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. It rises at an elevation of 792 meters above sea level and drops to sea level at Port Philip. [citation needed]. Below Dights Falls at Yarra Bend Park in inner Melbourne, the river becomes increasingly estuarine as it passes along the southern side of the central business district. The community and authorities need to come together to take a closer interest in the Yarras ecology. It is approximately 242 kilometres (150mi) in length, with a mean annual flow of 718 gigalitres (2.541010cuft), which is roughly 50% its original flow prior to damming. Its marshlands were covered over to prevent . There is a maximum speed limit of 9 kilometres per hour (4.9kn) for all boats operating on the river. Indeed, starting in 1905, the annual Henley Regatta on the Yarra became a fixture of . The river that runs upside-down: The Yarra River is often referred to as the upside-down river because of its brown colour. Melbourne Water is the lead agency for implementing the Yarra Strategic Plan (Burndap Birrarung Burndap Unmarkoo) 2022-32. Medium gold in hue, this full-bodied Chardonnay starts on the quiet side, but after time in glass it opens to reveal citrus, melon, mint and salted nut characters, backed by a prominent line of . Explore Nature's Heaven - Royal Botanic Gardens. The river was utilised primarily for agriculture by early European settlers. [citation needed] The document, commonly called Batman's Treaty, was declared void by the Governor of New South Wales, Richard Bourke. High levels of E. coli, some up to 200 times the safe limit in its tributaries, are caused primarily by poorly maintained septic systems.[23]. 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. Today, the Yarra mouth including Swanson and Appleton docks are used for container shipping by the Port of Melbourne, which is the busiest on the continent. Ian Penrose, founder of the Yarra Riverkeeper Association. It was feared that dredging would disturb heavy metals and other toxic sediments mostly deposited during Melbourne's industrial era. In the 1850s, the region was on the bustling route to the Warburton goldfields. Reptiles that are common in the area include lizards, snakes, turtles, and skinks. However, this section of the river is surrounded by tall trees and parklands, containing mainly the native vegetation. The river was selected as the site for the Royal Botanic Gardens in 1846 and the course of the river was modified slightly for the creation of a feature lake. The race often attracted greater than 500 competitors and large numbers of onlookers seeking to experience the spectacle. Freshwater catfish have been caught at Westerfolds . Did you know: More than one-third of Victorias population lives in the Yarra catchment, which spans about 4000 square kilometres. The Main Yarra Trail is one of Melbourne's most iconic routes, following the Birrarung Yarra River from the north eastern suburbs to the city. Riparian scrub occurs along much of the river. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider Yarra begins to form an estuarine below the Dights Falls as it flows through the southern side of Melbournes CBD. The new settlement's main port was sited just downstream of Yarra Falls west of modern-day Queen's Bridge, the place where saltwater met freshwater. 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. [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. 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. In the middle reaches there are a few rapids of easy to moderate difficulty, however these are sparsely distributed. And once you've finished swimming, it is only a short walk to cafes and eateries. A small creek (2-3 m wide) with predominantly fast, shallow water, 10-30 cm deep, gravel substrate. To the Wurundjeri people the river, known as Birrarung, was the life source and an important meeting place. Most features have been named after translated Wurundjeri phrases or have European, particularly British, origins. Once vast, they are a precious and fragile resource and vulnerable to introduced grasses, soil disturbance, grazing, mowing and fertilisers. The Yarra River originates upstream of the Upper Yarra Reservoir in steep forest, with an annual rainfall more than 1,400 mm. [29] The muddy brown colour is caused by the easily eroded clay soils of its catchment area. Many of Melbourne's private schools, located close to the river, train their rowing crews on it. A history of flooding: The first recorded flood in The Yarra River was in 1839. In 1835, Tasmanian farmer John Batman claimed he had bought the river and surrounding land from the Wurundjeri people in exchange for goods. But they weren't the only ones demanding action under the Gold Dome. Whether you're seeking relaxation or adventure, parks offer a variety of day trips close to Melbourne. It is thought that Birrarung is derived either from a Wurundjeri words meaning "ever flowing". From the earliest years of settlement, the mid and upper reaches of the Yarra began to be used for recreation. 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. On this page: Yarra Ranges Shire Council Flood History Healesville Local Flood Guide Lilydale Local Flood Guide Mooroolbark Local Flood Guide Warburton Local Flood Guide Yarra Glen Local Flood Guide The last time the Yarra experienced a major flood was in 1934, when the region endured 48 hours of rain, which destroyed 400 buildings and left 6,000 people homeless. Between 8000 BC and 6000 BC, after the end of the most recent Ice Age, the rising sea level flooded the lower basin forming the shallow Port Phillip Bay, moving the Yarra river mouth over 50km (31mi) inland. Swimming is also popular in the middle reaches throughout winter, particularly around Warrandyte. Elemental to Melbourne's identity, the Yarra River is one of Victoria's iconic waterways. In August, 1896, Skookum Jim and his family found gold near the Klondike River in Canada's Yukon Territory. 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. The banks of the Yarra River are popular for cycling, running and walking where most paths are sealed and in good condition. He describes the glacial flour. Pound Bend has a delightful picnic area with tables, toilets, a canoe launching ramp and great views of the river. @thesurfingprospector6345. It hosts a wide range of geographic features including; bends, rapids, lakes, islands, floodplains, billabongs, wetlands, etc. The Yarra River is a river in East-Central Victoria, Australia that flows through the city of Melbourne. 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. The river, known to the Wurundjeri people as Birrarung, was an important resource for the Wurundjeri people and several sites along the river and its tributaries were important meeting places where corroborees were held between Indigenous communities. [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. Despite being one of the citys most recognisable natural landmarks, even locals know little about the Yarra River. The Yarra River is colloquially known as "the upside down river", for its golden hue. Whether you'd rather your cruise to be chartered by an expert Skipper on our luxury . 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. Grab a cuppa, put your feet up and turn up the sound! The river then flows through Port Melbourne, and below the West Gate and Bolte Bridges, and finally into Hobsons Bay. The majority of waste from homes and industries flowed into street channels and on to local rivers and creeks which became open sewers. In the early days, the river would frequently flood. The final section passes through the Port of Melbourne and under the Bolte Bridge and the West Gate Bridge. This area forms the venue for the annual "Moomba" festival, which notably features an annual water skiing competition which attracts a huge crowd. By using our site you accept that we use and share cookies and similar technologies with certain approved third parties. The river enters Melbourne's suburbs proper at Chirnside Park, but virtually all the river's length is surrounded by parkland, much retaining (or having been replanted with) extensive native vegetation. Spring Creek. 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. 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. This industrialisation also led to a steady deterioration in water quality during the 19th century and into the 20th. 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. Several Aboriginal Australians have lived along the river for thousands of years, using it as their meeting place and food and water source. 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 Yarra River is one of Melbourne's greatest assets. 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 Riverkeeper Association is the largest of many advocacy groups dedicated to protecting the Yarra River and its environs for current and future generations. Yarra Bend Park is Melbourne's largest natural bushland park. Yarra Valley. 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. 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. Early industries grew along the banks of the river, rapidly degrading the water quality. 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. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. [citation needed], The Yarra's major tributaries are the Maribyrnong River, Moonee Ponds Creek, Merri Creek, Darebin Creek, Plenty River, Mullum Mullum Creek and Olinda 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). Its up to all of us to play our part to protect this special natural resource for generations to come.. Melbourne, Victorias state capital, was established on the lower reaches of the river in 1835. Stockyard Creek. 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. Yarra Ranges Shire Council Flood information for the Yarra Ranges Shire Council, encompassing local flood guides and a Municipal Flood Emergency Plan. 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 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. The Future Directions Plan and Recreation Guidelines for the Lower Yarra River, reaching from Dights Falls to Port Phillip Bay, provides a framework enabling the competing demands of all users of the river to be safely balanced while maintaining the rivers environmental values. The river now compares favourably with many metropolitan rivers overseas. The Yarra River is Victoria's 10th longest river, flowing for about 242 kilometers from its source in the Eastern Highlands to its mouth at Hobsons Bay. Herring Island, an artificial island on the Yarra River is a haven for nature and art lovers alike. The walking trail features placards displaying some of their paintings at the settings they were actually painted; some features depicted remain clearly recognisable today. 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]. The river flows through different habitats, including large pristine forests, dense urban areas, and agricultural land. The area has been occupied by various indigenous clans for at least 30,000 years. 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 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. There is plenty to be had, experts say, but probably not enough for you to quit your day job. Stokes River Tributary of Glenelg River. Beginning with the Victorian gold rush (1850s and 60s), it was extensively mined and had numerous bridges built to facilitate the growing transport needs. La Camera, Southgate 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. Through the 1970s and 1980s, many desirable developments alongside the river began, such as the Victorian Arts Centre, as its lower courses progressively became gentrified. Theres plenty of the Yarra to explore beyond the city. He selected a site on the northern bank of the Yarra River, declaring that "this will be the place for a village". 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. Shortly after the arrival of European settlers, land clearing forced the remaining Wurundjeri people into neighbouring territories and away from the river. 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. We use reCAPTCHA to protect our website from spam, for more information about the data we collect see our privacy website statement. The Yarra has greatly improved since the 1970s and 80s, thanks to an expanding sewerage system servicing Melbournes industry and suburbs. 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