Yarra Bend Park is Melbourne's largest natural bushland park. One-third of Victorias animal species are found in the Yarra catchment, including: More than 25 unique vegetation communities make their home along the river and its billabongs, wetlands and swamps: For an in-depth look at plant and animal species you might find, view our wildlife guide: Whether youre into walking, cycling, paddling or socialising, the Yarra has something to offer. Freshwater catfish have been caught at Westerfolds . 1835 was an eventful year in the history of the Yarra River. A dropoff works just like any of the other gold traps; as the water runs into the dropoff, the volume of the river suddenly expands massively, acting as a brake on the current. Stockyard Creek. Heavy metals deposited into the river throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries settled to the bottom of the river bed, particularly in the lower reaches through the city and Port Melbourne, and due to the increased artificial depth of the river through here, heavy metals have not been carried further, although some have been deposited out into Port Phillip. 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. [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. Manna gums can be found along the rivers upper reaches, and are an important food source for koalas. It has spiritual and cultural significance for Aboriginal communities. It was feared that dredging would disturb heavy metals and other toxic sediments mostly deposited during Melbourne's industrial era. 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). In August, 1896, Skookum Jim and his family found gold near the Klondike River in Canada's Yukon Territory. In 1891, the great flood caused the Yarra to swell to 305 metres (1,001ft) in width. Sign up for notifications from Insider! The current course dates back to 1886 when a canal devised by British engineer Sir John Coode was cut from west of Flinders Street to below its junction with the Maribyrnong. Board one of the river cruises from Southbank to explore the lower reaches of the Yarra, follow the Capital City Trail on foot or bike, canoe or kayak all or part of its 240-kilometre expanse, or set up for a scenic sunset barbecue or picnic on the banks of the river. The park features extensive stands of mountain ash, a very tall eucalypt, tree ferns, as well as patches of remnant rainforest. 6. 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. Would you like to see more improved bioretention systems and more, Ocean Protect were proud to support the South Australian Stormwater Symposium on Thursday, 8th September 2022. Most features have been named after translated Wurundjeri phrases or have European, particularly British, origins. He describes the glacial flour. [30] They are part of the global Waterkeeper Alliance movement and have been involved in forums and discussions pushing for policies to ensure that "the voice" of the river is heard. The riverflows for about 242 kilometers from the Yarra Ranges of the Great Dividing Range to Port Philip at Hobsons Bay. The approximate location of the site is marked by a cairn on Fourth Hill in the Warrandyte State Park. Thanks to an abundance of native plants and water supply, the wildlife in and around the Yarra River is highly diverse. 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. A growing number of people are heading to the streams and rivers in search of gold. The Yarra Rivers 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. Environmental sculptures made from natural materials reflect the islands tranquil setting and make for a great day out. Our iconic waterways are the lifeblood of Melbournes natural landscape learn how you can help look after them. The 10-year plan supports collaborative management of the Yarra and its lands to give effect to the communitys long-term vision. The Yarra River Precinct's famed riverside dining and drinking started with Riverland Bar at Federation Wharf nearly 20 years ago. Following this, the river was widened to protect Melbourne residents from future flooding. 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. This is a very accurate description as the river is a perennial waterway, meaning it has a continuous flow all year round due to years of normal rainfall. It's illegal to swim in the Yarra River south of Gipps Street in Abbotsford. From there, continuously weed out the bigger rocks and pebbles. Stay up to date with what you want to know. The Yarra River has about 50 named tributaries; 6 rivers, 42 creeks and 2 gullies. The clay soil in the region breaks up into tiny particles and dissipates throughout the whole of the river. Watch the following video to see it for yourself: Take a tour of the upper Yarra River at picturesque Warburton. After a few minutes, you should be left with black sand hopefully speckled with flakes of gold. Stokes River Tributary of Glenelg River. The river has been a major food source and meeting place for Indigenous Australians for thousands of years. We also talk about the South Fork of the Snake River and why it's awesome to euro nymph in this area. 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. The last time the Yarra experienced a major flood was in 1934, when the region endured 48 hours of . The great flood of 1891. Elemental to Melbourne's identity, the Yarra River is one of Victoria's iconic waterways. This industrialisation also led to a steady deterioration in water quality during the 19th century and into the 20th. The river is used extensively for kayaking at Templestowe, and canoes can often be seen throughout the suburban section. flickr/daniel montemayor. This iconic river flows 242 kilometres from its source on Mt Baw Baw in the Yarra Ranges National Park, north-east of Melbourne, all the way to Port Phillip Bay. Being a considerably thin river for almost its entire length, there are very few islands or lakes. Once vast, they are a precious and fragile resource and vulnerable to introduced grasses, soil disturbance, grazing, mowing and fertilisers. One of the best ways you can get into nature is with a Licensed Tour Operator. Sections of the river are occasionally closed for public events such as Moomba, New Year's Eve and Rowing events. 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. 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. This article contains explanations and lists of the river's tributaries and other geographic features. [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. Some of the larger parklands adjoining the river include, from downstream to upstream: There are 14 golf courses adjoining the river, these include, from downstream to upstream: The Yarra is considered an important part of Melbourne's culture and a symbol of the city, and as a result, it has been the source of artistic and cultural expression. Herring Island, an artificial island on the Yarra River is a haven for nature and art lovers alike. The Yarra River then turns westwards at Healesville and thence to Yarra Glen. Licensed Tour Operators know all the best places to go and will plan and prepare your visit to ensure you are safe and can enjoy your nature-based adventure to the fullest. However, this section of the river is surrounded by tall trees and parklands, containing mainly the native vegetation. It is the cleanest stretch of the Yarra River to swim in, and it is about a 40-minute drive from the city. Check the fire danger ratings before you visit on hot days. Delivering the plan is a Victorian Government commitment to protect our treasured Yarra River, Birrarung, and its parklands for future generations. Not recommend. To the Wurundjeri people the river, known as Birrarung, was the life source and an important meeting place. The Yarra River is colloquially known as "the upside down river", for its golden hue. There is a population of Macquarie perch and some Murray cod. 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. The river provided food and water and places for spiritual activities like burial grounds and birthplaces for the indigenous groups. [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. Yarra Valley. It is mostly concentrated in central Melbourne where cruises go up and down the river and ferries operate. 12:04 - I ask him if there are similarities between the waters in Europe and the stuff over here we're gonna be hitting. 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