Melbourne Rivers

During aboriginal settlement, the rivers in Melbourne were an essential part of daily life.

The natives not only used these water bodies for transport, but also for irrigation, fishing and drinking.

Best Rivers & Waterways in Melbourne, Parklands & Lakes Around VIC

The Yarra River is the most popular river in Melbourne and is the prime location for various water activities, festivals and multicultural events. The Yarra is also one of the longest rivers in the country, and you wouldn’t think it just by looking at it, the river is quite clean – even though it’s sepia in colour. Studies show that this river played a vital role in shaping the economy and development of Melbourne.

The early settlers in east-central Victoria named the river ‘Birr-arrung-Murr‘, an aboriginal word derived from the native language. Based on many historical facts, this river was the major food source for the native settlements of Victoria. They also used the river as a meeting place. As the river never dries out during summer, native Australians called it ‘Birrarung’ or an ever-flowing river. Wurudjeri colonies named this river ‘Yarro’ and the name, however, changed to Yarra over the course of time.

This river stretches from the mountain ranges to the city. The flora growth in the Yarra Ranges National Park was intensified by the rich soil nourished by the Yarra River.

Activities such as white river rafting, fishing and canoeing are some of the most popular activities along the Yarra River. Picnicking and sightseeing along the banks of the Yarra are also popular amongst visitors and locals.