Dandenong Creek facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Dandenong
Dandenong Creek channeled as an urban stream in Dandenong
Location of the Dandenong Creek mouth in Victoria
Native name	Narra Narrawong, Dandinnong
Other name(s)	Dand-y-non, Tanjenong
Country	Australia
State	Victoria
Region	South East Coastal Plain (IBRA), Greater Melbourne
Local government area	City of Monash
Physical characteristics
Main source	Dandenong Ranges
2nd source	Bungalook Creek near Heathmont 556 m (1,824 ft) 37°50′8″S 145°15′25″E / 37.83556°S 145.25694°E / -37.83556; 145.25694
River mouth	confluence with the Eumemmerring Creek to form the Patterson River southwest of Bangholme 6 m (20 ft) 38°2′37″S 145°10′29″E / 38.04361°S 145.17472°E / -38.04361; 145.17472
Length	53 km (33 mi)
Basin features
River system	Port Phillip catchment
Tributaries	Left: Corhanwarrabul Creek, Blind Creek, Old Joes Creek, Dobsons Creek Right: Mordialloc Creek, Mile Creek, Heatherdale Creek, Bungalook Creek, Little Bungalook Creek

The Dandenong Creek is a waterway in eastern and south-eastern Greater Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. It's known as an "urban creek" because it flows through cities and towns. It's part of the Port Phillip catchment area, meaning its waters eventually flow into Port Phillip Bay.

Where is Dandenong Creek?

Dandenong Creek starts high up in the Dandenong Ranges near a place called Olinda. It gets its water from smaller streams, including Bungalook Creek. The creek flows mostly south and southwest. Along its journey, other smaller creeks, like Corhanwarrabul Creek, join it.

Eventually, Dandenong Creek meets Eumemmerring Creek. Together, they form a human-made river called the Patterson River, southwest of Bangholme. From its start to where it joins the Patterson River, the creek drops about 550 meters (1,800 feet) in height over its 53-kilometer (33-mile) path.

Creek Health and Wildlife

Because Dandenong Creek flows through many urban areas, its health can vary. Some parts are quite healthy, while others are not as good. People have been working hard on clean-up projects to make the creek healthier.

The creek is also home to a special type of tree called the Yarra gum. This is one of the largest groups of these trees still left.

Sometimes, an industrial wastewater stream called Old Joes Creek flows into Dandenong Creek. This stream can carry pollution, like heavy metals, from nearby industrial areas. Authorities are working to stop this pollution from spreading further down the creek.

Fun Along the Creek

A popular bike path, called the Dandenong Creek Trail, runs alongside the creek for a long distance. It's a great place for cycling, walking, and enjoying nature.

What Does the Name Dandenong Mean?

The original owners of the land around Dandenong Creek were the Indigenous Bunurong people. They called the creek Narra Narrawong. The name "Dandenong" was also used by early European settlers, sometimes spelled Dand-y-non or Tanjenong. It's thought to mean "high" or "lofty" in the Aboriginal Bunwurrung language.

A Glimpse into History

The first European person believed to have seen the creek near its source was a botanist named Daniel Bunce. This happened way back in 1839.

Crossing the Creek

Many bridges cross Dandenong Creek. These include roads for cars, railway lines for trains, and paths for people walking or riding horses. Some of the major crossings include:

• Roads like Perry Road, Greens Road, and Wellington Road.
• Major highways such as the EastLink and Monash Freeway.
• Bridges for the Dandenong Creek Trail and other walking paths.
• The Gippsland Railway bridge, which carries trains over the creek.

A pedestrian bridge over Dandenong Creek in Dandenong Park.

The EastLink bridge crossing Dandenong Creek.

Images for kids

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  Dandenong Creek and a pedestrian bridge in Dandenong Park.

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  The EastLink bridge crossing Dandenong Creek.