For the falls traditionally known as Yarra Yarra, see, Last edited on 21 February 2023, at 09:38, "Yarra River: 30146: Historical Information", "In four years, 179 tonnes of garbage was pulled out of the Yarra", "Yarra Strategic Plan (Burndap Birrarung burndap umarkoo) | Melbourne Water", "Port Phillip Survey 1957-1963: The Geology & Geomorphology", https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/papers/govpub/VPARL1878NoC15.pdf, "Governor Bourke's Proclamation 1835 (UK)", "Melbourne flood Elizabeth Street, February 1972, Neville Bowler", "Garrett approves Port Phillip Bay dredging", "Port Phillip and Westernport Regional River Health Strategy - Yarra catchment", "Chemicals in Melbourne's Yarra River created a health risk, says report", Rivers, wetlands, bays Port Phillip and Westernport, Mr Ian Penrose, Yarra Riverkeepers Association, Sustainable Cities Round Table/ Future Melbourne forum. Swimming is safer downstream, but not advisable below Dights Falls due to the high levels of pollution and high boating traffic. Thanks to an abundance of native plants and water supply, the wildlife in and around the Yarra River is highly diverse. 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 final section passes through the Port of Melbourne and under the Bolte Bridge and the West Gate Bridge. EPA forecasts water quality for 4 sites along the Yarra River in partnership with Melbourne Water. Throughout its length, the waters of the Yarra River and its banks are used for; boating, rowing, water skiing, kayaking, canoeing, swimming, fishing, cycling, running and walking, amongst other things. A history of flooding: The first recorded flood in The Yarra River was in 1839. Since its creation it has been the home of hundreds of ancient American Indian tribes. Surround yourself with the majestic views of Melbourne's cityscape views on the renowned Yarra River. The total catchment area is approximately 4,000 square kilometres (1,500sqmi). The first flood was recorded in 1839, and the largest in 1891 which saw water levels rise 14 metres above normal, destroying 200 houses. [9], Upon European arrival it was given the name 'Yarra Yarra' by John Helder Wedge of the Port Phillip Association in 1835,[10] in the mistaken belief that this was the name for the river in the Boonwurrung language. The Yarra Rivers 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. 6. The river flows through different habitats, including large pristine forests, dense urban areas, and agricultural land. The strong brown, muddy colour of the river is caused by clay soils. The Yarra River is one of Melbourne's greatest assets. The banks of the Yarra River are popular for cycling, running and walking where most paths are sealed and in good condition. Spring Hill Creek Tributary of Mount Emu Creek. Whilst the water is not particularly clear, its quality is sufficient for edible fish to swim within it. The garden was set . Spring Creek. 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. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider It is the most westerly snow fed river in Australia. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. 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. [citation needed]. 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. The Yarra River crosses an enormous range of habitats from pristine forested catchments, to a range of agricultural lands and onto dense urban areas: The stretch of the Yarra River between Warburton and Warrandyte has been identified as a Victorian Heritage River. Stop for a picnic, walk your dog or play a round of golf. Steavenson River Tributary of Acheron River. 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. In the 1850s, the region was on the bustling route to the Warburton goldfields. There are four bridges on the Yarra River with limited height clearances at high tide:[39], "Yarra Yarra" redirects here. 14:30 - He walks us through his euro nymphing program. Oils and grease remain today in several tributaries in the lower reaches such as Merri Creek and Moonee Ponds Creek.[22]. The river hosts many geographical features such as; bends, rapids, lakes, islands, floodplains, billabongs and wetlands. Shipping activity at Victoria Dock during this time had gone into steep decline and it was almost disused by the mid-1970s. Some of the river's more prominent features include; Coode Island and Fishermans Bend, Victoria Harbour, Herring Island, Yarra Bend, Dights Falls, Upper Yarra Dam and Reservoir and many river flats and billabongs. The, Are you sick of seeing bioretention systems in disrepair? Its a good idea to check this page ahead of your visit for any updates. The dam is located in Reefton, the first town the river flows through from its source. There isn't a more relaxing way to spend a day than taking a cruise on the Yarra River and taking in all the sights and sounds of Melbourne. 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. Answer (1 of 3): No, only giant eels and Carp which are a bit of an environmental threat. Growing high density residential development in the lower reaches in the early 1990s coincided with minor government programs such as the installation of litter traps. Around this area there are submerged mining shafts which can cause undertows that suck swimmers under the surface and into these shafts. Boating is difficult beyond Hawthorn and impossible past Dights Falls. Yarra Bend Park is the largest area of natural bushland near the heart of Melbourne. However, the Aboriginals later denied selling the land to Batman, saying they only permitted him to pass through their land. 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 Woods Point Rd follows the river through this section. Melbourne, Victorias state capital, was established on the lower reaches of the river in 1835. Nature being nature, sometimes conditions can change at short notice. Then, place the pan underwater and saturate what remains, a process that allows the lighter material to float away. The river's source is a series of swamps in the upper reaches of the Yarra Ranges National Park, directly to the west of the Mount Baw Baw plateau, a thickly forested subalpine park, which is entirely closed-off to all except the employees of Melbourne Water. . [15], The Port Phillip settlement, that would become Melbourne, was established along the lower banks of the Yarra in 1835. 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. 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. It provided many resources and important places for spiritual and community activity, like birthplaces and ceremonial and burial grounds. Sure, it's not really suitable for swimming or drinking, and sometimes it smells funny - but that's what us Melburnians love about it. Parks Victoria respects the deep and continuing connection that Traditional Owners have to these lands and waters, and we recognise their ongoing role in caring for Country. Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. In 1957, the Upper Yarra Reservoir was constructed, primarily to alleviate flooding downstream. This gem is king of our rivers in Northern California. "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. During this era it was also commonplace for the winner of the Australian Open to bathe in the Yarra River as a post victory celebration. Currently, it accounts for about 70% of Greater Melbournes drinking water supply. Most features have been named after translated Wurundjeri phrases or have European, particularly British, origins. Shortly after the arrival of European settlers, land clearing forced the remaining Wurundjeri people into neighbouring territories and away from the river. So where is this picturesque spot? 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. More serious miners might consider investing in a suction dredge and sluice box where legal that allows them to process much more material. Industries then began using the river and tributaries such as Merri Creek as landfill and for harmful chemical dumps for substances like grease and oils. [citation needed]. 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 community and authorities need to come together to take a closer interest in the Yarras ecology. 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. The creation of new shipping channels to cope with the growing use of the Yarra by cargo ships was first tabled in the 1870s. Its up to all of us to play our part to protect this special natural resource for generations to come.. They replied 'Yarro Yarro', meaning 'it flows'. 4. Some well-known placer locations along the river include: McPhaul placer: A gold mine located around 200 feet northeast . The current bridge was constructed in 1888. 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. 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