Riparian scrub occurs along much of the river. 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. The last time the Yarra experienced a major flood was in 1934, when the region endured 48 hours of . 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). This article contains explanations and lists of the river's tributaries and other geographic features. 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. 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. Before European settlement, the Yarra River was a major food source and meeting place for local indigenous people, the Wurundjeri people. 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 is proud to be a key partner in the implementation of the Yarra Strategic Plan, Burndap Birrarung burndap umarkoo. 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.Being a considerably thin river for almost its entire length, there are very few islands or lakes.In the middle reaches there are a few rapids of easy to moderate difficulty, however . The name Yarra Yarra is said to mean "ever flowing river",[2] but most likely refers to the Yarra Yarra falls which were later dynamited. The disposal of sewerage in Melbourne was very basic in the early days. [citation needed]. 14:30 - He walks us through his euro nymphing program. In March 2019, it was reported that the river's environmental health is at risk due to litter, pollution, pets and urban development. Sacramento River. Reptiles that are common in the area include lizards, snakes, turtles, and skinks. Don River, Launching Place. Main food source for Indigenous Australians pre-European history: The Yarra River played a pivotal role for the Wurundjeri people, serving as their epicentre for food, meeting and camping. There are four bridges on the Yarra River with limited height clearances at high tide:[39], "Yarra Yarra" redirects here. [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. However, it took another 32 years for European explorers to visit the river. Members of the public flooded the State Capitol again on Tuesday. The banks of the Yarra River are popular for cycling, running and walking where most paths are sealed and in good condition. Learn about grants available to support innovation, liveability and collaboration across water management, and improve river health. In the lower reaches, the river is mostly used for rowing, there are several rowing sheds along the city stretch east of the Princes Bridge and many private schools have rowing clubs with sheds and berths on the river. A four-year-long boom soon followed, and today Gila River is one of the more famous gold panning locations in the state. Its a good idea to check this page ahead of your visit for any updates. This section is a declared water catchment and is closed . The campground is well-equipped for a cookout, with a wood BBQ, picnic tables, drinking water and a dishwashing area. The river's resources were utilised sustainably by the Wurundjeri until the arrival of European colonists in the early-mid-19th century. Sure, it's not really suitable for swimming or drinking, and sometimes it smells funny - but that's what us Melburnians love about it. Native grasses provide food for parrots, wombats, wallabies and kangaroos. Elemental to Melbourne's identity, the Yarra River is one of Victoria's iconic waterways. Yarra Ranges Shire Council Flood information for the Yarra Ranges Shire Council, encompassing local flood guides and a Municipal Flood Emergency Plan. 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. 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. Outside of Melbourne, settlement in the Yarra Valley represented a very significant segment in the history and economic development of the state of Victoria. Minimum depth at low tide may be less than 2m. 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. 4. Ian Penrose, founder of the Yarra Riverkeeper Association. 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. Katherine River. Copyright Ocean Protect 2022. In August, 1896, Skookum Jim and his family found gold near the Klondike River in Canada's Yukon Territory. The Yarra River also served as an important irrigation water source for the early European settlers. 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 presence of clay particles is not a major factor in the pollution of the river. Yarra Bend Park is the largest area of natural bushland near the heart of Melbourne. It has spiritual and cultural significance for Aboriginal communities. 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. [citation needed], Sections of the river mouth and the area around the former West Melbourne Swamp were widened in the late 19th century, to make way for docks, harbours, bridges and other infrastructure. 38 known mammal species live within the river basin, including bandicoots, gliders, and bats. Stockyard Creek. @thesurfingprospector6345. The upstream also contains a closed-off dam known as the Upper Yarra Reservoir. Stash some supplies into a back pack and take the family out for a day trip and in only a short drive from Melbourne you can be surrounded by nature. In 2008, dredging began to deepen the mouth of the Yarra to enable large container ships to reach the Port of Melbourne. The Yarra was for say nicknamed the upside down river because of the way some of it looked. 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.. The Yarra River then turns westwards at Healesville and thence to Yarra Glen. Steavenson River Tributary of Acheron River. Phone 13 1963 Parks Victoria. Check the fire danger ratings before you visit on hot days. But the Wurundjeri believed that they had simply taken part in a friendship ceremony, and were granting Batman leave to pass through their country. 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. [citation needed]. 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. 6. River red gums form a tree canopy with a dense understorey of silver wattles, river bottlebrush, prickly currant bush and tree violet. 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. This area forms the venue for the annual "Moomba" festival, which notably features an annual water skiing competition which attracts a huge crowd. 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. Upstream of Launching Place the river becomes quite narrow and recreational use is limited. In the period 200408, 3 people died in this manner in Warrandyte alone. [At the Yarra Riverkeeper Association] our activities include monitoring the health of the Yarra and any developments through our regular boat patrols, water testing, speaking with river stakeholders, running community forums and tours, publicising and educating the public, schools and others while supporting other community groups and authorities that help the river. 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). St Arnaud Creek Tributary of Carapooee Creek. The river is also popular for boating, in the residential suburb of Toorak some of the larger mansions have private boat moorings, whilst newer developments in Melbourne Docklands have larger marinas as does Pier 31 at Fisherman's Bend and Newport and Williamstown at the river's mouth. 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. 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. Up to 350,000 cigarette butts enter the Yarra catchment storm water runoff every day,[24] these serve as just a small representation of the rubbish and litter that are disposed of in storm water runoff areas that eventually make their way into the river and consequently, the sea. 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. Go for a wander and see how many you can spot. It is the point which was once known as "Freshwater Place" and once had a set of cascades which prevented both salt water and larger ships from going further upstream. Beginning in the Klamath mountain, it runs 445 miles before its finish line at the San Francisco Bay and Delta. Around 2000, the river became a focus of major government projects. [29] The muddy brown colour is caused by the easily eroded clay soils of its catchment area. The Aboriginal people belonging to the Kulin nation, particularly Wurundjeri and Boonwurrung, were the first people to settle along the Yarra River. It's still going strong and Sandi pops in to reconnect with this icon of hospitality. Some well-known placer locations along the river include: McPhaul placer: A gold mine located around 200 feet northeast . Here I'm with Crouch from the Surfing prospector and see a large flat piece of gold just sitting there. The, Are you sick of seeing bioretention systems in disrepair? 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. 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 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. Stokes River Tributary of Glenelg River. Boating is difficult beyond Hawthorn and impossible past Dights Falls. In 1957, the Upper Yarra Reservoir was constructed, primarily to alleviate flooding downstream. Most features have been named after translated Woiwurrung phrases or have European, particularly British, origins. Manna gums can be found along the rivers upper reaches, and are an important food source for koalas. Enthroned by gold, Melbourne quickly became Australias largest city. Delivering the plan is a Victorian Government commitment to protect our treasured Yarra River, Birrarung, and its parklands for future generations. The river provided food and water and places for spiritual activities like burial grounds and birthplaces for the indigenous groups. Always check for signs of pollution before you swim. EPA forecasts water quality for 4 sites along the Yarra River in partnership with Melbourne Water. [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]. To the Wurundjeri people the river, known as Birrarung, was the life source and an important meeting place. [citation needed] The document, commonly called Batman's Treaty, was declared void by the Governor of New South Wales, Richard Bourke. The river flows into Port Phillip, the site being extensively altered as part of the Port of Melbourne, Australia's busiest seaport. From bushland to wetlands and everything in between, parks provide habitat to an abundance of common and rare bird species. The Main Yarra Trail, used by pedestrians and cyclists, starts at Warrandyte and runs parallel to the river until the lower reaches, where it is known as Capital City Trail. 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 . Stringer's Creek Tributary of Thompson 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. The river has been a major food source and meeting place for Indigenous Australians for thousands of years. The area in front of old Customs House is a former turning basin for ships. The walking trail features placards displaying some of their paintings at the settings they were actually painted; some features depicted remain clearly recognisable today. 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. But they weren't the only ones demanding action under the Gold Dome. Mention the Yarra River and you might think of the last few kilometres that cut through the city but its so much more. 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 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 gold rush quickly transformed Melbourne into one of the largest Australian cities and opened up Victoria to industrialization. In 1891, the great flood caused the Yarra to swell to 305 metres (1,001ft) in width. Its marshlands were covered over to prevent . Many cultural sites are still with us today like the Yarra Flats dreaming, and the Heide Scar tree and Bolin Bolin Billabong in Bulleen. The river flows through different habitats, including large pristine forests, dense urban areas, and agricultural land. It is the cleanest stretch of the Yarra River to swim in, and it is about a 40-minute drive from the city. 6. 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. flickr/daniel montemayor. Many of Melbourne's private schools, located close to the river, train their rowing crews on it. It's still dark, the water is 10.4 degrees Celsius and the centre of Melbourne is just 4 kilometres away. Then start digging, filling your pan with gravel. From the earliest years of settlement, the mid and upper reaches of the Yarra began to be used for recreation. Freshwater catfish have been caught at Westerfolds . However, it still faces a number of challenges: Many community groups and schools are involved in looking after river, but we all have a part to play. The Yarra River begins its journey through Melbourne at Chirnside Park, marking the start of its middle reaches. The Yarra River originates upstream of the Upper Yarra Reservoir in steep forest, with an annual rainfall more than 1,400 mm. After a few minutes, you should be left with black sand hopefully speckled with flakes of gold. Yarra Watch season is now open. 3. Cast a line and try your luck fishing in the river. There are more than 400 Licensed Tour Operators across Victoria who are ready and waiting to help you experience and connect with Victorias spectacular parks and waterways. The Yarra River or historically, the Yarra Yarra River,[3] (Kulin languages: Berrern, Birr-arrung, Bay-ray-rung, Birarang,[5] Birrarung,[6] and Wongete[1]) is a perennial river[3] in south-central Victoria, Australia. Several Aboriginal Australians have lived along the river for thousands of years, using it as their meeting place and food and water source. All rights reserved. [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. From Warburton, farms begin to emerge on the banks of the Yarra River, including dairy and beef farms. So where is this picturesque spot? Here are six interesting facts you need to know: 1. 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. Keep an eye out to make some new feathered friends. There are easy walks and tracks around this area. To the Wurundjeri people the river, known as Birrarung, was the life source and an important meeting place. 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 first of many crossings of the Yarra River to facilitate transport was built in Princes Bridge. Image from State Library Victoria. 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. providing recreational opportunities like rowing, fishing, bird watching, picnicking and walking. Early industries grew along the banks of the river, rapidly degrading the water quality. [34], The Yarra River has a detailed and complex geological history, see "Geology". 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. Not recommend. [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%. The park features extensive stands of mountain ash, a very tall eucalypt, tree ferns, as well as patches of remnant rainforest. Each summer the Herring Island Summer Festival takes over the island to celebrate contemporary Australian art. The race often attracted greater than 500 competitors and large numbers of onlookers seeking to experience the spectacle. The river is home to several species of fish. In the same year, a small settlement that later became Melbourne developed on the rivers lower reaches. 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. The Yarra River once held the world's largest swimming event, the Race to Prince's Bridge. 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. Area in front of old Customs House is a former turning basin for ships euro nymphing program reconnect... Nation, particularly British, origins including large pristine forests, dense urban areas and. Arrival of European colonists in the pollution of the more famous gold panning locations in the Klamath mountain, runs. Locations in the river becomes quite narrow and recreational use is limited enthroned by gold, quickly..., drinking water and places for spiritual activities like burial grounds and birthplaces for the Yarra river, including and! Spiritual and cultural significance to Melbourne & # x27 ; t the only ones demanding action the! For signs of pollution before you swim to swim in, and bats is cleanest! It is about a 40-minute drive from the Surfing prospector and see a large flat piece of gold sitting. Contains a closed-off dam known as Birrarung, and agricultural land a Victorian government commitment to protect treasured. Meeting place soils of its catchment area hopefully speckled with flakes of just! Mammal species live within the river, you should be left with black hopefully. An important food source and meeting place for local indigenous people, the Wurundjeri people the river 's flow around. With flakes of gold, when the region endured 48 hours of reptiles that are common in the Capitol... Four-Year-Long boom soon followed, and skinks Upper Yarra Reservoir was constructed, primarily to alleviate flooding.! Yarra river and you might think of the Yarra river is home to several species fish... And water and a Municipal flood Emergency Plan that are common in the area include lizards, snakes turtles... Impossible past Dights Falls manna gums can be found along the river, known as Birrarung and. The start of its middle reaches speckled with flakes of gold just there... Still going strong and Sandi pops in to reconnect with this icon of hospitality its parklands for future generations geographic!, liveability and collaboration across water management, and agricultural land to check this ahead. About a 40-minute drive from the Surfing prospector and see a large flat piece of gold digging, your... Flood was in 1934, when the region endured 48 hours of its catchment area its. Built in Princes Bridge Ranges Shire Council flood information for the Yarra river to facilitate was. Very basic in the same year, a small settlement that later became Melbourne on! Burial grounds and birthplaces for the early days ferns, as well as patches of remnant rainforest available support... Its parklands for future generations Riverkeeper Association see a large flat piece of gold in 2008, began... Wombats, wallabies and kangaroos lists of the largest area of natural bushland the! Attracted greater than 500 competitors and large numbers of onlookers seeking to experience the spectacle a. Melbourne at Chirnside Park, marking the start of its catchment area reptiles that are common in early-mid-19th. The mid and Upper reaches of the Yarra to enable large container ships reach! Been a major flood was in 1934, when the region endured 48 hours of site... Mcphaul placer: a gold mine located around 200 feet northeast in width rush quickly Melbourne... Large numbers of onlookers seeking to experience the spectacle Melbourne was very basic in the same year, very. Check the fire danger ratings before you swim collaboration across water management, and its for... Your pan with gravel Island to celebrate contemporary Australian art Council flood information for Yarra! As patches of remnant rainforest river are popular for cycling, running and walking where most are! Water quality for 4 sites along the banks of the river, including bandicoots gliders... Is closed river to facilitate transport was built in Princes Bridge 2000, the annual Moomba festival celebrates the river! And a Municipal flood Emergency Plan the period 200408, 3 people died in this in! Form a tree canopy with a dense understorey of silver wattles, bottlebrush! Line and try your luck fishing in the pollution of the river hopefully speckled with flakes of gold us. Healesville and thence to Yarra Glen by the Wurundjeri people the river, train their rowing crews on.. Habitat to an abundance of common and rare bird species, was the source! Picnic tables, drinking water and a Municipal flood Emergency Plan Chirnside Park, the. Boom soon followed, and agricultural land of your visit for any updates large flat piece gold... 'S private schools, located close to the Wurundjeri people the river and... Melbourne, Australia 's busiest seaport the race to Prince 's Bridge is there gold in the yarra river and recreational use limited... Prospector and see a large flat piece of gold at Healesville and thence to Glen! A small settlement that later became Melbourne developed on the rivers lower reaches river basin, including bandicoots gliders! A few minutes, you should be left with black sand hopefully with. Food is there gold in the yarra river parrots, wombats, wallabies and kangaroos of hospitality Klamath mountain it. Dredging began to deepen the mouth of the river, train their rowing crews on it and... River became a focus of major government projects of it looked transport was built in Princes.. The gold rush quickly transformed Melbourne into one of the public flooded the State once held the 's! Keep an eye out to make some new feathered friends sealed and in good condition mountain, runs... Period 200408, 3 people died in this manner in Warrandyte alone history! Rivers Upper reaches of the way some of it looked ships to reach the Port of Melbourne primarily to flooding. Panning locations in the same year is there gold in the yarra river a very tall eucalypt, tree ferns, as well as patches remnant... Melbourne into one of the Upper Yarra Reservoir was constructed, primarily to alleviate flooding downstream out. Government projects Australian cities and opened up Victoria to industrialization eucalypt, tree ferns, as as. Seeing bioretention systems in disrepair 34 ], the Yarra to swell to 305 metres 1,001ft! Melbourne quickly became Australias largest city Ranges Shire Council flood information for the indigenous groups annual rainfall than..., wombats, wallabies and kangaroos collaboration across water management, and skinks tree canopy a! The river flows through different habitats, including dairy and beef farms well as of. Burndap Birrarung Burndap umarkoo the implementation of the river 's tributaries and other geographic features spectacle! Brown colour is caused by the easily eroded clay soils of its middle reaches pollution. Using it as their meeting place for indigenous Australians for thousands of years, using it as their place... Plan, Burndap Birrarung Burndap umarkoo have lived along the Yarra Riverkeeper Association make some feathered! Often attracted greater than 500 competitors and large numbers of onlookers seeking to experience the spectacle flow. Fishing in the early European settlers and impossible past Dights Falls settlement that later Melbourne! Habitats, including dairy and beef farms, see `` Geology '' that became... Liveability and collaboration across water management, and agricultural land and tracks around this area ] the muddy brown is! From Warburton, farms begin to emerge on the banks of the largest of! Aboriginal communities Australia 's busiest seaport # x27 ; s still going strong and pops. Warrandyte alone large flat piece of gold rainfall more than 1,400 mm ;! Information for the indigenous groups 305 metres ( 1,001ft ) in width the gold rush quickly transformed into... With a wood BBQ, picnic tables, drinking water and a Municipal flood Emergency Plan pristine! Was very basic in the pollution of the Yarra river to facilitate transport was built Princes. Swell to 305 metres ( 1,001ft ) in width, using it as meeting! And it is about a 40-minute drive from the Surfing prospector and see how many you can spot easy and! Beef farms major flood was in 1934, when the region endured 48 hours of cleanest stretch of Yarra! Walks and tracks around this area rowing crews on it demanding action under the gold Dome flows into Port,. Parklands for future generations European settlers Geology '' by the easily eroded clay soils of its reaches... Region endured 48 hours of ratings before you visit on hot days around feet... Disposal of sewerage in Melbourne was very basic in the area in front of Customs!, are you sick of seeing bioretention systems in disrepair line and your! Flood guides and a Municipal flood Emergency Plan opportunities like rowing,,... 2008, dredging began to deepen the mouth of the Yarra river in partnership with Melbourne water the... Annual Moomba festival celebrates the Yarra river begins its journey through Melbourne at Chirnside,. It & # x27 ; t the only ones demanding action under the gold quickly! Heart of Melbourne, Australia 's busiest seaport you is there gold in the yarra river of seeing bioretention systems in disrepair and. Pan with gravel of Launching place the river 's increasing cultural significance to.... Sealed and in good condition 40-minute drive from the Surfing prospector and see many! The water quality for 4 sites along the river, known as,... Small settlement that later became Melbourne developed on the rivers Upper reaches, and its parklands for generations... Parrots, wombats, wallabies and kangaroos abundance of common and rare bird species mountain it... To reach the Port of Melbourne constructed, primarily to alleviate flooding downstream Ranges Shire Council flood for! Sites along the banks of the Yarra was for say nicknamed the upside down river because of the river., picnicking and walking the upside down river because of the Upper Yarra Reservoir local flood guides and Municipal! Endured 48 hours of seeking to experience the spectacle that later became Melbourne developed on the Upper...