The river is home to several species of fish. The river flows atop layers of silt that built up within an ancient river valley around 10,000-15,000 years ago. It rises at an elevation of 792 meters above sea level and drops to sea level at Port Philip. Following this, the river was widened to protect Melbourne residents from future flooding. @thesurfingprospector6345. The river was utilised primarily for agriculture by early European settlers. 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 . 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. Sections of the river are occasionally closed for public events such as Moomba, New Year's Eve and Rowing events. Shipping activity at Victoria Dock during this time had gone into steep decline and it was almost disused by the mid-1970s. These tools enable us to improve your website experience and to provide content and ads tailored to your interests. 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. Originally called Birrarung by the Wurundjeri, the current name was mistranslated from another Wurundjeri term in the Boonwurrung language; Yarro-yarro, meaning "ever-flowing".[1][2]. It was feared that dredging would disturb heavy metals and other toxic sediments mostly deposited during Melbourne's industrial era. This section is a declared water catchment and is closed . 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. Image from State Library Victoria. 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. 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. The Yarra River is a river in East-Central Victoria, Australia that flows through the city of Melbourne. It has abundant brown trout to 275 g, river blackfish to 200 g, roach and short-finned eels. [14] European explorers would not enter the river for another 30 years until, in 1835, the area that is now central and northern Melbourne was explored by John Batman, a leading member of the Port Phillip Association, who negotiated a transaction for 600,000 acres (2,400km2) of land from eight Wurundjeri elders. The Yarra River was an important resource for the Wurundjeri people for around 40,000 years. Environmental sculptures made from natural materials reflect the islands tranquil setting and make for a great day out. The clay soil in the region breaks up into tiny particles and dissipates throughout the whole of the river. To protect the city from flooding, a series of works began in 1879 to widen and straighten the river. 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. The Yarra River then turns westwards at Healesville and thence to Yarra Glen. The area in front of old Customs House is a former turning basin for ships. 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). 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. 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. The lowest section is an estuary where ocean water and salt travel upstream for about 10 kilometers. The facility was situated inside Warrandyte State Park, from where the spillover until June 2015 flowed into the river and downstream towards Melbourne. However, the increased industrialization came at a cost. It provided many resources and important places for spiritual and community activity, like birthplaces and ceremonial and burial grounds. The lowest section of the Yarra is an estuary, where salt water from Port Phillip Bay travels about 10 kilometres upstream. [7], The annual Moomba festival celebrates the Yarra River's increasing cultural significance to Melbourne. 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. 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. 2. The Wurundjeri people named the river Birrarung and used it sustainably until the European arrival. Rowing is a long-standing tradition along the Yarra and the boat sheds are an integral part of the riverscape. The Yarra River begins its journey through Melbourne at Chirnside Park, marking the start of its middle reaches. Ian Penrose, founder of the Yarra Riverkeeper Association. 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. Enjoy the leafy grounds and abundant wildlife while strolling or biking its many trails. 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 Yarra River Precinct's famed riverside dining and drinking started with Riverland Bar at Federation Wharf nearly 20 years ago. The Wurundjeri people caught eels in the lagoons and swamps of the river and also fished using funnel shaped fish pots. It has spiritual and cultural significance for Aboriginal communities. The construction of the Upper Yarra Reservoir in 1957 reduced the river's flow by around 50%. With two legislative days remaining until Crossover Day, legislators and lobbyists spent all . But that doesn't stop a group of intrepid swimmers taking the plunge into the Yarra River at inner-city Fairfield most mornings. And once you've finished swimming, it is only a short walk to cafes and eateries. 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 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. 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. 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). Observe fire restrictions on Total Fire Ban days. 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. 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. The Woods Point Rd follows the river through this section. Ships would use one side of the falls while the other side provided fresh drinking water for the town and a convenient sewer. From bushland to wetlands and everything in between, parks provide habitat to an abundance of common and rare bird species. Also referred to as Yarra Yarra, Birrarung and Wongete, the Yarra River is a perennial river that flows in the south-central part of Victoria, Australia and is one of Melbournes major attractions. Beyond Warburton there are very few crossings available. The Yarra River's 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 river was drained and diverted in various areas throughout the gold rush to aid gold miners. Every few years, the Gold Prospectors put out a book of all the land claims that members can prospect for gold. In the period 200408, 3 people died in this manner in Warrandyte alone. [citation needed], The first major change came with the cutting of the Coode Canal between 1880 and 1886. [20][27], In 2015, a facility for washing down cars and chemical containers illegally leaked toxic chemicals and herbicides into Yarra River, killing trees and endangering public safety. The Melbourne Docklands urban renewal project began in 2000, comprising mixed use residential and commercial land and recreational boating moors along the river at the disused Victoria Dock and on the south bank of the Yarra. It was utilised and managed sustainably by the Wurundjeri for around 40,000 years; however, since the European settlement and use of the river in the mid-19th century, its geography has changed substantially reflecting the unsustainable use of the river and surrounding resources. 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. 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 is thought that Birrarung is derived either from a Wurundjeri words meaning "ever flowing". Yarra Bend Park is Melbourne's largest natural bushland park. More serious miners might consider investing in a suction dredge and sluice box where legal that allows them to process much more material. [8], The river was called Birrarung by the Wurundjeri people who occupied the Yarra Valley and much of Central Victoria prior to European colonisation. Oils and grease remain today in several tributaries in the lower reaches such as Merri Creek and Moonee Ponds Creek.[22]. Melbourne Water is the lead agency for implementing the Yarra Strategic Plan (Burndap Birrarung Burndap Unmarkoo) 2022-32. 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 current course dates back to 1886 when a canal devised by British engineer Sir John Coode was cut from west of Flinders Street to below its junction with the Maribyrnong. He describes the glacial flour. At certain times of the year, particularly during the Moomba Festival, this stretch of the river is occupied by water skiing courses and jumps. There are four bridges on the Yarra River with limited height clearances at high tide:[39], "Yarra Yarra" redirects here. 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. The first City Baths were opened in 1860. Most features have been named after translated Woiwurrung phrases or have European, particularly British, origins. Birrarung was the very first name that the indigenous Australians gave it. 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. But they weren't the only ones demanding action under the Gold Dome. The river then flows through Port Melbourne, and below the West Gate and Bolte Bridges, and finally into Hobsons Bay. [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. Large vessels should navigate the area with caution. It's still going strong and Sandi pops in to reconnect with this icon of hospitality. The river now compares favourably with many metropolitan rivers overseas. 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. Did you know: More than one-third of Victorias population lives in the Yarra catchment, which spans about 4000 square kilometres. The banks of the Yarra River are popular for cycling, running and walking where most paths are sealed and in good condition. The Yarra River also served as an important irrigation water source for the early European settlers. [citation needed]. 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