What Is A Bunyip?

A bunyip is generally accepted to be a mythical creature, the term originating from the Australian indigenous people. Bunyip sightings have historically been reported to newspapers in many and varying descriptions. It is perhaps the Australian equivalent as that of the Loch ness monster is to Ireland, or Bigfoot/Sasquatch is to North America. The word carries on use today: from the small town of Bunyip in Victoria to the Bunyip River (also located in Victoria) even to Australian Prime Minister Paul Keating in the 1990s describing the opposition party as bunyips!

It is said that the creature was usually found around creeks, shallow waters, rivers and waterholes. Its name goes back to the language used by the Aboriginal people; it means ‘devil’ or 'spirit.’ The creature is said to be vicious and has supernatural powers. It hides in the night; so it may creep on an animal or a human being and devour it. The Bunyip usually lets out dreadful howls before it jumps on its prey; as means of disclosing imminent demise. Aboriginal tribes were afraid to go near any waterholes or wells; they preserved great caution with their night walks.

Source: Australian History