Birrarung as a Sanctuary

Celebrate World Mental Health Day beside the gentle waters of the Birrarung, where nature provides space to pause, reflect and reconnect.

Set within Yarra Bend Park, this relaxed community gathering invites you to slow down, breathe deeply and enjoy the restorative benefits of spending time in nature. The park has a rich and layered history, including its past as the site of Victoria's earliest mental health institution. Today, it offers a different kind of sanctuary—one grounded in community, connection and the calming presence of the Birrarung.

Bring along a picnic lunch, your favourite picnic games or an acoustic instrument, and enjoy an afternoon of easy conversation, light-hearted fun and music beneath the open sky.

Whether you'd like to connect with others, spend quiet time by the river or simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings, everyone is welcome. Come with friends, bring your family, or simply come as you are.

Take a moment to unwind, recharge and celebrate the power of nature, community and connection.

Reconnect with nature. Reconnect with others. Reconnect with yourself.

This event is proudly hosted by Parks Victoria.

• Most Riverfest events are free, and many have limited places with long waitlists. Please only book if you're confident you can attend, so others don't miss out. Bookings are limited to 2 tickets for smaller events and 4 tickets for larger events.
  

• Can't make it? Please cancel your ticket by opening your Humanitix confirmation email and selecting 'Manage Order'. Your place will then be released to someone on the waitlist. If you need assistance, contact us by email: riverfest@yarrariver.org.au
  

• Events will proceed unless severe weather or other unforeseen circumstances require a change. If this happens, registered participants will be notified by email.

Please review Yarra Bend Park accessibility

We welcome people of all abilities. If you have any accessibility requirements or need assistance to participate, please contact us before the event so we can discuss how we can support your attendance.

Celebrate the Yarra, Birrarung at one of 70+ events hosted over three weeks from 27 September to 18 October. Whether you enjoy riverside walks, cleanups, creative workshops, wildlife spotting or paddling adventures, there's something for everyone at Riverfest. Riverfest is presented by Yarra Riverkeeper Association with thanks to our partners Burndap Birrarung burndap umarkoo collaboration and Water4Good. Check out the full Riverfest program here.

Yarra Riverkeeper Association acknowledges that the lands and waterways of the Yarra, Birrarung catchment, are the unceded territories of the Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung and Bunurong Boonwurrung peoples. We pay respect to Traditional Owners, who have, and continue, to care for Country. We acknowledge that the river now called Yarra has always been known as the Birrarung by its custodians.