Exploring Mordialloc Creek

Mordialloc Creek, a natural area on the edge of urban Melbourne, holds historical significance as a place where the Boonwurrung people, the traditional owners of the land, camped and hunted, writes Michael Patrao

Nestled in the City of Kingston, a suburb of Melbourne, Victoria, Mordialloc Creek is a place of deep cultural and natural significance. For thousands of years, the Boonwurrung people, part of the Kulin Nation, thrived in this coastal area. During a month-long exploration of Mordialloc Creek and its surrounding beach, covering a stretch of about four kilometres, I discovered remnants of the past and gained insight into the Boonwurrung’s way of life, their food sources, occupations, and the thriving vegetation that still graces the area today.

The Boonwurrung connection to Mordialloc

The name “Mordialloc” is derived from the Aboriginal term “Moordy Yallock,” with “Yallock” meaning creek or water. Before British colonisation, the Boonwurrung people lived and worked along this creek, which was rich in fish and eels. These resources provided the Boonwurrung with a reliable food source, and the creek’s abundance still draws locals and visitors alike today. Fishermen continue to cast their rods from the pier that extends into the bay, while cyclists and dog walkers enjoy the area’s scenic paths.

The natural heritage of Mordialloc Creek

The creek’s surroundings are lined with Red River Gum trees, whose bark was invaluable to the Boonwurrung for making canoes, shelters, food containers, and other tools. As I wandered the area, I encountered visible scars on the trees, evidence of the Boonwurrung’s long history in the region. The coastal area was once a thriving ecosystem, home to kangaroos, emus, and opossums, although urban development has reduced these habitats. Today, the area is home to various species of water birds, such as seagulls, buff-banded rails, and purple swamp hens, and mammals like the common brush-tailed possum are frequently spotted at dusk.

Scarred trees: A window into the past

Along the creek, visitors can spot scarred trees, which are now protected as cultural heritage sites. These trees, marked by the Boonwurrung to remove bark for crafting canoes, shields, and temporary shelters, provide a fascinating glimpse into Aboriginal settlement practices. Archaeologists also study these sites to uncover stone tool scatters and middens, offering further insight into the area’s long history.

Spiritual & cultural significance

For the Boonwurrung, the land holds deep spiritual meaning. According to Aboriginal tradition, the land is protected by the creator Bunjil, the eagle, and by Waam, the crow, who guards the waterways. The Kulin Nation, to which the Boonwurrung belong, consists of several clans, each with its own flag. These clans continue to protect and preserve their cultural heritage, and there has even been advocacy for a separate Indigenous passport to acknowledge their identity and rights.

The arrival of European settlers

In the early 1840s, European squatters arrived in the area, drawn by the opportunities in farming and fishing. The safe mooring in Mordialloc Creek led to the development of a small fishing village. However, the arrival of European settlers had a devastating impact on the Boonwurrung population, as conflicts with whalers and sealers, along with the spread of disease, decimated their numbers. In 1841, a camping station was established for the Boonwurrung near the creek, where they continued to fish, gather yam daisy (a grassland plant with edible tubers), and hunt wallabies. This station operated until 1887, after which the remaining Boonwurrung people relocated to another Aboriginal station.

A legacy preserved

Visiting Mordialloc Creek is a journey through both nature and history, offering a unique opportunity to connect with the Boonwurrung people’s rich cultural heritage. The preserved landscapes, the sacred scarred trees, and the ongoing efforts to protect native flora and fauna all contribute to a deeper understanding of this region’s significance.