On this page:

• The Story of Bunjil
• The Creation of Saltwater Country
• The Creation of Nerrm: A Bunurong Women's Story

The Story of Bunjil

Long ago, before the land was shaped as we know it today, there was Bunjil.

Bunjil is the Creator, the Lore-giver, and the protector of the people. He formed the sky above and the earth beneath our feet. He was the ngurungaeta — the great headman — of the spirit beings who first walked this Country.

When Bunjil’s work on earth was complete, he called upon Bellin-Bellin, the Musk Crow. Bellin-Bellin opened his skin-bags and released a great wind that carried Bunjil high into the sky.

There, Bunjil became the star known as Altair. Beside him shine his two wives, watching over Country alongside him.

From the sky, Bunjil looked back upon the land. With his great stone knife, he carved the mountains and deep valleys. He sent the rains to fall so that rivers and creeks would flow, ensuring the people and all living things would always have water.

Bunjil then shaped the first man. He gathered clay from the earth, used stringybark for hair, and breathed life into him. As the clay man opened his eyes for the first time, Bunjil danced proudly around him.

Bunjil’s son, Binbeal, created the first woman from the waters. Binbeal became the rainbow that still stretches across the sky today, and at times, his wife appears beside him as the second rainbow.

Bunjil remains with us still.

He is in the stars above, the winds that move across Country, the mountains, the rivers, and the living landscapes around us. He continues to watch over the people, guiding and protecting Country for future generations.

The Creation of Saltwater Country

Long ago, before the land and sea were shaped as they are today, the world was very different.

The Bunurong people lived across vast plains where fresh water flowed freely through rivers, wetlands, and creeks. Bunjil, the great wedge-tailed eagle, watched over the people and shaped the land, giving life and order to the world.

But deep beneath the earth, Loo-errn began to stir.

Awakened by noise, conflict, and imbalance upon the land, Loo-errn knew change was coming.

One day, the skies darkened. The earth began to rumble and crack as Loo-errn moved beneath the ground. Great torrents of water surged across the land. Mountains split apart, valleys filled, and the ocean spirits rose to meet the earth.

The fresh rivers that once flowed freely were overtaken as saltwater spread across the lowlands. The sea carved new pathways through the land, creating the bays, inlets, and coastlines that would become the Saltwater Country of the Bunurong people.

Guided by Loo-errn, the ocean and land remained forever connected.

The tides moved with the breath of the moon, becoming the heartbeat of Saltwater Country. They shaped the coastline, nourished the waters, and sustained life. The Bunurong people learned to live alongside this transformation, understanding the rhythms of the sea, the migration of fish, and the sacred relationship between saltwater and Country.

Although freshwater continued to flow from the mountains into rivers and wetlands, saltwater had claimed its place in the landscape. It was a gift from the Ancestors — a living force that provided food, travel, knowledge, and connection.

The people respected the power of the sea, knowing it carried stories older than memory itself.

Today, the Bunurong people continue to care for Saltwater Country. They protect the ocean, safeguard sacred coastal places, and continue to share the stories and ceremonies connected to Loo-errn and the creation of the coastline.

The saltwater is alive.

It carries the memories of creation and still whispers its story to those who listen.

Loo-errn rests at Warmoon, known today as Mount Oberon at Wilsons Promontory.

The Creation of Nerrm: A Bunurong Women's Story

Long ago, when grasslands and murnong covered Nerrm and the Birrarung flowed strongly to the sea, Bunurong women gathered at sacred places along the river and coastline. There, they lit ceremonial fires, sang songs, and danced for Parbayin Betayil — the great Mother Whale — who guided the whales and their calves through Sea Country.

The women carried the Lore of harmony, balance, motherhood, and care for Country.

Then a great drought came. Rivers and wetlands dried, animals disappeared, and the land became barren. The Old Women knew the balance of Country had been broken.

When Meniyan, the Moon, was full, the women gathered upon the ridges and lit great fires. Together they sang and called out to Parbayin Betayil for help. Hearing their songs, the great Mother Whale rose from the deep ocean. With one mighty movement, she came upon the dry plains, and the earth trembled as the sea rushed inland, creating the great bay now known as Nerrm.

Mother Whale filled the waters with life — fish, shellfish, and the abundance of Sea Country.

At dawn, the women and children stood upon the new shoreline, witnessing the creation of the sacred water place from which life springs.

Before returning to the deep ocean, Parbayin Betayil watched over the people, reminding them that Sea Country must always be respected and protected.

From that day forward, the Bunurong women carried the responsibility of caring for Nerrm and keeping harmony and balance alive on Country.