Buzz
Australia is renowned for housing some of the most intimidating creatures known to mankind. While it’s true that Australians have grown accustomed to these perils and generally face them with ease, there are some threats that can’t be avoided simply by checking your shoes before you slip them on.
At times, our minds wander beyond the deadly reptiles and spiders when we gaze upon the vast Australian landscapes, with its towering mountains, endless deserts, and blood-red plains. And that’s just in the daylight. As darkness envelops the land, even more mythical beings may stir, lying in wait to ambush any unsuspecting humans.
Though the presence of these enigmatic Australian creatures remains unproven, here are 10 curious and potentially dangerous beings that might be lurking just out of sight—waiting to strike from beyond the glow of the campfire.
10. The Burrunjor
At the northernmost reaches of Australia lies Arnhem Land, a sprawling wilderness that remains sparsely populated by humans but teems with wildlife of all sorts. Certain Aboriginal tribes in this region have passed down stories of the Burrunjor, a colossal ‘giant lizard’ that feasted on kangaroos.
This isn’t too surprising, given that Australia is home to an array of lizards, some of which grow to impressive sizes. The Burrunjor, however, is a bipedal creature stretching 7.6 meters (25 ft) in length. Some reports even mention feathers adorning its body. Its distinct snorting, puffing sounds have been described by witnesses. Along with its diet of kangaroos, this creature is also said to have developed a liking for beef.
The last known sighting of the Burrunjor occurred in 1985, when it startled a family traveling through the region.
While no photographs of the Burrunjor have been captured, it is often compared to a Tyrannosaurus rex–type dinosaur. Numerous footprints have been discovered, with plaster casts made to preserve the evidence.
9. The Hook Island Sea Creature
Hook Island, one of the largely uninhabited Whitsunday Islands in Queensland, once offered a wilderness retreat and an underwater viewing station. Both of these attractions are now closed. Apart from a few caretakers looking after the old structures, the island is devoid of inhabitants.
The island’s stunning, untouched beaches attract tourists who arrive by boat. While snorkeling in the vibrant reefs, some unfortunate visitors have lost their lives to jellyfish stings in the surrounding waters of the islands.
In 1964, Robert Le Serrec, along with his family and a male companion, were navigating Stonehaven Bay on Hook Island when they spotted a massive creature apparently resting in the shallow waters.
Believing the creature to be lifeless, Le Serrec snapped several photos of the massive beast. The family's companion then dove into the water to capture closer shots. However, when the creature suddenly lunged at him, he quickly scrambled back into the boat.
The creature resembled a giant, elongated tadpole. It lacked fins and had smooth, dark skin. Its eyes were positioned on top of its head.
While many doubt the authenticity of the Hook Island sea monster photos, no conclusive evidence has been found to disprove their legitimacy. Yet, the debate continues as to whether these images truly depict a sea monster.
8. The Beast Of Buderim and Other Mainland Thylacines
The thylacine (also known as the Tasmanian tiger) was the largest known carnivorous marsupial. This dog-like creature with an enormous mouth could even hop on its hind legs for some distance, much like a kangaroo.
While some people in Australia still claim to spot thylacines, the Tasmanian tiger is generally considered extinct. Farmers actively hunted these creatures in the 19th and 20th centuries to protect their livestock. While the threat they posed may have been exaggerated, the Tasmanian government offered a bounty to eradicate them. Dogs, disease, habitat destruction, and other factors also contributed to the thylacine’s decline.
The last known thylacine in captivity, “Benjamin,” died at Hobart Zoo in 1936. Some footage of Benjamin survives, showcasing this creature, which strangely resembled both a dog and a kangaroo. It is believed to have passed away after being locked out of its shelter overnight.
It is claimed that thylacines are still frequently spotted in Australia. In fact, there are numerous blurry videos of supposed thylacines hopping around Australian paddocks, many of which surprisingly originate from the mainland.
Buderim, near Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, is one semirural location where these alleged sightings occur regularly. However, as is often the case with such claims, it can be difficult to determine from the footage and photos whether the animal in question is a genuine thylacine or simply a mangy fox.
7. The Euroa Beast
Euroa is a charming little town in Victoria, nestled at the base of the Strathbogie Ranges. The town features a quaint miniature railway, nearby waterfalls, and scenic tourist drives. The famous bushranger Ned Kelly once held up a bank there, marking it as a notable piece of Australian history.
In 1890, many residents of Euroa were frightened by a 9-meter-long (30 ft) monster. The creature wreaked havoc and caused widespread panic in the town, prompting the Melbourne Zoo to send a “monster catcher” to Euroa with a giant net.
Although the monster catcher’s exact purpose was unclear to the public, it is likely that his mission was to kill the creature and bring its body back. He was accompanied by 40 men in an attempt to capture the beast, which was described as a hairy crocodile. Some speculate that it could have been a Pederpes finneyae, a species thought to be a link between fish and land animals.
Nothing was ever found except for massive footprints that seemed to vanish into thin air.
6. Megalania, The Prenty, Or Gonderanup
The Megalania prisca was (or perhaps still is) a colossal reptile that once roamed (or may still roam) the land of Australia.
Resembling an enormous goanna (monitor lizard), the Megalania prisca had the ability to grow up to 9 meters (30 ft) long. It might still be lurking in the rainforests or central deserts, plowing through the underbrush and devouring venomous snakes as if they were mere candy.
Numerous accounts of monstrous lizards exist, both in contemporary times and within Aboriginal oral history. Some individuals speak of the fearsome prenty (perentie), believing that the mere gaze of the creature could be deadly.
A report from 1899 details a prenty killing a tethered horse just beyond the reach of campfire light. When three men traveling together went to investigate, they were attacked by enormous lizards, known by the local Aboriginal people as Gonderanup. Tragically, two of the men, along with several horses, were killed after being bitten by the Gonderanup, with the wounds proving fatal. The bites were suspected to be toxic, similar to those of Komodo dragons.
The Megalania prisca was seen as recently as 1978, and in one of the more populated areas, Cessnock in New South Wales. A farmer witnessed a 11-meter-long (36 ft) lizard feeding on one of his cattle. The creature stood about 2.7 meters (9 ft) tall on its four legs, with the fence nearby providing a reference point.
5. The Yowie
The yowie, often called the Australian version of Bigfoot, features prominently in Aboriginal oral traditions across various regions and languages. Though it is known by different names, the term yowie is the most widely recognized today.
Reports from the late 1800s described yowies as 'indigenous apes.' They weren't thought of as an 'unknown creature,' but rather as an Australian animal still awaiting classification. Sightings continue today, with witnesses encountering the creatures or discovering footprints. Alleged photos and videos have surfaced, but no irrefutable proof has been found.
In general, sources suggest that yowies are noisy and vary in size, possibly due to different species, including a surviving form of Australopithecus. These creatures are typically not aggressive and prefer to keep to themselves.
4. The Port Stephens Megalodon
Port Stephens, a stunning tourist hotspot in New South Wales, is especially favored by newlyweds, families, and beach lovers. Its pristine beaches are perfect for swimming and other water activities. Visitors also try their luck fishing, hoping to reel in a big catch… but perhaps not a megalodon.
The fearsome megalodon was a massive ancient shark that could grow up to 18 meters (59 ft) in length.
A report from Port Stephens in 1918 described a shark of 'almost unbelievable proportions' raiding crayfish pots. Fishermen who witnessed it were horrified by the creature's size, estimating it at an incredible 91 meters (300 ft), nearly three times the size of the largest blue whale ever recorded.
And yes, they were certain it was a shark, not a whale. They noted that the shark had a pale, whitish hue, and the water above it 'boiled' as it swam.
3. The Big Cats
Officially, there are no big cats in Australia. Yet, large feral cats have spread across the bush, causing havoc and killing millions of native creatures. Thylacines might still be lurking out there, and let's not forget about the extinct 'marsupial lion.'
But there are no lions, tigers, pumas, or panthers. Officially, that is.
Nevertheless, sightings of these creatures occur with surprising frequency. Witnesses range from sensible individuals to those we might be less inclined to trust (such as intoxicated folks).
The Gippsland region in Victoria is a large, rectangular area bordered by mountains and the sea. Situated east of Melbourne, this farming area is dotted with dense forests, making it an ideal hiding place for cryptids.
There have been multiple reports of a lioness wandering the 'Haunted Hills' near Morwell and even in the Dandenong Ranges and Yarra Valley, closer to Melbourne. With so many sightings across such a wide area, those who report seeing these big cats are generally believed. Farmers, too, frequently lose livestock to these creatures.
Could these giant cats be unclassified marsupials? Are they just oversized domestic cats? Or could they be a population of breeding big cats? The Victorian state government has investigated but found no concrete evidence of these big cats.
Really? Apparently, they missed all the footage on YouTube.
2. The Bunyip
A well-known figure in Australian folklore, the bunyip appears in many Aboriginal stories and oral traditions. Its description varies greatly, and the name bunyip has been used to refer to several different creatures. This semiaquatic being is said to inhabit rivers, streams, and billabongs—waterholes that are separate from rivers.
Some scientists suggest that the bunyip might have been a Diprotodon, a creature resembling a wombat but as large as a rhinoceros. It could have lived in Australia's swamps and rivers, behaving much like a hippopotamus. Aboriginal people from long ago may have encountered such creatures, with their stories persisting even after the animals had vanished.
Others speculate that the bunyip could have been a large, noisy seal that frightened people.
Are we still seeing them today? The last recorded sighting of a bunyip in 1890 described one peacefully grazing by the water. However, due to the many different descriptions of the bunyip, it's impossible to say exactly what people might still be encountering.
1. The 'Catgaroo'
In Australia, any creature found in the bush that resembles a kangaroo is bound to hop. Whether it's the large red kangaroos or the smaller wallabies, potoroos, pademelons, or quokkas, these adorable animals all hop instead of walking like a cat.
As shown in the video above, the 'catgaroo' spotted north of Sydney in New South Wales looks like a wallaby but moves more like a cat. It also appears to have a marsupial-like bottom.
What could it be? Possums certainly don't have legs like that. Could it be a tree kangaroo far beyond its usual range? Or is it an entirely new species we've yet to identify? The footage captured in 2015 raises more questions than it provides answers.
