. By using our site you accept that we use and share cookies and similar technologies with certain approved third parties. Westward view from Batmans Hill painting by Robert Russell based on sketch from 1836 or 1837. A bicycle and walking trail known as the Main Yarra Trail begins at Warrandyte and becomes the Yarra River Trail, and in the lower reaches, the Capital City Trail. 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 Yarra River was an important resource for the Wurundjeri people for around 40,000 years. Stay up to date with what you want to know. Whether you'd rather your cruise to be chartered by an expert Skipper on our luxury . Parks Victoria is proud to be a key partner in the implementation of the Yarra Strategic Plan, Burndap Birrarung burndap umarkoo. Join in on the rich events calendar from the famous Moomba Festival to regattas and rowing races, the Dragon Boat Festival and an endless array of community events. Devastating flooding was also a regular feature of the original narrow, twisting waterway. 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 River is Victorias 10th longest river, flowing for about 242 kilometers from its source in the Eastern Highlands to its mouth at Hobsons Bay. 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. Strathfillan Creek Tributary of Carapooee Creek. It is the most westerly snow fed river in Australia. 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. At certain times of the year, particularly during the Moomba Festival, this stretch of the river is occupied by water skiing courses and jumps. [19][20] The project was completed in November 2009. Heidelberg formed the home of the Heidelberg School, widely considered the first European painters to accurately capture the Australian landscape and its distinctive features. The disposal of sewerage in Melbourne was very basic in the early days. They replied 'Yarro Yarro', meaning 'it flows'. 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]. 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). It rises at an elevation of 792 meters above sea level and drops to sea level at Port Philip. [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. The first permanent crossing over the river was Princes Bridge, which first opened as a wooden trestle bridge in 1844. There's also a lot of rubbish in the Yarra near the city. 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. Most features have been named after translated Woiwurrung phrases or have European, particularly British, origins. 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. 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. Some industrial companies continue to use the Yarra as a dumping ground. Shipping activity at Victoria Dock during this time had gone into steep decline and it was almost disused by the mid-1970s. From bushland to wetlands and everything in between, parks provide habitat to an abundance of common and rare bird species. In the early days, the river would frequently flood. Stringer's Creek Tributary of Thompson River. Water quality is good in the upper catchment but deteriorates downstream, due to agriculture, urban development and the resulting stormwater pollution. The project was controversial and strict regulations were enacted. This section is a declared water catchment and is closed . Not recommend. 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. It rises at an elevation of 792 meters above sea level and drops to sea level at Port Philip. 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. The river's upper portion is a swampy area in the Yarra Ranges National Park. There is a maximum speed limit of 9 kilometres per hour (4.9kn) for all boats operating on the river. Katherine River. Widening and dams, like the Upper Yarra Reservoir have helped protect Melbourne from major flooding. The basin is home to over 190 bird species, including honeyeaters, waterbirds, birds of prey, and songbirds. [7], The annual Moomba festival celebrates the Yarra River's increasing cultural significance to Melbourne. The construction of the Upper Yarra Reservoir in 1957 reduced the river's flow by around 50%. Learn about grants available to support innovation, liveability and collaboration across water management, and improve river health. The Upper Yarra Dam was later constructed to alleviate the flooding, protecting settlements along the river, yet depriving the river banks of soil and silt deposits and causing other problems such as erosion and salinity. Swimming is also popular in the middle reaches throughout winter, particularly around Warrandyte. Stocked near the Yarra River junction in 1999 with Macquarie perch by Native Fish Australia. Here are six interesting facts you need to know: 1. With two legislative days remaining until Crossover Day, legislators and lobbyists spent all . Their discovery sparked one of the most frantic gold rushes in history. A small creek (2-3 m wide) with predominantly fast, shallow water, 10-30 cm deep, gravel substrate. [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]. Beginning with the Victorian gold rush (1850s and 60s), it was extensively mined and had numerous bridges built to facilitate the growing transport needs. Mention the Yarra River and you might think of the last few kilometres that cut through the city but its so much more. The Yarra River originates upstream of the Upper Yarra Reservoir in steep forest, with an annual rainfall more than 1,400 mm. Congratulations Yarra Riverkeeper: Ian Penrose! In 2008, dredging began to deepen the mouth of the Yarra to enable large container ships to reach the Port of Melbourne. It provided many resources and important places for spiritual and community activity, like birthplaces and ceremonial and burial grounds. The river is home to several species of fish. 3. Elemental to Melbourne's identity, the Yarra River is one of Victoria's iconic waterways. The Yarra River, no doubt is the iconic heart of Melbourne as it meanders through the heart of Melbourne City. 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. Richard Bourke, the New South Wales Governor, declared the purchase treaty (Batmans Treaty) invalid on August 26, 1835. 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. By continuing to use our site you consent to this. The course has been progressively disrupted and the river widened in places. Riparian scrub occurs along much of the river. Yarra Bend Park is Melbourne's largest natural bushland park. In the same year, a small settlement that later became Melbourne developed on the rivers lower reaches. 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. The banks of the Yarra River are popular for cycling, running and walking where most paths are sealed and in good condition. 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 plan gives effect to the community's long-term vision for the Yarra and supports collaborative management of the river and its lands. The Wurundjeri people caught eels in the lagoons and swamps of the river and also fished using funnel shaped fish pots. Stop for a picnic, walk your dog or play a round of golf. It has abundant brown trout to 275 g, river blackfish to 200 g, roach and short-finned eels. 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. Discovery sparked one of the Upper Yarra Reservoir have helped protect Melbourne from major flooding were! 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