Alexander Bunyip's Billabong facts for kids

Alexander Bunyip's Billabong was a fun Australian television show for kids. It aired on the ABC network from 1978 to 1988. The show followed the exciting adventures of Alexander Bunyip. He is a special mythical creature from Australian stories. Alexander Bunyip first appeared in a series of books before coming to TV.

Meet Alexander Bunyip

Alexander Bunyip is a famous character in Australian children's stories. He is a type of Bunyip, which is a creature from Aboriginal Australian mythology. Bunyips are often described as living in billabongs or swamps. They are sometimes seen as mysterious or even a bit scary. But Alexander Bunyip is a friendly and curious character.

How Alexander Bunyip Started

The character of Alexander Bunyip was created by Michael Salmon. He wrote and illustrated the first book, "The Monster That Ate Canberra," in 1972. This book introduced the world to the lovable monster. More books followed, continuing Alexander's adventures. These included "Son of the Monster" (1973) and "Travels with the Monster" (1974). He even went to space in "The Monster in Space" (1975). Later books like "Alexander Bunyip" and "Alexander Bunyip and the Swagman" came out in 1980.

Alexander Bunyip on TV

Alexander Bunyip became very popular. He appeared in several TV shows for children. These included "The Alexander Bunyip Show" and "Alexander's Afternoon." He also starred in "Alexander's Antics" and, of course, "Alexander Bunyip's Billabong." These shows brought his book adventures to life. The scripts for the TV series were written by Mike Meade and Ron Blanchard. They helped create new stories for Alexander.

Who Was In The Show?

The show featured both human actors and the Alexander Bunyip puppet. Here are some of the main people who helped bring the show to life:

• Ron Blanchard played the character Ron.
• Jane Fennell played the character Jane.
• Mike Meade was the person who brought Alexander Bunyip to life. He operated the puppet and gave Alexander his voice.

What Was the Show About?

Alexander Bunyip's Billabong was set in a magical billabong. A billabong is a small lake or pond that forms when a river changes course. Alexander Bunyip lived there and had many adventures. The show often taught children about different things. It explored themes of friendship, discovery, and imagination. Each episode was full of fun and learning.

Why Was It Popular?

The show was popular because it was unique and charming. Alexander Bunyip was a friendly monster that kids loved. The stories were simple and easy to follow. They often included songs and playful interactions. The show helped children learn about Australian culture and nature. It was a gentle and entertaining program for young viewers.