Wurundjeri History at Pound Bend Map by Jessica Davies

Traditional River Crossing Point

jessclaired99 — 2025-10-13 03:10:51 UTC

For thousands of years, the Wurundjeri people used this bend in the Yarra River as an important crossing point. The shallow waters here made it easier to cross the river, connecting different parts of their country. Families would gather here during their seasonal movements.

Ancient Scar Trees

jessclaired99 — 2025-10-13 03:10:51 UTC

The Wurundjeri people carefully removed bark from red gums and river red gums to make canoes, shields, and containers. Some of these scar trees can still be seen today at Pound Bend, showing us how Aboriginal people sustainably used the environment for thousands of years.

Traditional Camping Ground

jessclaired99 — 2025-10-13 03:10:51 UTC

The flat areas near the river bend were perfect camping spots for Wurundjeri families. They had fresh water, shelter from winds, and were close to food sources like fish, yabbies, and native plants. Archaeological evidence shows people lived here for many generations.

Sacred Meeting Place

jessclaired99 — 2025-10-13 03:10:51 UTC

This area was an important meeting place where different Wurundjeri clans would come together for ceremonies, trade, and to share stories. The elders would pass down important cultural knowledge to younger generations at gatherings held near the river.

Traditional Food Gathering Site

jessclaired99 — 2025-10-13 03:10:51 UTC

The Wurundjeri people knew exactly which native plants to collect and when. Women would gather murnong (yam daisy) roots, wattle seeds, and native cherries from this area. The river provided eels, Murray cod, and freshwater mussels - important protein sources.

1840s: First European Contact

jessclaired99 — 2025-10-13 03:10:51 UTC

European settlers first arrived in this area in the 1840s, dramatically changing life for the Wurundjeri people. The newcomers brought cattle and sheep, which damaged the native plants that Aboriginal people depended on for food and medicine.

Fish Traps and Weirs

jessclaired99 — 2025-10-13 03:10:52 UTC

The Wurundjeri people built clever stone fish traps in the shallow parts of the river. These traps caught fish swimming upstream and provided a steady food supply. The knowledge of how to build and maintain these traps was passed down through families.

Contemporary Wurundjeri Connection

jessclaired99 — 2025-10-13 03:10:52 UTC

Today, the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation continues to care for this country. They work with parks and local communities to protect sacred sites and share their ongoing connection to Pound Bend with visitors through cultural walks and education programs.

Warrandyte State Park (Parks Victoria), Pound Bend Road, Warrandyte VIC

jessclaired99 — 2025-10-13 03:14:39 UTC

Wurundjeri Stories Trail