Melbourne: From Kangaroo Kitchen to Skyscraper Sprawl - A Look Back Before the Colonials Crasher the Party
Ever wondered what Melbourne was like before it transformed into a city obsessed with coffee and trams? Buckle up, because we're taking a trip back in time to a Melbourne that would make your hipster ancestors blush.
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| What Did Melbourne Look Like Before European Settlement |
Gone Bush: The Original Melburnians
For at least 31,000 years (that's a lot of boomerangs!), the land we now call Melbourne was home to the Kulin Nation, a bunch of amazing Aboriginal Australians. These folks weren't just chilling on beanbags by the Yarra (although, that does sound pretty sweet). They were the ultimate environmentalists, living in harmony with the land.
Imagine rolling grassy plains teeming with kangaroos, emus, and kookaburras. The air would be filled with the chirps of insects and the calls of birds, a far cry from the honking of today's traffic. The Kulin people were experts at navigating this landscape, using fire to manage the land and hunting sustainably.
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Beachside Bliss: Melbourne's Not-So-Secret Lagoon
Believe it or not, Melbourne used to have a pretty swanky lagoon where the CBD is now. We're talking crystal-clear waters teeming with fish and surrounded by lush vegetation. Sounds like an influencer's dream, right? This lagoon, called Carringtons Swamp, was a vital source of food and freshwater for the Kulin people. Sadly, when the Europeans rolled in, they saw a swamp, not a potential Insta-famous paradise, and filled it in.
Food Glorious Food: What Did the Kulin Munch On?
Forget fancy cafes and five-dollar coffees. The Kulin people were all about a fresh, seasonal menu. Think kangaroo steaks, juicy grubs (protein!), and various native plants. They even had a clever way of storing food by charring the outside, creating a natural "long-life milk" pouch.
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So You Want to Be a Melbourne Aboriginal Local? (Too Late, But Here's How They Did It):
How to Track Dinner? Sharpen your hunting skills and learn the signs of different animals!
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How to Build a Sweet Shelter? Gum leaves and branches were all the rage. Sustainable and stylish!
Tip: Reading carefully reduces re-reading.
How to Navigate Like a Boss? Learn the stars and the language of the land – the Kulin people were like living GPS units.
How to Throw a Cracking Corroboree? Get your didgeridoo skills on point and practice your storytelling.
Tip: Read actively — ask yourself questions as you go.
How to Respect the Land? Learn sustainable practices and understand the delicate balance of the ecosystem.
Melbourne's past is a fascinating story, and understanding the original inhabitants adds another layer to the city's rich tapestry. So next time you're sipping a latte in a laneway cafe, spare a thought for the Kulin people who once called this land home. They might not have had smashed avo, but they definitely had a pretty sweet set-up.
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