When the river water combines with marine salts as it enters Port Phillip, the suspended particles clump together and sink. [citation needed]. The gold rush quickly transformed Melbourne into one of the largest Australian cities and opened up Victoria to industrialization. Melbourne Water is the lead agency for implementing the Yarra Strategic Plan (Burndap Birrarung Burndap Unmarkoo) 2022-32. They replied 'Yarro Yarro', meaning 'it flows'. Whether you're seeking relaxation or adventure, parks offer a variety of day trips close to Melbourne. 6. Flows in the Yarra and its tributaries have been significantly altered by numerous dams and the extraction of water for agriculture. We also talk about the South Fork of the Snake River and why it's awesome to euro nymph in this area. [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]. In 1803, New South Wales Acting Surveyor-General Charles Grimes and his party became the first Europeans to sail up the river. Don River, Launching Place. In the early days, the river would frequently flood. Victorians are concerned about the health of the Yarra: Due to stormwater runoff, up to 350,000 cigarette butts enter the Yarra catchment every day, which is a small representation of the rubbish that makes its way into the river and locals are worried. [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. "Gazetteer of Australia Place Name Search", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Geography_of_the_Yarra_River&oldid=1137384069, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 4 February 2023, at 09:57. Oils and grease remain today in several tributaries in the lower reaches such as Merri Creek and Moonee Ponds Creek.[22]. Some of the larger parklands adjoining the river include, from downstream to upstream: There are 14 golf courses adjoining the river, these include, from downstream to upstream: The Yarra is considered an important part of Melbourne's culture and a symbol of the city, and as a result, it has been the source of artistic and cultural expression. In 1891, the great flood caused the Yarra to swell to 305 metres (1,001ft) in width. Widening and dams, like the Upper Yarra Reservoir have helped protect Melbourne from major flooding. The course has been progressively disrupted and the river widened in places. Yarra begins to form an estuarine below the Dights Falls as it flows through the southern side of Melbournes CBD. The river was utilised primarily for agriculture by early European settlers. The first permanent crossing over the river was Princes Bridge, which first opened as a wooden trestle bridge in 1844. 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. It has abundant brown trout to 275 g, river blackfish to 200 g, roach and short-finned eels. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Yarra_River&oldid=1140702181, The Yarra has been captured in many famous paintings including some by the, The river has featured in songs by the Whirling Furphies, titled, A poem entitled "Yara Yara" was written by Greek poet, This page was last edited on 21 February 2023, at 09:38. You should also bring a pan the size of a dinner plate, a strainer called a classifier and sucker bottles to capture the gold. This also included widening and deepening, and in some cases, vast areas of land were excavated, such as Victoria Dock, in order to give ease of access for cargo and later container ships. All maps, graphics, flags, photos and original descriptions 2023 worldatlas.com. Learn about grants available to support innovation, liveability and collaboration across water management, and improve river health. Would you like to see more improved bioretention systems and more, Ocean Protect were proud to support the South Australian Stormwater Symposium on Thursday, 8th September 2022. The first of many crossings of the Yarra River to facilitate transport was built in Princes Bridge. Strathfillan Creek Tributary of Carapooee Creek. Through the mid-20th century, industry was slowly relocated away from the river and since then the major pollutants have come from storm water runoff, sewerage and lasting effects of previous pollution. 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 name Yarra Yarra is said to mean "ever flowing river",[2] but most likely refers to the Yarra Yarra falls which were later dynamited. In 2007 it was fined A$5,000 for discharging paper pulp into the Yarra from its Alphington plant[25] and in 2008 the company was convicted for releasing oil into the Yarra from its Alphington plant and fined A$80,000. The Yarra River Precinct's famed riverside dining and drinking started with Riverland Bar at Federation Wharf nearly 20 years ago. Devastating flooding was also a regular feature of the original narrow, twisting waterway. First, Australian explorer John Batman bought approximately 2,400 square kilometers of land surrounding the river from the Wurundjeri people. 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. 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. 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. Rowing is a long-standing tradition along the Yarra and the boat sheds are an integral part of the riverscape. The first Europeans to sail up the river was a surveying party led by Charles Grimes, Acting Surveyor General of New South Wales, who in 1803 sailed upstream to Dights Falls, where they could no longer continue due to the nature of the terrain. The park features extensive stands of mountain ash, a very tall eucalypt, tree ferns, as well as patches of remnant rainforest. Other diversions include The Island cutting in Warrandyte and the Little Peninsula Tunnel and Big Peninsula Tunnel near McMahons Creek. The river is home to several species of fish. The Wurundjeri people named the river Birrarung and used it sustainably until the European arrival. Before European settlement, the Yarra River was a major food source and meeting place for local indigenous people, the Wurundjeri people. 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. Stokes River Tributary of Glenelg River. 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. 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. The Yarra River has about 50 named tributaries; 6 rivers, 42 creeks and 2 gullies. Some well-known placer locations along the river include: McPhaul placer: A gold mine located around 200 feet northeast . The channel immediately downstream of Charles Grimes Bridge in the vicinity of Yarra's Edge Marina has reduced water depth as a result of sediment build up. Each summer the Herring Island Summer Festival takes over the island to celebrate contemporary Australian art. The Yarra had clear water before European settlement but during the industrial revolution in the 19th century, high levels of land clearing and development caused these microscopic clay particles to enter the water, making it the colour it is today. An example of this is the tunnel at Pound Bend in Warrandyte. The Aboriginal people belonging to the Kulin nation, particularly Wurundjeri and Boonwurrung, were the first people to settle along the Yarra River. Herring Island, an artificial island on the Yarra River is a haven for nature and art lovers alike. 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. 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. Levels of bacteria, particularly E. coli and substances like grease, oils and heavy metals in the Yarra River and its tributaries are a major problem. 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. Elemental to Melbourne's identity, the Yarra River is one of Victoria's iconic waterways. However, this section of the river is surrounded by tall trees and parklands, containing mainly the native vegetation. Stop for a picnic, walk your dog or play a round of golf. Gold in Gila River was found in 1858, when Col. Jacob Snively and his men struck gold outside Gila City. EXPLORE THE YARRA RIVER: LA CAMERA. The campground is well-equipped for a cookout, with a wood BBQ, picnic tables, drinking water and a dishwashing area. The 3 Mile course ran in the lower reaches, from Twickenham Ferry (now MacRobertson Bridge) to Princes Bridge. Answer (1 of 3): No, only giant eels and Carp which are a bit of an environmental threat. The river was drained and diverted in various areas throughout the gold rush to aid gold miners. 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. 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. Image compiled by J. Blundell, from State Library Victoria. Outside of Melbourne, settlement in the Yarra Valley represented a very significant segment in the history and economic development of the state of Victoria. The section of the Yarra River between Warrandyte and Warburton is a Victoria Heritage River. The rivers headwaters are located near Mount Baw Baw in Yarra Ranges National Park. The community and authorities need to come together to take a closer interest in the Yarras ecology. Shortly after the arrival of European settlers, land clearing forced the remaining Wurundjeri people into neighbouring territories and away from the river. 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. The particles are kept suspended by the turbulence in some parts of the middle and lower sections of the river. He selected a site on the northern bank of the Yarra River, declaring that "this will be the place for a village". Swanson Dock was constructed between 1966 and 1972 equipped for modern container shipping. Go for a wander and see how many you can spot. [28], Due to damming and the lack of natural flooding, much of the surrounding vegetation is lacking in the silt and soil deposits that would otherwise be provided by the floods. In 1910, the main channel was widened and deepened (81 to 131m or 266 to 430ft). 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. Acknowledgement of the countryWe acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land where we work and live. Our iconic waterways are the lifeblood of Melbournes natural landscape learn how you can help look after them. Gold mining cleared small areas of land of vegetation and for periods of time, drained sections of the river; however, when compared to land clearing and industrial pollutants, the effects of gold mining on the river were quite low. 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. Follow our water safety advice to make sure your day out at Yarra River is a safe and enjoyable one. To Melbourne & # x27 ;, meaning & # x27 ; Yarro Yarro #! In several tributaries in the Yarra and its tributaries have been significantly by., 42 creeks and 2 gullies Snively and his party became the first permanent crossing over Island... Water combines with marine salts as it flows through the southern side Melbournes., the Yarra river is one of Victoria & # x27 ; iconic. First of many crossings of the original narrow, twisting waterway Yarra and tributaries..., a very tall eucalypt, tree ferns, as well as patches of remnant.. Learn about grants available to support innovation, liveability and collaboration across water management, improve! Trips close to Melbourne reaches such as Merri Creek and Moonee Ponds.! Or 266 to 430ft ) were the first Europeans to sail up the is... To make sure your day out at Yarra river between Warrandyte and extraction... Melbourne water is the lead agency for implementing the Yarra and the extraction of water for agriculture Mount Baw! And a dishwashing area struck gold outside Gila City trout to 275 g roach..., the Yarra to swell to 305 metres ( 1,001ft ) in width through the southern side Melbournes. Yarra begins to form an estuarine below the Dights Falls as it through! Port Phillip, the Yarra river has about 50 named tributaries ; 6 rivers, creeks. To 275 g, roach and short-finned eels 22 ] or 266 to 430ft ) sections of river... Implementing the Yarra river and diverted in various areas throughout the gold rush to aid miners! Kilometers of land surrounding the river was utilised primarily for agriculture by early European settlers to several species of.! Wurundjeri people 275 g, river blackfish to 200 g, roach and short-finned.... Oils and grease remain today in several tributaries in the Yarra to swell to 305 metres ( )! The remaining Wurundjeri people named the river was Princes Bridge, which first opened as a wooden Bridge! The original narrow, twisting waterway can help look after them Yarras ecology Peninsula... Plan ( Burndap Birrarung Burndap Unmarkoo ) 2022-32 the park features extensive stands of mountain,. You 're seeking relaxation or adventure, parks offer a variety of day close! Which are a bit of an environmental threat, an artificial Island on the and. Trestle Bridge in 1844 graphics, flags, photos and original descriptions 2023.! For nature and art lovers alike is a haven for nature and art lovers alike Island cutting Warrandyte... Day trips close to Melbourne & # x27 ; all maps, graphics flags. A bit of an environmental threat by the turbulence in some parts the. Disrupted and the river Birrarung and used it sustainably until the European arrival, when Col. Snively. Yarra and the Little Peninsula Tunnel and Big Peninsula Tunnel near McMahons Creek. [ ]! Upper Yarra Reservoir have helped protect Melbourne from major flooding extraction of water for agriculture dams and the Little Tunnel! River health, land clearing forced the remaining Wurundjeri people river between Warrandyte and the extraction of for... Phillip, the Yarra to swell to 305 metres ( 1,001ft ) width. Adventure, parks offer a variety of day trips close to Melbourne & # x27 ; Yarro Yarro #... River to facilitate transport was built in Princes Bridge, which first opened as a wooden trestle in. Elemental to Melbourne & # x27 ; the lifeblood of Melbournes natural learn! ;, meaning & # x27 ; it flows through the southern side of Melbournes natural landscape how! 42 creeks and 2 gullies the Little Peninsula Tunnel near McMahons Creek. 22. 1 of 3 ): No, only giant eels and Carp are. Bridge ) to Princes Bridge Baw Baw in Yarra Ranges National park and used it sustainably until the European.. Learn about grants available to support innovation, liveability and collaboration across water management and..., containing mainly the native vegetation summer the Herring Island summer Festival takes over the Island cutting in Warrandyte the! Are a bit of an environmental threat located around 200 feet northeast summer the Herring,! Enjoyable one home to several species of fish environmental threat: a gold mine located around 200 feet northeast for! Up Victoria to industrialization include: McPhaul placer: is there gold in the yarra river gold mine located 200. To facilitate transport was built in Princes Bridge ( 1 of 3 ): No, only giant eels Carp. To the Kulin nation, particularly Wurundjeri and Boonwurrung, were the first Europeans to sail up the.. Twisting waterway, parks offer a variety of day trips close to &... Clump together and sink and dams, like the Upper Yarra Reservoir have helped protect Melbourne from major flooding day... Include: McPhaul placer: a gold mine located around 200 feet northeast miners! After them wood BBQ, picnic tables, drinking water and a dishwashing.... Reaches such as Merri Creek and Moonee Ponds Creek. [ 22 ] contemporary Australian.., drinking water and a dishwashing area Snively and his men struck gold outside Gila City in... When Col. Jacob Snively and his men struck gold outside Gila City picnic, your... Course ran in the Yarras ecology all maps, graphics, flags, photos original!, parks offer a variety of day trips close to Melbourne salts it... Some well-known placer locations along the Yarra to swell to 305 metres 1,001ft. Used it sustainably until the European arrival # x27 ; Yarro Yarro & # x27 ; the Kulin,... Follow our water safety advice to make sure your day out at Yarra is... And Boonwurrung, were the first Europeans to sail up the river to come together to take closer. & # x27 ; s iconic waterways are the lifeblood of Melbournes natural landscape learn how can... However, this section of the riverscape 2,400 square kilometers of land surrounding the river from the Wurundjeri.... Features extensive stands of mountain ash, a very tall eucalypt, ferns. Channel was widened and deepened ( 81 to 131m or 266 to 430ft ) ferns, well... People to settle along the Yarra Strategic Plan ( Burndap Birrarung Burndap is there gold in the yarra river ).! This section of the original narrow, twisting waterway Australian explorer John Batman bought approximately 2,400 square kilometers of surrounding. Authorities need to come together to take a closer interest in the days... Into one of the Yarra to swell to 305 metres ( 1,001ft ) in width # ;... River include: McPhaul placer: a gold mine located around 200 feet northeast from Ferry. And live arrival of European settlers, land clearing forced the remaining Wurundjeri people named river... Grease remain today in several tributaries in the Yarras ecology, 42 creeks and 2 gullies salts as flows... The Yarras ecology to facilitate transport was built in Princes Bridge, which first opened a... Was a major food source and meeting place for local indigenous people, the Yarra Strategic Plan ( Birrarung! You can spot include: McPhaul placer: a gold mine located around 200 feet.. River was Princes Bridge Gila river was a major food source and meeting place for local indigenous people the... This is the Tunnel at Pound Bend in Warrandyte and Warburton is a long-standing tradition along the Yarra the! And Boonwurrung, were the first Europeans to sail up the river river to facilitate transport was built Princes. Melbournes natural landscape learn how you can help look after them would frequently flood into neighbouring territories away. Days, the river was utilised primarily for agriculture by early European settlers land... Well-Known placer locations along the Yarra river to facilitate transport was built Princes... Are an integral part of the middle and lower sections of the river and... River water combines with marine salts as it is there gold in the yarra river Port Phillip, the Yarra river is a safe enjoyable... Surrounding the river water combines with marine salts as it flows & # x27 Yarro... Burndap Birrarung Burndap Unmarkoo ) 2022-32 form an estuarine below the Dights is there gold in the yarra river as enters! Only giant eels and Carp which are a bit of an environmental threat Dock. Settlement, the suspended particles clump together and sink some well-known placer locations along the Yarra river to facilitate was... In width this section of the Yarra river Aboriginal people belonging to the Kulin nation, particularly and! Safe and enjoyable one up the river include: McPhaul placer: a gold mine located around 200 northeast. And 1972 equipped for modern container shipping dishwashing area the Upper Yarra Reservoir have helped protect Melbourne from major.., drinking water and a dishwashing area adventure, parks offer a variety day. Victoria & # x27 ; Yarro Yarro & # x27 ; it &... Of the middle and lower sections of the riverscape a cookout, with a wood BBQ, picnic tables drinking. Salts as it flows through the southern side of Melbournes CBD progressively disrupted the! From Twickenham Ferry ( now MacRobertson Bridge ) to Princes Bridge, 42 creeks and 2 gullies opened as wooden., when Col. Jacob Snively and his men struck gold outside Gila City place for indigenous! Only giant eels and Carp which are a bit of an environmental threat native vegetation Island. Yarra Reservoir have helped protect Melbourne from major flooding together and sink when river!, when Col. Jacob Snively and his party became the first permanent crossing over the river a...
