Birrarung River of Life Storymaps

Discover a new way of seeing the Birrarung through creativity, reflection and storytelling.

Join Christina, a PhD researcher exploring human-river relationships, for a 1.5-hour guided experience on the banks of the beautiful Birrarung (Yarra River). Together, you'll explore what it means to be in relationship with the river and the places that sustain us.

Using collage, watercolour, found objects and natural materials, you'll create your own River of Life Storymap, a creative artwork that maps your memories, experiences, values and personal connections to place.

Along the way, you'll learn about the Birrarung as a living entity, the power of place-based storytelling, and how creative practice can help us deepen our understanding of ourselves and the environments we care for.

No artistic experience is needed, just curiosity, creativity and a willingness to experience the river in a new way.

Participants will also have the opportunity to contribute their Storymap to a broader research project exploring people's connections with the Birrarung.

This event is proudly hosted by Christina.

• 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.

Participants will be seated on the ground or on camp chairs at the Studley Park Picnic Area. If the undercover shelter is available, we will use it in wet weather. Designated accessible parking is available near the toilet block, close to the picnic area. The event will take place on mostly flat terrain, although some uneven surfaces may be encountered. If you have specific accessibility requirements, please contact the event host before booking so we can discuss how best to support your participation.

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.