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. 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. The Yarra was for say nicknamed the upside down river because of the way some of it looked. There are easy walks and tracks around this area. The river was then fully dammed at the entrance and exit to the tunnel and water was diverted through 145m and out the other side leaving a 3.85km of riverbed around Pound Bend exposed to the sun and the miners picks. 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. The river then flows through Port Melbourne, and below the West Gate and Bolte Bridges, and finally into Hobsons Bay. [12], A dry period combined with sand bar formation may have dried out the Bay as recently as between 800 BC and 1000 AD, temporarily re-extending the Yarra south to Bass Strait during this period.[13]. 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. 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. The dock was later renamed Victoria Dock. This also included widening and deepening, and in some cases, vast areas of land were excavated, such as Victoria Dock, in order to give ease of access for cargo and later container ships. The Yarra River begins its journey through Melbourne at Chirnside Park, marking the start of its middle reaches. In the 1850s, the region was on the bustling route to the Warburton goldfields. An example of this is the tunnel at Pound Bend in Warrandyte. [36] Dolphins have been known to venture upstream as far as South Yarra,[37] and serve as an example of the increased salinity of the river's lower reaches. This area forms the venue for the annual "Moomba" festival, which notably features an annual water skiing competition which attracts a huge crowd. 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. The river that runs upside-down: The Yarra River is often referred to as the upside-down river because of its brown colour. 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. There is a population of Macquarie perch and some Murray cod. 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). 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. 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. Keep an eye out to make some new feathered friends. [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. Not recommend. 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. There's also a lot of rubbish in the Yarra near the city. The river is home to several species of fish. The Macquarie Perchs population is dependent on the Yarra River, as there has been a major decline in the Murray-Darling Macquarie Perch population. 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. In March 2019, it was reported that the river's environmental health is at risk due to litter, pollution, pets and urban development. Despite being one of the citys most recognisable natural landmarks, even locals know little about the Yarra River. Boating is difficult beyond Hawthorn and impossible past Dights Falls. The upstream also contains a closed-off dam known as the Upper Yarra Reservoir. I discovered this during one year of the birdman rally where annually people fly off a bridge into the murky muddy Yarra river waters. Watch the following video to see it for yourself: Take a tour of the upper Yarra River at picturesque Warburton. The Yarra River basin is home to almost 30% of the animal species in Victoria. The river flows atop layers of silt that built up within an ancient river valley around 10,000-15,000 years ago. 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. Strathfillan Creek Tributary of Carapooee Creek. Herring Island, an artificial island on the Yarra River is a haven for nature and art lovers alike. Enthroned by gold, Melbourne quickly became Australias largest city. The Wurundjeri people named the river Birrarung and used it sustainably until the European arrival. 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 middle and lower sections have been mostly cleared for agriculture and urban and industrial development, eroding the clay soils and resulting in the rivers muddy colour. In the lower reaches of the Yarra mainly southern black bream[35] and jellyfish and in the upper reaches smaller quantities of European perch (redfin), Macquarie perch, brown trout, Murray cod and freshwater catfish. 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 Yarra River is also home to other creatures; there are 18 species of frogs, 57 species of wetland birds and 113 species of streamside birds as well as waterbugs and platypus. 9. 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. This has ultimately led to a lack of healthy understory and saplings, or a lack of saplings completely, which contributes to problems such as reduced habitat, erosion and salinity, issues that ironically affect surrounding agriculture. 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 lowest section is an estuary where ocean water and salt travel upstream for about 10 kilometers. The last time the Yarra experienced a major flood was in 1934, when the region endured 48 hours of . Check this website for closures and fire information before your visit. The course has been progressively disrupted and the river widened in places. 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. The Yarra River once held the world's largest swimming event, the Race to Prince's Bridge. Other diversions include The Island cutting in Warrandyte and the Little Peninsula Tunnel and Big Peninsula Tunnel near McMahons Creek. 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. [citation needed]. Being a considerably thin river for almost its entire length, there are very few islands or lakes. The current bridge was constructed in 1888. This series of rocks, originally used to cross the river, and referred to as the "Yarra Falls" was removed using explosives and divers in 1883. Yarra River. 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. The presence of clay particles is not a major factor in the pollution of the river. 12:04 - I ask him if there are similarities between the waters in Europe and the stuff over here we're gonna be hitting. Enjoy the leafy grounds and abundant wildlife while strolling or biking its many trails. With the pan still underwater, slosh the muddy mix back and forth. The river was utilised primarily for agriculture by early European settlers. Where: Below Mount Mambup, Perth, Western Australia, Australia. Then the river turns northwards at Woori Yallock and flows through the Yarra Valley wine region. [citation needed]. The riverflows for about 242 kilometers from the Yarra Ranges of the Great Dividing Range to Port Philip at Hobsons Bay. The disposal of sewerage in Melbourne was very basic in the early days. 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. The first settlement the still-young river passes through is the small town of Reefton, but most of the river is surrounded by hills covered temperate forest until the timber and resort town of Warburton. The area in front of old Customs House is a former turning basin for ships. Native grasses provide food for parrots, wombats, wallabies and kangaroos. We also talk about the South Fork of the Snake River and why it's awesome to euro nymph in this area. Freshwater catfish have been caught at Westerfolds . 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. Some of the more prominent and historical crossings include;[39], Several reserves have been set aside adjoining the Yarra, mostly to preserve the natural environment or for recreation, many of these are managed and operated by Parks Victoria, the state government agency responsible for the management of Victoria's national parks and other reserves. There is a canoe launching ramp only 100m from the campground. Devastating flooding was also a regular feature of the original narrow, twisting waterway. The Woods Point Rd follows the river through this section. So where is this picturesque spot? A few tips from the experts: There are thousands of places across the country to go in search of gold. Check the fire danger ratings before you visit on hot days. Nature being nature, sometimes conditions can change at short notice. The river has been a major food source and meeting place for Indigenous Australians for thousands of years. Here are six interesting facts you need to know: 1. 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 approximate location of the site is marked by a cairn on Fourth Hill in the Warrandyte State Park. Some of the parks youll see along the way include: The Lower Yarra Revegetation Project planted 18,000 native plants along 14 kilometres of the river to help improve water quality and habitat. flickr/daniel montemayor. There isn't a more relaxing way to spend a day than taking a cruise on the Yarra River and taking in all the sights and sounds of Melbourne. Environmental sculptures made from natural materials reflect the islands tranquil setting and make for a great day out. Did you know: Originally called Birrarung, meaning a place of mists and shadows, the river only became known as the Yarra in the 1830s after a surveyor misheard local Aboriginal people saying Yarro Yarro: it flows. Oils and grease remain today in several tributaries in the lower reaches such as Merri Creek and Moonee Ponds Creek.[22]. 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. 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. Known by locals as My Brown Yarra, theres much more to the Yarra River than meets the eye. 3. The river is used extensively for kayaking at Templestowe, and canoes can often be seen throughout the suburban section. It rises at an elevation of 792 meters above sea level and drops to sea level at Port Philip. Indeed, starting in 1905, the annual Henley Regatta on the Yarra became a fixture of . Rushes and sedges often line the banks. By continuing to use our site you consent to this. As rivers, lakes and reservoirs are natural environments, you may encounter hazards. Sign up for notifications from Insider! 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]. The first City Baths were opened in 1860. Stay up to date with what you want to know. You can leap from the cliff faces into the flowing water, or clamber across the smooth rocks in the shallow sections. Most features have been named after translated Woiwurrung phrases or have European, particularly British, origins. Sacramento River. 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. Cast a line and try your luck fishing in the river. 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. This article contains explanations and lists of the river's tributaries and other geographic features. [16] The objective was to stop people bathing in the Yarra River, which by the 1850s had become quite polluted and the cause of an epidemic of typhoid fever, which hit the city resulting in many deaths. Our iconic waterways are the lifeblood of Melbournes natural landscape learn how you can help look after them. [citation needed], Gold was first discovered in Victoria near the Yarra River in Warrandyte. Not usually stocked because of the movement of fish into the creek from the Yarra River. It provided many resources and important places for spiritual and community activity, like birthplaces and ceremonial and burial grounds. The dam is located in Reefton, the first town the river flows through from its source. By 1942, 650m of the old course of the Yarra River at Coode Island had been filled in, by the 1950s it had been completely filled and land parcels were allocated including a site for the new Fish Markets. The river was drained and diverted in various areas throughout the gold rush to aid gold miners. 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 there, continuously weed out the bigger rocks and pebbles. Since its creation it has been the home of hundreds of ancient American Indian tribes. Each summer the Herring Island Summer Festival takes over the island to celebrate contemporary Australian art. Around this area there are submerged mining shafts which can cause undertows that suck swimmers under the surface and into these shafts. It has spiritual and cultural significance for Aboriginal communities. This section is a declared water catchment and is closed . In the period 200408, 3 people died in this manner in Warrandyte alone. The city reach which is inaccessible to larger watercrafts, has seen increased use for both transport and recreational boating (including kayaking, canoeing, rowing and swimming). 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. There is plenty to be had, experts say, but probably not enough for you to quit your day job. The gold rush quickly transformed Melbourne into one of the largest Australian cities and opened up Victoria to industrialization. Every few years, the Gold Prospectors put out a book of all the land claims that members can prospect for gold. The clay soil in the region breaks up into tiny particles and dissipates throughout the whole of the river. [7], The annual Moomba festival celebrates the Yarra River's increasing cultural significance to Melbourne. 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. The total catchment area is approximately 4,000 square kilometres (1,500sqmi). Alaska Native and First Nations communities adapted to hold onto another kind of wealth: their culture, land, and way of life. 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. Gold in Gila River was found in 1858, when Col. Jacob Snively and his men struck gold outside Gila City. In 2008, dredging began to deepen the mouth of the Yarra to enable large container ships to reach the Port of Melbourne. 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. The community and authorities need to come together to take a closer interest in the Yarras ecology. 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. In recent decades, developments such as the Victorian Arts Centre, Southbank, the Exhibition Centre, Federation Square and Docklands have transformed the waterfront. Habitat loss has slowed in recent years thanks to revegetation, erosion control and removal of fish migration barriers. The construction of the Upper Yarra Reservoir in 1957 reduced the river's flow by around 50%. @thesurfingprospector6345. The Yarra River originates upstream of the Upper Yarra Reservoir in steep forest, with an annual rainfall more than 1,400 mm. One of the best ways you can get into nature is with a Licensed Tour Operator. Many of Melbourne's private schools, located close to the river, train their rowing crews on it. Stockyard Creek. Westward view from Batmans Hill painting by Robert Russell based on sketch from 1836 or 1837. The Yarra has something for everyone! 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. Swamp scrubs dominate the wet areas in the east and west, while riparian scrubs are common on most river sections. Its a good idea to check this page ahead of your visit for any updates. In February 1972, the CBD was flooded as the natural watercourse of Elizabeth Street became a raging torrent. A history of flooding: The first recorded flood in The Yarra River was in 1839. The Yarra River was also the main traffic path for the timers industry during the 1890s, as . A history of flooding: The first recorded flood in The Yarra River was in 1839. Theres plenty of the Yarra to explore beyond the city. 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. Thanks to an abundance of native plants and water supply, the wildlife in and around the Yarra River is highly diverse. 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. 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. Currently, it accounts for about 70% of Greater Melbournes drinking water supply. Shipping activity at Victoria Dock during this time had gone into steep decline and it was almost disused by the mid-1970s. 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