The Bunyip, also known as the ‘water spirit’, is a central figure in Indigenous Australian folklore, particularly within the tribes located along the Murray River. According to these traditions, the Bunyip is a creature of the waterways, living in swamps, billabongs, creeks, riverbeds, and waterholes. The creature is often described as having an elongated neck, a face resembling a dog or a seal, and a body structure closely mirroring that of an ox, hippopotamus, or manatee. However, interpretations vary greatly among different Aboriginal tribes and the creature remains highly elusive and dynamic in nature. While some tales depict the Bunyip as a blood-thirsty monster known to feast on human flesh, others identify it as a more benign entity, albeit with a fiercely territorial attitude. It reportedly produces eerie, booming calls that can be heard during the night, further serving to terrify anyone who dares to venture near its domain. The Bunyip myth serves as a cautionary tale, warning of the dangers that lurk beneath the surface of the water, and is often used to discourage children, and sometimes adults, from wandering too close to the water’s edge. Despite the advent of Western science and rational thought, the Bunyip’s existence continues to be a topic of fascination and speculation for many, with several ‘sightings’ reported since the European settlement. Whether these reports are genuine cases of misunderstood marine fauna or simply the product of an active imagination remains uncertain, but one thing is evident – the Bunyip serves as an enduring symbol of the ancient and vibrant culture of Australia’s Indigenous communities