Melbourne Water respectfully acknowledges the Bunurong, Gunaikurnai, Taungurung, Wadawurrung and Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung peoples as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the land and water on which we rely and operate. He selected a site on the northern bank of the Yarra River, declaring that "this will be the place for a village". The Yarra River basin is home to almost 30% of the animal species in Victoria. Victorians are concerned about the health of the Yarra: Due to stormwater runoff, up to 350,000 cigarette butts enter the Yarra catchment every day, which is a small representation of the rubbish that makes its way into the river and locals are worried. Through the mid-20th century, industry was slowly relocated away from the river and since then the major pollutants have come from storm water runoff, sewerage and lasting effects of previous pollution. Enjoy the tranquility and spot wildlife that hikers dont normally see. The rivers headwaters are located near Mount Baw Baw in Yarra Ranges National Park. But they weren't the only ones demanding action under the Gold Dome. The current bridge was constructed in 1888. The Yarra River is one of Melbourne's greatest assets. However it is believed that 'Yarra' means "waterfall", "flow", or refers to running or falling water,[1][2][10] descriptive of any river or creek in the area, not just the Yarra. Native grasses provide food for parrots, wombats, wallabies and kangaroos. The Yarra River is colloquially known as "the upside down river", for its golden hue. The Upper Yarra Dam, one of a number of dams in the Yarra Catchment that supply a large part of Melbourne's water, is the furthest upstream point on the river visible to the general public (though the dam itself is closed off). Gold was first discovered in Victoria near the Yarra River in Warrandyte. It is the point which was once known as "Freshwater Place" and once had a set of cascades which prevented both salt water and larger ships from going further upstream. La Camera, Southgate The Yarra River also served as an important irrigation water source for the early European settlers. Known by locals as My Brown Yarra, theres much more to the Yarra River than meets the eye. A history of flooding: The first recorded flood in The Yarra River was in 1839. . It has spiritual and cultural significance for Aboriginal communities. Habitat loss has slowed in recent years thanks to revegetation, erosion control and removal of fish migration barriers. [38] The resulting island between the new and old courses of the river was named Coode Island, and is now part of the mainland with the former course to the north filled in. The Yarra River drains an area of approximately 4,078 square kilometers and discharges an average of 37 cubic meters of water per second at the mouth. The approximate location of the site is marked by a cairn on Fourth Hill in the Warrandyte State Park. This is an important spawning and nursery area for brown trout from the Yarra River. [18] This was due mostly to previous storm water drainage works which utilised Elizabeth street as a watercourse during times of intense rain creating flash floods. Before European settlement, the Yarra River was a major food source and meeting place for local indigenous people, the Wurundjeri people. Environmental sculptures made from natural materials reflect the islands tranquil setting and make for a great day out. The Yarra Riverkeeper Association is the largest of many advocacy groups dedicated to protecting the Yarra River and its environs for current and future generations. For the falls traditionally known as Yarra Yarra, see, Last edited on 21 February 2023, at 09:38, "Yarra River: 30146: Historical Information", "In four years, 179 tonnes of garbage was pulled out of the Yarra", "Yarra Strategic Plan (Burndap Birrarung burndap umarkoo) | Melbourne Water", "Port Phillip Survey 1957-1963: The Geology & Geomorphology", https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/papers/govpub/VPARL1878NoC15.pdf, "Governor Bourke's Proclamation 1835 (UK)", "Melbourne flood Elizabeth Street, February 1972, Neville Bowler", "Garrett approves Port Phillip Bay dredging", "Port Phillip and Westernport Regional River Health Strategy - Yarra catchment", "Chemicals in Melbourne's Yarra River created a health risk, says report", Rivers, wetlands, bays Port Phillip and Westernport, Mr Ian Penrose, Yarra Riverkeepers Association, Sustainable Cities Round Table/ Future Melbourne forum. The final section passes through the Port of Melbourne and under the Bolte Bridge and the West Gate Bridge. While there are fewer crossings towards the mouth of the river, most notably the West Gate, Bolte and Princes Bridges, and the Burnley and Domain Tunnels. Did you know: Each year, volunteers spend an incredible 50,000 hours working in parks along the Yarra. Pack the car and round up your family and friends. Sections of the river are occasionally closed for public events such as Moomba, New Year's Eve and Rowing events. Yarra Valley. Don River, Launching Place. The Woods Point Rd follows the river through this section. The river was partially dammed at Pound Bend near Normans Reserve at its eastern entrance and near Bob's wetlands at its western exit. The particles are kept suspended by the turbulence in some parts of the middle and lower sections of the river. The river is used extensively for kayaking at Templestowe, and canoes can often be seen throughout the suburban section. Yarra Bend Park is Melbourne's largest natural bushland park. View annual progress towards 10-year targets for waterways in the catchment, as set out in the strategy. Freshwater catfish have been caught at Westerfolds . So where is this picturesque spot? The walking trail features placards displaying some of their paintings at the settings they were actually painted; some features depicted remain clearly recognisable today. The river is home to several species of fish. The Yarra River's journey begins on the southern slopes of the Great Dividing Range and twists through the forested valleys of the Yarra Ranges and its quaint regional towns before concluding its journey on the muddy flats of Port Phillip Bay. The area has been occupied by various indigenous clans for at least 30,000 years. The clay soil in the region breaks up into tiny particles and dissipates throughout the whole of the river. In February 1972, the CBD was flooded as the natural watercourse of Elizabeth Street became a raging torrent. With two legislative days remaining until Crossover Day, legislators and lobbyists spent all . The lowest section is an estuary where ocean water and salt travel upstream for about 10 kilometers. [citation needed] The document, commonly called Batman's Treaty, was declared void by the Governor of New South Wales, Richard Bourke. Medium gold in hue, this full-bodied Chardonnay starts on the quiet side, but after time in glass it opens to reveal citrus, melon, mint and salted nut characters, backed by a prominent line of . [21] Early industry located along the river contributed great amounts of pollution such as dangerous chemicals, grease, oil and heavy metals. Its a good idea to check this page ahead of your visit for any updates. It has spiritual and cultural significance for Aboriginal communities. From Reefton, the river flows through the temperate forests to Warburton. Elemental to Melbourne's identity, the Yarra River is one of Victoria's iconic waterways. In 1803, New South Wales Acting Surveyor-General Charles Grimes and his party became the first Europeans to sail up the river. The section of the Yarra River between Warrandyte and Warburton is a Victoria Heritage River. There are more than 400 Licensed Tour Operators across Victoria who are ready and waiting to help you experience and connect with Victorias spectacular parks and waterways. Today, the Yarra mouth including Swanson and Appleton docks are used for container shipping by the Port of Melbourne, which is the busiest on the continent. 12:04 - I ask him if there are similarities between the waters in Europe and the stuff over here we're gonna be hitting. The Yarra Riverbank is home to over 20 unique plant communities. Again, towards the end of the 1850's and into the early 1860's, Anderson's Creeks became largely deserted as a result of the opening . 5. Following this, the river was widened to protect Melbourne residents from future flooding. Two major off-road, sealed trails, the Yarra River Trail and Capital City Trail follow the river on its course through the city, while part of the Bayside Trail also connects with the river. The Yarra River was an important resource for the Wurundjeri people for around 40,000 years. Check this website for closures and fire information before your visit. In the 1840s a weir was built at Dights Falls to power a flour mill and to give some control over the river downstream from there. One of the best ways you can get into nature is with a Licensed Tour Operator. Situated to the south of Yarra River, the Melbourne Royal Botanic Gardens have some of the most exquisite flora and fauna to offer up to nature aficionados. The Yarra River crosses an enormous range of habitats from pristine forested catchments, to a range of agricultural lands and onto dense urban areas: The stretch of the Yarra River between Warburton and Warrandyte has been identified as a Victorian Heritage River. The facility was situated inside Warrandyte State Park, from where the spillover until June 2015 flowed into the river and downstream towards Melbourne. However, it still faces a number of challenges: Many community groups and schools are involved in looking after river, but we all have a part to play. [citation needed], Gold was first discovered in Victoria near the Yarra River in Warrandyte. The approximate location of the site is marked by a cairn on Fourth Hill in the Warrandyte State Park. Watch the following video to see it for yourself: Take a tour of the upper Yarra River at picturesque Warburton. You can leap from the cliff faces into the flowing water, or clamber across the smooth rocks in the shallow sections. [At the Yarra Riverkeeper Association] our activities include monitoring the health of the Yarra and any developments through our regular boat patrols, water testing, speaking with river stakeholders, running community forums and tours, publicising and educating the public, schools and others while supporting other community groups and authorities that help the river. Top editors give you the stories you want delivered right to your inbox each weekday. Whilst the water is not particularly clear, its quality is sufficient for edible fish to swim within it. Reptiles that are common in the area include lizards, snakes, turtles, and skinks. Visiting a park can be more of a challenge for people with disabilities, however in Victoria there are a wide range of facilities to help people of all abilities enjoy our wonderful parks around the state. Some industrial companies continue to use the Yarra as a dumping ground. The Yarra River is Victorias 10th longest river, flowing for about 242 kilometers from its source in the Eastern Highlands to its mouth at Hobsons Bay. Boating is difficult beyond Hawthorn and impossible past Dights Falls. The creation of new shipping channels to cope with the growing use of the Yarra by cargo ships was first tabled in the 1870s. Not recommend. High levels of E. coli, some up to 200 times the safe limit in its tributaries, are caused primarily by poorly maintained septic systems.[23]. Beginning with the Victorian gold rush it was extensively mined, creating the Pound Bend Tunnel in Warrandyte, and the Big and Little Peninsula Tunnels above Warburton. At certain times of the year, particularly during the Moomba Festival, this stretch of the river is occupied by water skiing courses and jumps. 4. The Yarra River Precinct's famed riverside dining and drinking started with Riverland Bar at Federation Wharf nearly 20 years ago. On the southern side of the river near exists a number of university and private school rowing clubs who use the river for recreational sports. From bushland to wetlands and everything in between, parks provide habitat to an abundance of common and rare bird species. By using our site you accept that we use and share cookies and similar technologies with certain approved third parties. The lower stretches of the Yarra are where Victoria's state capital Melbourne was established in 1835, and today metropolitan Greater Melbourne dominates and influences the landscape of its lower reaches. The park features extensive stands of mountain ash, a very tall eucalypt, tree ferns, as well as patches of remnant rainforest. Did you know: More than one-third of Victorias population lives in the Yarra catchment, which spans about 4000 square kilometres. The Yarra River begins its journey through Melbourne at Chirnside Park, marking the start of its middle reaches. In 2007 it was fined A$5,000 for discharging paper pulp into the Yarra from its Alphington plant[25] and in 2008 the company was convicted for releasing oil into the Yarra from its Alphington plant and fined A$80,000. Yarra River. Early industries grew along the banks of the river, rapidly degrading the water quality. The Wurundjeri people have always had a deep connection to the river. It hosts a wide range of geographic features including; bends, rapids, lakes, islands, floodplains, billabongs, wetlands, etc. From Warburton, farms begin to emerge on the banks of the Yarra River, including dairy and beef farms. Levels of bacteria, particularly E. coli and substances like grease, oils and heavy metals in the Yarra River and its tributaries are a major problem. Along with Vermont, Maine and New Hampshire in the Northeast, North Carolina and Georgia are popular with miners in the Southeast, while California, Utah, Oregon, Nevada and Idaho are well known out West. The river has been a major food source and meeting place for Indigenous Australians for thousands of years. Phone 13 1963 Parks Victoria. Yarra Ranges Shire Council Flood information for the Yarra Ranges Shire Council, encompassing local flood guides and a Municipal Flood Emergency Plan. Alaska Native and First Nations communities adapted to hold onto another kind of wealth: their culture, land, and way of life. Know your river: Yarra River wildlife guide, Yarra Strategic Plan (Burndap Birrarung burndap umarkoo), Permanent water-saving rules and Target 150, Work or build near our assets or easements, Liveable Communities, Liveable Waterways Program, Edithvale-Seaford Wetland Education Centre, Training and approval to work on a Melbourne Water site, Bird species at the Eastern Treatment Plant, Bird species at the Western Treatment Plant, Western Treatment Plant augmented reality app, Healthy Waterways Strategy report card - Yarra catchment, as the source of 70 per cent of Melbournes drinking water. Platypus are rarely seen as far downstream as Fairfield. Once vast, they are a precious and fragile resource and vulnerable to introduced grasses, soil disturbance, grazing, mowing and fertilisers. Shipping activity at Victoria Dock during this time had gone into steep decline and it was almost disused by the mid-1970s. Keep an eye out to make some new feathered friends. To find a good stream, it's probably worth joining the Gold Prospectors Association of America or searching for a mining club on Facebook in your area. 4. By the following year almost 200 Europeans had settled on the rivers banks, growing to 500,000 people by 1860 once gold was discovered at one of the rivers tributaries in Warrandyte. The river's upper portion is a swampy area in the Yarra Ranges National Park. EPA forecasts water quality for 4 sites along the Yarra River in partnership with Melbourne Water. The common species include Nankeen Night Heron and White-faced Heron. [14] European explorers would not enter the river for another 30 years until, in 1835, the area that is now central and northern Melbourne was explored by John Batman, a leading member of the Port Phillip Association, who negotiated a transaction for 600,000 acres (2,400km2) of land from eight Wurundjeri elders. Swamp scrub occurs in permanently wet areas, especially in the catchments south and east. Today, the Yarra River is an integral part of our lives and each year attracts millions of visitors who walk, ride, row, fish or camp along its banks. Below is a list of the river's geographical features, including tributaries (shown in bold) and man-made features or townships (shown in italics), for bearings (from downstream to upstream):[1]. But this growth came at a cost. The Yarra River, no doubt is the iconic heart of Melbourne as it meanders through the heart of Melbourne City. All rights reserved. Other diversions include The Island cutting in Warrandyte and the Little Peninsula Tunnel and Big Peninsula Tunnel near McMahons Creek. Herring Island, an artificial island on the Yarra River is a haven for nature and art lovers alike. The current name of the river was translated incorrectly: The actual name of the Yarra River is Yarro-yarro, which is a Wurundjeri term in the Boonwurrung language meaning ever-flowing. 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