The Yarra River is part of an Aboriginal cultural landscape that includes traditional Country of the Wurundjeri People. The first Europeans to sail up the river was a surveying party led by Charles Grimes, Acting Surveyor General of New South Wales, who in 1803 sailed upstream to Dights Falls, where they could no longer continue due to the nature of the terrain. With the Avon, Canning and Helena Rivers as its main tributaries, the Swan river's lower reaches are deep and wide while the upper reaches very shallow and narrow. While this was not considered a problem in the floodplains near Yarra Glen and Coldstream, the floodings caused much trouble further downstream in settlements such as Warrandyte, Templestowe, Bulleen, Heidelberg and Ivanhoe. The water was clear at the time of the first European settlements, but intensive land clearing and development since the mid-19th century has resulted in the presence of microscopic clay particles. 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 great flood of 1891. The Yarra has something for everyone! [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. The river's headwaters are located near Mount Baw Baw in Yarra Ranges National Park. [citation needed] or 'river of mists'. Several Aboriginal Australians have lived along the river for thousands of years, using it as their meeting place and food and water source. Surround yourself with the majestic views of Melbourne's cityscape views on the renowned Yarra River. The river's source is a series of swamps in the upper reaches of the Yarra Ranges National Park, directly to the west of the Mount Baw Baw plateau, a thickly forested subalpine park, which is entirely closed-off to all except the employees of Melbourne Water. To the Wurundjeri people the river, known as Birrarung, was the life source and an important meeting place. The area surrounding the Yarra River was first inhabited by the Boonwurrung and Wurundjeri peoples of the Kulin nation. 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. 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. Early industries grew along the banks of the river, rapidly degrading the water quality. The dock was later renamed Victoria Dock. The Woods Point Rd follows the river through this section. 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. This project involves replacing steep steps at Gipps Streetin Abbotsford with an elevated, curling walkway, improving how cyclists, people with prams and people with accessibility requirements can continue along the Trail. It has spiritual and cultural significance for Aboriginal communities. We use reCAPTCHA to protect our website from spam, for more information about the data we collect see our privacy website statement. 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. 3. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Yarra_River&oldid=1140702181, The Yarra has been captured in many famous paintings including some by the, The river has featured in songs by the Whirling Furphies, titled, A poem entitled "Yara Yara" was written by Greek poet, This page was last edited on 21 February 2023, at 09:38. 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. 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. Once vast, they are a precious and fragile resource and vulnerable to introduced grasses, soil disturbance, grazing, mowing and fertilisers. Widening and dams, like the Upper Yarra Reservoir have helped protect Melbourne from major flooding. The Yarra River has two other names the upside down river and Birrarung. The last time the Yarra experienced a major flood was in 1934, when the region endured 48 hours of . Discover more than 60 different types of nature-based experiences including hiking, mountain biking, boating, four-wheel driving, indigenous culture tours, birdwatching, surfing, diving and so much more. The facility was situated inside Warrandyte State Park, from where the spillover until June 2015 flowed into the river and downstream towards Melbourne. From Reefton, the river flows through the temperate forests to Warburton. In the zone for flavour, texture and length. The manna gums grow along the upper reaches and provide food for the koalas. In February 1972, the CBD was flooded as the natural watercourse of Elizabeth Street became a raging torrent. The name 'Yarra' is attributed to surveyor John Wedge, who in the 'Rebecca' accompanied John Batman on the 1835 party of exploration on behalf of the Launceston-based Port Phillip Association. Check this website for closures and fire information before your visit. 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 riverside apartment complex Como Centre at South Yarra and the larger urban renewal of the formerly industrial Southbank precinct were both built during the late 1990s. 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 Yarra River also served as an important irrigation water source for the early European settlers. Katherine River. 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. The Yarra River basin is home to almost 30% of the animal species in Victoria. 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. [citation needed]. The section of the Yarra River between Warrandyte and Warburton is a Victoria Heritage River. Strathfillan Creek Tributary of Carapooee Creek. Stringer's Creek Tributary of Thompson River. To find the specks of gold or even a nugget or two, you will need to the right equipment and keen sense of where to find it. [33] It has had successful campaigns in pushing for great environmental flows and in 2010 the Riverkeeper Ian Penrose was awarded the 2010 Melbourne Award for contribution to the environment. 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. Despite being one of the citys most recognisable natural landmarks, even locals know little about the Yarra River. 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. Other diversions include The Island cutting in Warrandyte and the Little Peninsula Tunnel and Big Peninsula Tunnel near McMahons Creek. In the city's early days the Yarra was one of two major ports, the other being Sandridge (now Port Melbourne), but the Yarra was preferred due to the direct access to the town's main streets and was the location of Customs House (now the Immigration Museum). 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 . Did you know: More than one-third of Victorias population lives in the Yarra catchment, which spans about 4000 square kilometres. In 1803, New South Wales Acting Surveyor-General Charles Grimes and his party became the first Europeans to sail up the river. 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. Whilst the water is not particularly clear, its quality is sufficient for edible fish to swim within it. 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. 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. [17] However, people continued to swim and drink the water until Melbourne's fresh water was sourced from elsewhere. 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 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. 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]. Of their contact with local Wurunderi people in 1835, John Wedge wrote:[11]. The lower stretch of the river from Docklands to the Melbourne Cricket Ground was part of the final path of the Queen's Baton Relay of the 2006 Commonwealth Games. 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. Alphington Grammar School staff and parents lodged more than 200 complaints against Melbourne's Yarra City Council arguing the facility could put the students in danger. Gold in Gila River was found in 1858, when Col. Jacob Snively and his men struck gold outside Gila City. 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. Observe fire restrictions on Total Fire Ban days. The final section passes through the Port of Melbourne and under the Bolte Bridge and the West Gate Bridge. The common species include Nankeen Night Heron and White-faced Heron. Riparian scrub occurs along much of the river. We also talk about the South Fork of the Snake River and why it's awesome to euro nymph in this area. And, to many locals, where happy memories of personal pilgrimages, peaceful summer evenings, and days exploring were made. [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. As the river is never wider than around 350m and is on average only around 50m wide, most of the crossings are located in the suburbs of Greater Melbourne. From the earliest years of settlement, the mid and upper reaches of the Yarra began to be used for recreation. The project was controversial and strict regulations were enacted. The course has been progressively disrupted and the river widened in places. The park features extensive stands of mountain ash, a very tall eucalypt, tree ferns, as well as patches of remnant rainforest. Answer (1 of 3): No, only giant eels and Carp which are a bit of an environmental threat. It is mostly concentrated in central Melbourne where cruises go up and down the river and ferries operate. Westward view from Batmans Hill painting by Robert Russell based on sketch from 1836 or 1837. Enjoy the tranquility and spot wildlife that hikers dont normally see. Enthroned by gold, Melbourne quickly became Australias largest city. Stokes River Tributary of Glenelg River. Initially known as "West Melbourne Dock", over 3million cubic yards (2.310^6m3) of material was excavated and a new dock was eventually opened in 1892, the material that was removed was subsequently used to fill in part of the West Melbourne Swamp, it took 6 days for water from the Yarra River to fill the dock. However, the increased industrialization came at a cost. Some animals, like platypus, have been rediscovered in areas where they had disappeared. 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.