Mention the New South Wales Southern Highlands and most people think of rolling hills, Devonshire teas and stores peddling antiques. 

But a large number of historical reports suggest that the quaint highlands’ village of Burrawang, 140km south-west of Sydney, should also conjure thoughts of bunyips.

In the valley below is a large swamp that’s home to many unusual life forms including the rare giant dragonfly, part of an ancient group of insect fliers common during the age of the dinosaurs.

Also supposedly lurking in the swamp’s murky depths is the Burrawang Bunyip, a mythical creature whose roar, according to multiple anecdotes, has sent shivers up many local spines.