club proudly hosted the state’s one-mile championship for years, a testament to the quality of this “fine natural freshwater basin.” Even the famous NSW State Swimming Champion, Jack Campbell, trained here in the 1940s. But Bungies Hole held more than just swimmers. A mysterious aura surrounded the place. Some claimed it was bottomless, while others whispered tales of a Mr. Bungie who tragically drove his horse and buggy into the depths. But an 1845 map reveals a different story. The map labels the area as “Budgel Carnie’s Hole,” possibly named after an Aboriginal elder, and notes it as the “Famed Resort of the Bunyip.” Swimming is no longer permitted at Bungies Hole, a decision brought about by floods and, sadly, drownings. The construction of a new Olympic pool in Chirnside Park in the 1950s marked the end of an era. Today, the Werribee and District Anglers Club occupies the space, their clubhouse overlooking the now-quiet waters. A sign reminds visitors of the swimming ban. But even without the swimmers, Bungies Hole Landing retains its charm. The concrete path along the riverbank invites a leisurely stroll or bike ride. Picnic tables and park benches offer a place to rest and soak in the atmosphere. If you look closely at the outlet of Bungies Hole, you’ll see a small, concrete-topped pool where children once paddled. It’s a poignant reminder of Bungies Hole’s lively past. So, as you stand here at Bungies Hole Landing, take a moment to imagine the ghosts of summers past. The joyful shouts of swimmers, the splash of dives, the whispers of local lore. Bungies Hole Landing may be quiet now, but its stories continue to ripple through time.