Have you ever wondered how a mountain got its name? Looking up at Mount Toole-Be-Wong, a name that rolls off the tongue like a whispered secret, invites curiosity. This majestic peak is an important part of the landscape of Victoria, Australia. The Woiwurrung people, who are the First Nations caretakers of this area, named it Mount Toole-Be-Wong, which translates to “Where the raven sat on a tree.”
Imagine a world where the raven, a creature of wisdom and mystery, perched atop a giant tree, surveying the land below. It’s a picture of ancient peace, a connection to a time before our own. Today, those trees still stand, whispering stories of the past.
Climbing to the summit, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views, taking in the sprawling Yarra Valley. It’s easy to see why the raven chose this spot, finding solace and insight from its lofty perch.
But this mountain has another side, one less appreciated in the present day. During the early 20th century, Mount Toole-Be-Wong was heavily logged, and a timber tramway snaked down its slopes, carrying logs to the Lilydale-Warburton railway. This era left its mark on the landscape, with evidence of the past still visible in some areas.
Mount Toole-Be-Wong is more than just a mountain. It is a place where history and nature intertwine, inviting us to connect not only with the present, but also the past, and perhaps a little bit of the magic of the raven too.