What’s good for the Yarra is good for all: Experience Birrarung Riverfest this September

Melbourne Water is thrilled to join forces with the Yarra Riverkeeper Association for the third annual Birrarung Riverfest, running 6 – 28 September 2025.

This month-long celebration of our river, known by its traditional name, Birrarung, brings more than 60 free events from source to sea, all designed to spotlight habitat restoration, stormwater impacts and hands-on stewardship.

“Melbourne Water is proud to join Birrarung Riverfest 2025 as a major festival partner, in collaboration with  Burndap Birrarung burndap umarkoo (the Yarra Strategic Plan) which aims to protect and enhance the Birrarung and its parklands as one living and integrated natural entity,” said Melbourne Water Managing Director Dr Nerina Di Lorenzo. “Through partnering with the Yarra Riverkeeper Association, we’re deepening community connection and inspiring lasting stewardship of the Birrarung for generations to come.

“The Birrarung is essential to life in Melbourne. It is also the first river in Australia to be officially declared a living entity, reminding us all that Birrarung needs our care. By celebrating our connection to this living waterway, we empower everyone to safeguard its future.”

Festival highlights include:

• Breakfast with the Platypus River Walk (7 Sept)
  Guided by Melbourne Water’s Platypus Education Officer Madeline Taylor and Manningham Waterwatch coordinator Nigel Philpot, this family-friendly 2km stroll offers the chance to spot the shy, threatened platypus in its natural habitat.
• Billabong Walk and Talk – Spadonis Reserve (14 Sept)
  Led by Melbourne Water and Narrap Rangers, explore this ecologically and culturally significant site at Yering and learn about the vital role billabongs play in the landscape, ecology and Wurundjeri culture.
• Walk and Talk at Yarra Flats Park (20 Sept)

Learn about the rich history of this park and the extensive conservation efforts being undertaken by the Friends of Yarra Flats Park and Melbourne Water.

As climate pressures and urban growth accelerate, our river’s health is at a tipping point. Birrarung Riverfest 2025 focuses on the stormwater challenges threatening water quality and wildlife, while offering accessible ways for everyone to pitch in, from seed planting on world-class floodplains to citizen science along inner-city corridors.

“What is good for the Yarra is good for all,” said Dr Di Lorenzo. “Birrarung Riverfest celebrates the interconnectedness of land, water and community inspiring us all to act as stewards of the river.”

All events are free. To view the full program and book your spot, visit the Riverfest website.

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