Started picking up sign along the Murray near Echuca Tuesday morning. Displacement patterns in the mud, maybe thirty metres of bank disturbed. Something large had moved through the shallows overnight – deep gouges, serpentine, wider than my arm span.

Water’s been running backwards near the Echuca boat ramps since Tuesday. Found the first displaced mooring about six hundred metres upstream from where it should have been. Water was moving in ways that don’t match the river charts, and Biscuit won’t go near the bank.

Seventeen houseboats had been moved to the main channel by first light. Owners swear they never touched the moorings.

Something’s been living in these waterways for a fair while. Recent boat ramp construction has left it in what I’d describe as a distinctly unimpressed mood.

— Sarah Mitchell, Aboriginal Legal Service spokesperson

Spoke to Arthur Pritchard from the Department of Cryptid Affairs. He said they’re reviewing it with the state governments and what he called relevant spiritual stakeholders. Pritchard noted the claim represents the first formal native title application filed by a Dreamtime entity.

The Rainbow Serpent’s legal team cited seventeen specific grievances, including the installation of concrete boat ramps over traditional nesting sites, the proliferation of unauthorised water sports equipment rental facilities, and what court documents list as inappropriate usage of sacred sites for photographic purposes.

Seventeen houseboats moved to main channel by 6am Tuesday without being asked. They’ve been staying put since.

Serpent’s been marking territory the old way – moving things around until people pay attention. Drought’s limited the usual options, so it’s getting creative with the boat relocations. Water’s been moving in ways it shouldn’t.

— Professor Leonard Finch, Paranormal Legal Historian

Haven’t had direct contact yet. Creature seems willing to negotiate – moved the boats without damaging them, which shows restraint. Field note: if you’re planning Murray River access in the next few months, check the water temperature before entering. Not because of safety concerns. Just because it’s polite to knock first when visiting someone else’s house.