Murray Bridge Bunyip — Attraction in Murray Bridge

Sometime in the previous century, I remember a school trip to Murray Bridge, part of which included viewing the Bunyip for the first time. It’s a funny memory of primary school children talking about the infamous Murray Bridge Bunyip. The tale was a local legend and in the early 70s an artist created an animatronic version of the tale. In an era, before the digital one we now live in, much of the excitement for children came from either the television or shared stories and experiences and I think the Bunyip is also a reminder of this era.

With so much CGI and hyper-realistic in the current world, I think the Bunyip is fortunately not a relic of the past, but a treasured part of local folk lore and has been proudly maintained on the Murray Bridge riverbank precinct. And a wonderful precinct it has become. Where once there was little more than some picnic settings and a dusty carpark, the area now boasts an array of spaces for different sport and recreation pursuits. It’s a perfect place to break your journey, or to relax and recline while you’re nearby.

I feel this blast from the past brings smiles to young and old. It...

The Murray Bridge Bunyip is a captivating and nostalgic attraction that delights visitors of all ages. Nestled at Sturt Reserve along the Murray River, this unique feature is a must-see for anyone exploring the area. Known affectionately as Bertha, the Bunyip offers a fun and engaging experience with its impressive roars and lively presence.

The Bunyip has been a beloved local landmark since 1972, originally scaring children with its loud roars and now enchanting them with a friendlier appearance. The recent upgrades and repairs have enhanced the experience, allowing visitors to enjoy the Bunyip for free.

The surrounding Sturt Reserve adds to the appeal, providing a convenient and picturesque spot for houseboat travelers to dock and stay. With its well-maintained facilities, including designated mooring poles and nearby amenities like a playground and skate park, it’s an ideal location for families and newcomers to...

Yup, the Sturt Reserve is home to a river-dwelling monster from Aboriginal culture.

To the Ngarrindjeri people of the lower Murray River, this beast is known as the Mulyawonk.

The Mulyawonk Dreaming story varies from clan to clan, but the main thrust is that long ago there was a greedy man who caught too many fish and didn’t respect the Ngarrindjeri’s laws about taking only what he needed.

So the elders turned him into a half-man, half-fish creature and banished him to the river.

Children would be told this legend to teach them not to go swimming alone or catch too many fish, or the Mulyawonk will get them.

Murray Bridge’s mechanical Bunyip was first installed in a manmade cave in the park 1972 and has had several makeovers over the last 50 years.

The most recent has removed the coin-operated system so you can now push a button and see him emerge shrieking from the...