Murrindindi

‘Mist of the Mountains’

The Story of Murrindindi

Murrindindi is a beautiful region in Victoria's North Central district. It is rich in natural assets of forested mountains, lakes and rivers. Its geographical location and elevation north of the Great Dividing Range combined with its topographical features gives it a special climate. During the cold winter months, snow covers Lake Mountain and fog lingers between the abundant peaks and hilltops. The Aboriginal word, Murrindindi, means Mist of the Mountains.

Aboriginal Landscape

The traditional owners of the Shire of Murrindindi are believed to have been the Taungurung language speakers and the Wurundjeri tribe from whom the name Murrindindi was borrowed(2). These people lived on and modified the landscape for thousands of years prior to European contact.

The legacy of the Aboriginal cultural landscape is also seen in the naming of places such as Black Spur, originally known as Blacks' Spur which was an Aboriginal trail and was opened up by Europeans as an early packhorse track.

Cathedral Range

The majestic landscape of the Cathedral Range with its long razor sharp ridge forms part of Australia's Great Dividing Range. It is a spectacular landmark running parallel to the Maroondah Highway. It attracted walking clubs dating back to the 1930s, and it was Victoria's first rock climbing area. Walking tracks lead to the high peaks on the range offering spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. In 1979, the Cathedral Range State Forest was proclaimed.