Embrace the start of spring by wandering over to the Yarra River and taking part in outdoor adventures. Go with the flow and discover exciting activities along the whole length of the Birrarung, such as platypus spotting, walking tours and more! Birrarung Riverfest is returning for its third year, and you can look forward to over 60 exciting events over 23 days. The festivities will start on Saturday September 6 and run until World Rivers Day, or Sunday September 28.
Birrarung Riverfest
This festival is presented by the Yarra Riverkeeper Association (YRKA), a community advocate for the river. This festival has doubled in scale and tripled in attendance since it first began, and has grown into one of Melbourne’s major cultural and environmental events. This year, the festival aims to raise awareness of stormwater pollution and its threat to the river’s health.
“Birrarung is under pressure from city growth, climate change, and stormwater pollution,” said Janet Bolitho, President of the YRKA. “With everything that washes down our street drains ending up in a local waterway, it’s important that we understand and reduce the impact of litter and pollution on our beloved river.”
You’ll find Riverfest all along the Yarra, from the heart of the city, to Abbotsford, Warrandyte and even Warburton.
Events you can look forward to include:
- Platypus spotting – Throughout the season, there’s a few different events where you’ll learn about the adorable platypus, and go for a walk in search of these elusive creatures.
- Paddling along the river – Go stand up paddle boarding, canoeing or paddling along the Yarra in various family-friendly sessions and social events.
- Walks – Take part in walking tours, dog-friendly walks, self-guided sessions, nocturnal strolls and sunrise sessions.
- First Nations knowledge and culture – Learn about bushfoods and bush medicine in Wurundjeri culture, get the kids involved in a Wurundjeri art activity and more.
- Conservation and clean ups – Plant habitat for the helmeted honeyeater and leadbeater possum, paddle on the river in a clean up session and more.
- Art activities – Paint outside or go drawing by the river.
- World Rivers Day Finale – Head to Fed Square on the last day of the festival, wave in a flotilla of boats and have fun with music, performances and talks.
Browse through the full program here.
