Imagine a place where the rustling leaves whisper tales of a mythical creature. This place is Bunyip State Park. It is located 65 kilometres east of Melbourne near Gembrook. This park is not just a green space. It is a realm of history and mystery.
Bunyip State Park got its name from the bunyip. The bunyip is an Aboriginal mythical creature. People once thought it lived along the Bunyip River. This river flows through the park. Local Aboriginal people believed that the bunyip lived in the swamps. They avoided the area because of it. Early settlers also avoided pitching tents near a “Bunyip hole”. They were careful not to make ripples when collecting water. They believed this upset the Bunyip.
Logging shaped Bunyip State Park for many years. From 1898 to 1990, timber harvesting was a major activity. In 1992, the area was declared a state park. Today, remnants of timber tramways and large sawdust heaps remain. These provide glimpses into the park’s past. You can even see a large sawdust heap opposite Dyers Picnic Ground.
Bunyip State Park offers diverse landscapes. There are heathland swamps and towering mountain ash forests. The park is a mosaic of green. Keep an eye out for rare sights. These include the southern-emu wren and swamp bush-pea.
The park’s wildlife is abundant. Kangaroos, koalas, lyrebirds, wallabies, and wombats call it home. Nectar-feeding birds thrive here too. Look for the Helmeted Honeyeater. Watch the teeny Southern Emu-wren jump between low-hanging branches. Bunyip State Park is special. It is one of the few places in Victoria where you can find the Common Heath. This is Victoria’s state floral emblem. You can also spot the Leadbeater’s Possum. This is the state fauna emblem. Also watch for the Helmeted Honeyeater. This is Victoria’s state avian emblem.
Explore Bunyip State Park on foot. Follow the Lawsons Falls Circuit Walk. It leads to the only waterfall within the park. The narrow trail meanders through dense bush. It passes verdant fern gullies. It emerges at a small clearing with views of Lawson Falls. Four-wheel drive and trail bike enthusiasts can visit Gentle Annie and Blue Range. These are great for a thrilling day out.
You can camp in the serene setting of Mortimer Camping Area. Nash Creek Campground and Forest Road Campground are also options. Or you can hike to Freemans Mill Camping Area.
The park has walking tracks for all abilities. The Mortimer Nature Walk is an easy 1.2km loop. The Buttongrass Nature Walk is a 3km self-guided walk. It goes through a wet heathland area. The Lawson Falls Circuit is a moderate 5km walk. The Mortimer Circuit is a 9.5km moderate walk. The Weatherhead Range Circuit is a 10km moderate walk.
Bunyip State Park faced a dramatic event in February 2009. Forty-five percent of the park was burnt by wildfire. Despite this, the park has recovered. It remains an amazing escape. Here you can breathe fresh air. Enjoy native plants and animals.
So, as you explore Bunyip State Park remember the stories. Remember the history. Remember the mythical bunyip. Let the park’s natural beauty captivate you.