22/11/2025
How Warrandyte Received its Name
The meaning of the name Warrandyte has been said to derive from Aboriginal words ‘warran’ (to throw) and ‘dyte’ (the place aimed at). Another derivation is suggested to come from another Woi-wurrung word ‘warin’, meaning wombat.
A Wurundjeri creation story ‘Bukkertilibul’ tells how, after the creating of the Kulin nation, the all-powerful creator, Bunjil the eagle, flew into the ‘’tharing bik” (sky) where he became eagle star (Altair). Once gazing down upon his people he saw they were not obeying his tribal laws. He caused a star to fall from the heavens to punish them. The star struck the land where the Barngeong (Brushy) Creek flows into the Yarra creating a small gorge. This was the birthplace of Barak, the last ‘Ngurungaeta’ or ‘Headman’ of the Wurundjeri.
In 1840 early European settlers James Dawson, George Selby and their families had established a cattle run and built their house close to Brushy Creek. It is surmised that the local clan may have told them it was Warrandyte, the place where the star was thrown.
The name Warrandyte first appeared in 1841 in a map of the district by the Assistant Surveyor Thomas Nutt, entitled Warrandyte.
However it was not until the 1870s that the settlement at Andersons Creek some kilometres downstream became known as Warrandyte, The two names were often used interchangeably until the name Warrandyte was officially endorsed in 1906.
To learn more about Warrandyte's Aboriginal history please visit our dedicated display room at our museum. Free entry and open Saturday and Sunday 1:30pm until 4:30pm.
