Birrarung Riverfest returns with biggest program yet

One of Melbourne’s most loved eco-festivals is set to make a splash this spring, with the Birrarung Riverfest returning for its third and biggest year yet.

Running from Saturday, September 6 to Sunday, September 28, the festival will host more than 60 events over 23 days along the full length of the Yarra, Birrarung River – from its upper reaches to the city’s heart.

Presented by the Yarra Riverkeeper Association (YRKA), Riverfest has quickly grown into a major cultural and environmental celebration, connecting thousands of Victorians to Country, encouraging action for the river, and fostering collaboration across communities.

This year’s program offers everything from platypus-spotting tours and sunset paddles to art-led sensory walks, live music, and family-friendly activities. Festival highlights include:

• Wurundjeri-led events such as Bushfood and Bush medicine in Abbotsford, offering cultural insights and knowledge sharing.
• A sensory sunrise walk over the Birrarung at Dights Falls with artist Kate Gorringe-Smith.
• Habitat planting for critically endangered species like the Helmeted Honeyeater and Lowland Leadbeater’s Possum at Yellingbo Nature Conservation Area.
• A morning gathering at the Liwik Barring Landscape Conservation Area with guided walks, morning tea, and stories of the land’s history and biodiversity.
• The World Rivers Day Finale at Federation Square, featuring a flotilla of boats, music, art, ceremony, and cultural performances.
  
  

YRKA president Janet Bolitho said the timing of the festival was perfect after a cold Melbourne winter.

“From educational and cultural events to outdoor adventures, the Riverfest program has something for everyone,” she said.

Alongside its celebrations, Riverfest 2025 will shine a spotlight on stormwater pollution – one of the biggest threats to the river’s health.

“Birrarung is under pressure from city growth, climate change, and stormwater pollution,” Ms Bolitho said.

“With everything that washes down our street drains ending up in a local waterway, it’s important we understand and reduce the impact of litter and pollution on our beloved river.”

This year’s major partners are the Burndap Birrarung burndap umarkoo collaboration and Melbourne Water, supporting YRKA’s vision for a healthy, protected and loved river.

“Everyone can be a Riverkeeper,” Ms Bolitho said. “It’s up to all of us to help the Yarra.”