If you could write a letter to the river, what would you say? Imagine the river writing back, revealing its secrets and wisdom. How might the river respond?

Join us for morning tea on this unforgettable cruise aboard the Yarra Queen. Get up close and personal with the Birrarung and discover reaches of the river in the city you won't often get to see from the banks. (Note: The Yarra Queen is enclosed and protected from wind and rain.)

After a Welcome to Country with Wurundjeri man Daniel Ross, three passionate storytellers will share their heartfelt letters to the river.

Sophie Hart is an Environmental Science student at Deakin University and the 2023 Victorian Environment Friends Network (VEFN) Young Environmentalist of the Year.
Harry Saddler is the author of A Clear Flowing Yarra: visions of Melbourne's river as it is and could be, published in 2023 which has just been shortlisted for the Prime Minister's Literary Awards.
Zena Cumpston is a Barkandji woman working as an artist, writer, storyteller and researcher, striving to empower Country and community. Zena is also a member of the Birrarung Council.

Learn how Burndap Birrarung burndap umarko 'What's good for the Yarra is good for all', is restoring the river to full health.

The event is being hosted by Janet Bolitho, President of Yarra Riverkeeper Association.

This event is proudly supported by Melbourne River Cruises and all proceeds from the cruise will fund the work of the Yarra Riverkeeper Association to advocate for a healthy, protected and loved Yarra, Birrarung from source to sea.

About Riverfest

This event is part of the 2024 Birrarung Riverfest. Celebrate our river at one of 30+ events being hosted over three weeks from 1- 22 September. Whether you enjoy riverside walks, cleanups or paddling adventures, there's something for everyone at Riverfest.
Riverfest is presented by the Yarra Riverkeeper Association. Check out the full Riverfest program here.

Acknowledgement of Country

The 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 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.

[Image Credit: Ula Majewski]

Our Partners

Contact the host of Letters to the Birrarung: Melbourne River Cruise