as well as other partner offers and accept our. The river's headwaters are located near Mount Baw Baw in Yarra Ranges National Park. 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. However, it took another 32 years for European explorers to visit the river. The upper Yarra and its main tributaries flow through forested, mountainous areas that have been protected for over 100 years to safeguard the quality of our drinking water. Watch the following video to see it for yourself: Take a tour of the upper Yarra River at picturesque Warburton. With two legislative days remaining until Crossover Day, legislators and lobbyists spent all . "Gazetteer of Australia Place Name Search", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Geography_of_the_Yarra_River&oldid=1137384069, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 4 February 2023, at 09:57. View annual progress towards 10-year targets for waterways in the catchment, as set out in the strategy. Upper Yarra Reservoir is surrounded by forested water supply catchments a legacy of our citys planners. The day's most visible group was Mothers Demand Action, members of which crowded the halls in a sea of red as they advocated lawmakers for gun control measures. The largest and most notable of these parklands include: the Royal Botanic Gardens, Birrarung Marr, Yarra Bend Park, Westerfolds Park, Warrandyte State Park and the Yarra Ranges National Park.[39]. Also referred to as Yarra Yarra, Birrarung and Wongete, the Yarra River is a perennial river that flows in the south-central part of Victoria, Australia and is one of Melbournes major attractions. In 1835, Tasmanian farmer John Batman claimed he had bought the river and surrounding land from the Wurundjeri people in exchange for goods. From its source in the Yarra Ranges, it flows 242 kilometres (150mi) west through the Yarra Valley which opens out into plains as it winds its way through Greater Melbourne before emptying into Hobsons Bay in northernmost Port Phillip Bay. 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. A history of flooding: The first recorded flood in The Yarra River was in 1839. Check the fire danger ratings before you visit on hot days. It has abundant brown trout to 275 g, river blackfish to 200 g, roach and short-finned eels. Swimming is also popular in the middle reaches throughout winter, particularly around Warrandyte. Following the course of the river is the 38-kilometre Main Yarra Trail, which stretches from Southbank to the north-eastern suburbs through river flats, sporting ovals, market gardens and paddocks. Currently, it accounts for about 70% of Greater Melbournes drinking water supply. Below is a list of its tributaries (from downstream to upstream):[1], The Yarra River hosts a wide range of geographical features, perhaps the most plentiful of which are billabongs, of which there are over 100, particularly in the floodplains near Yering, Yarra Glen and Coldstream. [29] The muddy brown colour is caused by the easily eroded clay soils of its catchment area. [20][27], In 2015, a facility for washing down cars and chemical containers illegally leaked toxic chemicals and herbicides into Yarra River, killing trees and endangering public safety. The 3 Mile course ran in the lower reaches, from Twickenham Ferry (now MacRobertson Bridge) to Princes Bridge. On arriving in sight of the river, the two natives who were with me, pointing to the river, called out, 'Yarra Yarra', which at the time I imagined to be its name; but I afterwards learnt that the words were what they used to designate a waterfall, as they afterwards gave the same designation to a small fall in the river Werribee, as we crossed it on our way back to Indented Head. From the gushing tropical rivers in Cairns, the glitter strip of the Gold Coast, to the coastal beauty of Coffs Harbour, mesmerising Sydney Harbour and its innumerable inlets, Adrenaline provides the perfect place for rafting tours and trips at the best prices. St Arnaud Creek Tributary of Carapooee Creek. The Yarra River is a river in East-Central Victoria, Australia that flows through the city of Melbourne. They replied 'Yarro Yarro', meaning 'it flows'. Freshwater catfish have been caught at Westerfolds . Every few years, the Gold Prospectors put out a book of all the land claims that members can prospect for gold. Yarra Valley. Most features have been named after translated Woiwurrung phrases or have European, particularly British, origins. The Yarra River is one of Melbourne's greatest assets. [citation needed], Gold was first discovered in Victoria near the Yarra River in Warrandyte. Widening and dams, like the Upper Yarra Reservoir have helped protect Melbourne from major flooding. The increasing industrialisation of the river and the growth of the shipping industry saw the need for major infrastructure works which dramatically changed the course of the river in its lower reaches. The Yarra River is Victoria's 10th longest river, flowing for about 242 kilometers from its source in the Eastern Highlands to its mouth at Hobsons Bay. To the Wurundjeri people the river, known as Birrarung, was the life source and an important meeting place. The Yarra had clear water before European settlement but during the industrial revolution in the 19th century, high levels of land clearing and development caused these microscopic clay particles to enter the water, making it the colour it is today. The common species include Nankeen Night Heron and White-faced Heron. Around 2000, the river became a focus of major government projects. Beginning with the Victorian gold rush (1850s and 60s), it was extensively mined and had numerous bridges built to facilitate the growing transport needs. Go for a swim in the river to cool down, or set off in a canoe to explore all that the Yarra has to offer. Most features have been named after translated Wurundjeri phrases or have European, particularly British, origins. Boating is difficult beyond Hawthorn and impossible past Dights Falls. However almost all of the fish are contaminated with heavy metals including arsenic and not fit for human consumption. [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. The find was made by Louis Michel in 1851 at a tributary of the river, Anderson's Creek and marked the start of the Victorian gold rush. The rivers headwaters are located near Mount Baw Baw in Yarra Ranges National Park. Elemental to Melbourne's identity, the Yarra River is one of Victoria's iconic waterways. [citation needed]. Stay up to date with what you want to know. Rowing is a long-standing tradition along the Yarra and the boat sheds are an integral part of the riverscape. Some of the river's more prominent features include; Coode Island and Fishermans Bend, Victoria Harbour, Herring Island, Yarra Bend, Dights Falls, Upper Yarra Dam and Reservoir and many river flats and billabongs. Not recommend. This industrialisation also led to a steady deterioration in water quality during the 19th century and into the 20th. 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 Yarra River Precinct's famed riverside dining and drinking started with Riverland Bar at Federation Wharf nearly 20 years ago. For the beginner, it is advisable to dress for wet conditions with many miners wearing hip boots during the summer and waders in the fall. Federation Square was proposed to connect the spine of Melbourne to the Yarra at Federation Wharf and a neighbouring park, Birrarung Marr was also built along the north bank, creating renewed interest in connecting city workers to the river. 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). The river hosts many geographical features such as; bends, rapids, lakes, islands, floodplains, billabongs and wetlands. The Wurundjeri people named the river Birrarung and used it sustainably until the European arrival. Whether you're seeking relaxation or adventure, parks offer a variety of day trips close to Melbourne. By continuing to use our site you consent to this. The total catchment area is approximately 4,000 square kilometres (1,500sqmi). 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. Gold mining cleared small areas of land of vegetation and for periods of time, drained sections of the river; however, when compared to land clearing and industrial pollutants, the effects of gold mining on the river were quite low. Prior to settlements, the area now occupied by Elizabeth street was a gully off the river. Westward view from Batmans Hill painting by Robert Russell based on sketch from 1836 or 1837. This gem is king of our rivers in Northern California. For example, in recent years paper company Amcor has been fined several times by EPA Victoria for polluting the Yarra and environs. The landscape of the river has changed dramatically since 1835. Steavenson River Tributary of Acheron River. Its a good idea to check this page ahead of your visit for any updates. It has spiritual and cultural significance for Aboriginal communities. But they weren't the only ones demanding action under the Gold Dome. [citation needed]. Swamp scrub occurs in permanently wet areas, especially in the catchments south and east. The dam is located in Reefton, the first town the river flows through from its source. Beginning in the Klamath mountain, it runs 445 miles before its finish line at the San Francisco Bay and Delta. Many of Melbourne's private schools, located close to the river, train their rowing crews on it. . It has spiritual and cultural significance for Aboriginal communities. The Yarra River was an important resource for the Wurundjeri people for around 40,000 years. The Wurundjeri people have always had a deep connection to the river. 2. Home to a variety of endangered wildlife: The Yarra River is home to several endangered species of fish, including the Australian Grayling and the Macquarie Perch. 5. 6. The river was utilised primarily for agriculture by early European settlers. The particles are kept suspended by the turbulence in some parts of the middle and lower sections of the river. Sudden dropoffs into deep water can act as great gold traps, and if you find one in a gold-bearing river, there is a great chance that gold has concentrated nearby. Before 8000 BC, the Yarra River probably joined course with other present-day Port Phillip Bay tributaries such as the Patterson, Kororoit, Werribee, Little River, and drained directly through a narrow gap (what is now called the Rip) into a bay of the Great Australian Bight on the west side of a prehistoric land bridge called the Bassian Plain (which later became submerged into the Bass Strait). The first step is finding the right spot in the river where the gold might collect, such as a crook in the bedrock, idle pools, log jams, inside corners of rivers or spaces between boulders.. A growing number of people are heading to the streams and rivers in search of gold. Always check for signs of pollution before you swim. [citation needed], The Gold Rush saw increased development in Melbourne and "tent cities" of new migrants lined the Yarra during the early years of the gold rush. [31][32] The Yarra Riverkeeper Association or YRKA for short view the Yarra River as Melbourne's greatest natural asset and educate that its preservation and restoration is vital in helping Melbourne become a sustainable city. The Yarra River was also the main traffic path for the timers industry during the 1890s, as . You can leap from the cliff faces into the flowing water, or clamber across the smooth rocks in the shallow sections. The river can be used by any member of the public provided they abide by the rules of Parks Victoria who administer the river upstream of Bolte Bridge and the Port of Melbourne Corporation who administer the area downstream of Bolte Bridge. 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. [39], The river is navigable by most boats from its entrance in Hobsons Bay to Dights Falls, a stretch of 22km (14mi), and is subject to tidal variations and submerged objects. From bushland to wetlands and everything in between, parks provide habitat to an abundance of common and rare bird species. 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]. There is a canoe launching ramp only 100m from the campground. 4. The river, known to the Wurundjeri people as Birrarung, was an important resource for the Wurundjeri people and several sites along the river and its tributaries were important meeting places where corroborees were held between Indigenous communities. This major infrastructure project created an island which was known as Coode Island, named after the British consultant engineer engaged to design the works, Sir John Coode. The Yarra Valley is the region surrounding the Yarra River in Victoria, Australia.The river originates approximately 240 km (150 mi) east of the Melbourne central business district and flows towards it and out into Port Phillip Bay.The name Yarra Valley is used in reference to the upper regions surrounding the Yarra River and generally does not encompass the lower regions including the city . The first flood was recorded in 1839, and the largest in 1891 which saw water levels rise 14 metres above normal, destroying 200 houses. Parks Victoria respects the deep and continuing connection that Traditional Owners have to these lands and waters, and we recognise their ongoing role in caring for Country. Before European settlement, the Yarra River was a major food source and meeting place for local indigenous people, the Wurundjeri people. The river flows atop layers of silt that built up within an ancient river valley around 10,000-15,000 years ago. Small historical bridges can be found further downstream including the Banksia Street, Fitzsimons Lane and Warrandyte Bridges. 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. The lowest section of the Yarra is an estuary, where salt water from Port Phillip Bay travels about 10 kilometres upstream. [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. From that point on, the river is a designated boating channel, so even if the water is clean, you run the risk of getting cleaned up by a pleasure boat. 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. The area surrounding the Yarra River was first inhabited by the Boonwurrung and Wurundjeri peoples of the Kulin nation. Copyright Ocean Protect 2022. Sign up for notifications from Insider! Members of the public flooded the State Capitol again on Tuesday. 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. The river's lower reaches travel through central Melbourne. Mention the Yarra River and you might think of the last few kilometres that cut through the city but its so much more. Once vast, they are a precious and fragile resource and vulnerable to introduced grasses, soil disturbance, grazing, mowing and fertilisers. Outside of Melbourne, settlement in the Yarra Valley represented a very significant segment in the history and economic development of the state of Victoria. [citation needed], The first major change came with the cutting of the Coode Canal between 1880 and 1886. Stocked near the Yarra River junction in 1999 with Macquarie perch by Native Fish Australia. 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. 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. Early industries grew along the banks of the river, rapidly degrading the water quality. The project was controversial and strict regulations were enacted. When the river water combines with marine salts as it enters Port Phillip, the suspended particles clump together and sink. 4. Since the first permanent crossing was built over the river in 1844, there are now over 60 places where pedestrians, cars and other vehicles can cross the river. Yarra Bend Park is the largest area of natural bushland near the heart of Melbourne. The upper river section flows through mountainous and forested areas that have been protected for more than 100 years to ensure the river provides quality drinking water. Projects were proposed to connect Flinders Street station with the river and early proposals were for the Melbourne Museum to be situated on the south bank of the river; however the Crown Melbourne and Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre were built in its place. The clay soil in the region breaks up into tiny particles and dissipates throughout the whole of the river. This is an important spawning and nursery area for brown trout from the Yarra River. However, the increased industrialization came at a cost. In fact, new research commissioned by Ocean Protect, shows Victorian residents are extremely concerned about marine and waterway health in relation to population growth over half rated it as their number one concern from a total list of 12 common concerns including increased traffic, housing density, competition for jobs and possible reduced water supply. Stop for a picnic, walk your dog or play a round of golf. The Yarra River once held the world's largest swimming event, the Race to Prince's Bridge. During this era it was also commonplace for the winner of the Australian Open to bathe in the Yarra River as a post victory celebration. The river then flows through Port Melbourne, and below the West Gate and Bolte Bridges, and finally into Hobsons Bay. The Yarra River basin is home to almost 30% of the animal species in Victoria. The garden was set . Through the 1970s and 1980s, many desirable developments alongside the river began, such as the Victorian Arts Centre, as its lower courses progressively became gentrified. In the rivers upper reaches, fishing is most popular. Yarra River. New ferry services and water taxis sprang up along the city reach, servicing as far up river as South Yarra and out to Hobsons Bay. 14:30 - He walks us through his euro nymphing program. Stokes River Tributary of Glenelg River. The Melbourne Docklands urban renewal project began in 2000, comprising mixed use residential and commercial land and recreational boating moors along the river at the disused Victoria Dock and on the south bank of the Yarra. The 10-year plan supports collaborative management of the Yarra and its lands to give effect to the communitys long-term vision. 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. In a town without sewerage or waste disposal, the formerly pristine Yarra soon became one of the worlds dirtiest rivers a place to dispose of all things foul. We pay our deepest respects to their Elders past, present and emerging. Gold was discovered in the suburb of Warrandyte at Andersons Creek, one of Yarras tributaries, in 1851, marking the beginning of the Victorian gold rush. Other diversions include The Island cutting in Warrandyte and the Little Peninsula Tunnel and Big Peninsula Tunnel near McMahons Creek. Pound Bend has a delightful picnic area with tables, toilets, a canoe launching ramp and great views of the river. The river was drained and diverted in various areas throughout the gold rush to aid gold miners. We celebrate the stories, culture and traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders of all communities who also work and live on this land. Some industrial companies continue to use the Yarra as a dumping ground. There are few festivals as big and bold as this one and it is the perfect way to spend a day along the Yarra River. Depart from Southgate on the Spirit of Melbourne, a vessel that offers encompassing glass viewing areas as you dine away and pass Melbourne's parks, gardens and sport's stadiums and more. Learn about grants available to support innovation, liveability and collaboration across water management, and improve river health. Our Sydney office/warehouse has moved to 60 Lyn Parade, Prestons, NSW 2170, The study Biofiltrations effect on removing pollutants in stormwater was recently published in the Australian Water Association Water e-Journal. The river is fed by a number of small unnamed creeks and streams in the Yarra Ranges as well as 49 named tributaries, most of which are creeks. Spring Creek. Downstream of Warburton, the Yarra Valley gradually opens out and farms begin to appear, including beef and dairy farms, and by the town of Woori Yallock and the river's turn north, increasingly large areas are covered by vineyards, forming the Yarra Valley wine region. Whether you'd rather your cruise to be chartered by an expert Skipper on our luxury . [34], The Yarra River has a detailed and complex geological history, see "Geology". Spring Hill Creek Tributary of Mount Emu Creek. Their discovery sparked one of the most frantic gold rushes in history. Melbourne, Victorias state capital, was established on the lower reaches of the river in 1835. Did you know: More than one-third of Victorias population lives in the Yarra catchment, which spans about 4000 square kilometres. There are four bridges on the Yarra River with limited height clearances at high tide:[39], "Yarra Yarra" redirects here. 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. There is plenty to be had, experts say, but probably not enough for you to quit your day job. In 1891, the great flood caused the Yarra to swell to 305 metres (1,001ft) in width. The river was partially dammed at Pound Bend near Normans Reserve at its eastern entrance and near Bob's wetlands at its western exit. Sure, it's not really suitable for swimming or drinking, and sometimes it smells funny - but that's what us Melburnians love about it. The majority of waste from homes and industries flowed into street channels and on to local rivers and creeks which became open sewers. These tools enable us to improve your website experience and to provide content and ads tailored to your interests. The manna gums grow along the upper reaches and provide food for the koalas. Known by locals as My Brown Yarra, theres much more to the Yarra River than meets the eye. The area in front of old Customs House is a former turning basin for ships. At its most easterly point, it is fed by many small unnamed creeks and streams that begin in the Yarra Ranges within the Yarra Ranges National Park, which are sometimes fed by snowfalls. 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. Sections of the river are occasionally closed for public events such as Moomba, New Year's Eve and Rowing events. From the earliest years of settlement, the mid and upper reaches of the Yarra began to be used for recreation. Some small hobby farms are located in the floodplain area of the river, surprisingly close to central Melbourne and almost completely surrounded by suburbs. The Yarra River has two other names the upside down river and Birrarung. The Yarra was for say nicknamed the upside down river because of the way some of it looked. While the largest flood was recorded was in 1891, which saw the water rise 14 meters high, destroying 200 houses and leaving more than 3,000 people without a home. 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. 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 Wurundjeri people caught eels in the lagoons and swamps of the river and also fished using funnel shaped fish pots. Phone 13 1963 Parks Victoria. Melbournes most valuable natural asset is home to a range of beautiful indigenous plants, animals, birds and fish, and is vital to our social and economic wellbeing: The Lower (left) and Upper (right) Yarra River and catchment areas: click to enlarge map or download it below. River blackfish to 200 g, roach and short-finned eels & # x27 ; following video see. Since 1835 visit for any updates, they are a precious and fragile resource and vulnerable to introduced,! Various areas throughout the whole of the river many geographical features such as Moomba, New Year 's Eve rowing. Steady deterioration in water quality during the 1890s, as and you might of. Island cutting in Warrandyte and the Little Peninsula Tunnel near McMahons Creek any updates gold to... For recreation features such as ; bends, rapids, lakes,,! 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Be found further downstream including the Banksia street, Fitzsimons Lane and Warrandyte Bridges important resource the. Came at a cost long-term vision some industrial companies continue to use site! Bushland near the Yarra river was drained and diverted in various areas the... Warrandyte and the boat sheds are an integral part of the Yarra was for say nicknamed upside. Line at the San Francisco Bay and Delta Ranges National Park the and. Learn about grants available to support innovation, liveability and collaboration across water management, improve... Has been fined several times by EPA Victoria for polluting the Yarra river was in 1839 caused by Boonwurrung... Is home to almost 30 % of Greater Melbournes drinking water supply catchments a legacy of our citys planners ahead.