Long, long ago in the dreamtime, the region that is now Melbourne, Victoria, centered around the coordinates -37.8136276, 144.9630576, was inhabited by the indigenous tribes of the Kulin nation. The most prominent among these were the Wurundjeri people, who had a deep spiritual relationship with the land they lived on. They told tales and shared folklore that encapsulated their understanding of the natural world. One of their most enduring legends is that of the Yarra River, which flows through the heart of Melbourne today. This story was passed down through generations, a famous Wurundjeri legend about how the Yarra River was created. According to the Wurundjeri folklore, a heroic ancestral figure named Bunjil shaped the Yarra River with a magical spear, to create a home for his people, providing them with food and shelter. The graceful billabongs and foliage along the riverbanks were created by his loyal helpers, the animal tribes. The Wurundjeri people were grateful for Bunjil’s act, and they believed that the spirit of Bunjil resided in the Eagle constellation above, watching over them to ensure harmony. Another part of the story says that the twists and turns in the river were made by a great eel, Anguilla australis, as it swam down from the mountains to the sea. Over time, the Yarra River has come to symbolise the sustaining power of nature and the sacred connection that the Wurundjeri people have with their ancestral land. While narrating these age-old tales, the traditional custodians of the land emphasize the importance of respecting and protecting the environment as a tribute to Bunjil, the creator.