This name reflects the deep connection the Traditional Owners had with the river and its surrounding environment. They saw it not only as a source of water, but a lifeforce intertwined with its flora, fauna and people.
The origins of the Maribyrnong
According to the Wurundjeri, the river was shaped by the Creator Spirit, Bunjil, who gifted the land its shape and flow.
The river nourished the people, who in turn cared for the floodplains, moving with the seasons and respecting the natural cycles of drought and flood. They read the signs of the land, such as the behaviour of the animals or the flowering of plants, to predict when the river might rise, always living in harmony with its powerful ebbs and flows.
Flooding in 1900s
Fast forward to the early 20th century, and the Maribyrnong became a source of water, industry and recreation. Yet it was also a reminder of nature’s strength.
In the flood of 1906, the waters broke free – submerging homes and disrupting lives. People spoke of the resilience of the river, marvelling at how it reclaimed the floodplains that had been paved and settled.
In 1974, heavy rains brought the river to life again in dramatic fashion. As water levels rose, communities watched anxiously. The floodplains, once a natural buffer, struggled to absorb the deluge, and the river surged into streets and homes – leaving a trail of mud and memories. For many, it was a stark reminder that nature could not be tamed, and the floodplains the Wurundjeri had once safeguarded were not to be ignored.
Flooding in recent years
Nearly five decades later, the Maribyrnong again demonstrated its untamed strength in 2022. Torrential rains overwhelmed the catchment, and the river reclaimed its floodplain once more.
In some ways it was a familiar story, but the 2022 flood also illuminated the challenges of a changing climate and urban growth. The floodwaters surged through homes and businesses, prompting urgent calls for better planning, sustainable flood management and community resilience.
The Maribyrnong today
Today, the story of the Maribyrnong River is a mix of ancient wisdom and modern challenges.
Despite the upheavals, the river continues to be a symbol of connection and renewal. The Wurundjeri stories still echo along its banks, urging us to respect the natural cycles that have shaped this land for millennia. They’re a reminder of the delicate balance between people and nature, while past floods serve as stark reminders of the river’s untamed power.
Just as the Maribyrnong carries water through the floodplain, it carries lessons about balance, coexistence and the need to adapt to an ever-changing world.
