Nature-Fest on the Birrarung

Join us for the Westgate Park Open Day, organised by Westgate Biodiversity, at this free, family-friendly event. It’s the perfect chance to explore this hidden natural gem in your backyard and enjoy a variety of engaging activities throughout the day.

Event Highlights:

Welcome to Country Smoking Ceremony: Experience the traditional Welcome to Country ceremony at 11:00 AM, honouring the land’s heritage and cultural significance.

Gardening Workshops and talks (Ongoing from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM):

• - Easy Gardening to Attract and Support Wildlife by Mars - Bili Nursery assistant manager (11:30 AM and 2:30 PM): Learn practical tips and techniques to create a garden that attracts and nurtures local wildlife, while promoting biodiversity in your backyard.
• - Garden Tool Sharpening Workshop by Port Phillip Men’s Shed: Bring your tools for a professional sharpening lesson.
• - Wildflower Sales and Free Advice by Melbourne Pollinator Corridor and Gardens for Wildlife: Connect with experts to learn about local flora and purchase wildflowers.
• - Plant-a-Seed Workshops for Kids: Hosted by Junior Rangers, these hands-on workshops will let children plant their very own seeds to take home.

Riverbank Clean Up (From 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM):

Join Tangaroa Blue Foundation in their efforts to keep our waterways clean and healthy. Help remove litter and debris from the riverbank, contributing to local conservation and environmental protection.

Art and Crafts Stations :

• - Plant Printing on Fabric by Elizabeth Milsom (1:30 PM - 3:00 PM): Explore nature and dive into the world of natural art as you explore and create with vibrant, eco-friendly pigments.
• - Clay Workshop by Ursula Dutkiewicz (Ongoing from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM): Unleash your creativity in this hands-on workshop, where you can sculpt and personalize your own clay birds to take home as a keepsake.
• - Keychain Making by Port Phillip Men's Shed (Ongoing from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM): Craft your own personalized keychain using reclaimed wood in this hands-on activity, and take home a unique keepsake.
• - Paint mushroom for kids (1PM): With bright paints and lots of creativity, turn these charming fungi into whimsical works of art to brighten up your space

Tours:

• - Bird Watch Walk (10:15 AM): Explore Westgate Park’s diverse birdlife on a guided walk, observing land and water based species in their natural habitat.
• - Historic Port of Melbourne Tour (12 PM) - Discover the Riverbank Hidden History through Melbourne’s maritime and industrial heritage on a guided stroll along the Birrarung.
• - Nature Walk at Westgate Park (2 PM): Join us for a guided walk focusing on Coast Banksia and remnant vegetation. Learn about local plant species and their ecological roles.

Back to Bikes Workshop (Ongoing from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM): Learn how to fix your bike with hands-on guidance from Back to Bikes.

Family Activities (Ongoing from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM):

• - Scavenger Hunt: Engage in a fun scavenger hunt with prizes, organized by Westgate Volunteers.
• - Meet Paddy the Platypus: SES brings this beloved character to delight children.
• - Learn about Land and Regeneration and Conservation Efforts: Discover local conservation projects and land regeneration from ACF, City of Melbourne Junior Rangers, and Melbourne Water.

Additional Fun:

Enjoy delicious food from our food truck, sausage sizzle and coffee cart.

BYO picnic basket and enjoy a day out in nature with family and friends in our lounge area.

Getting There:

• - Punt: Take the punt from Spotswood Jetty directly to the event location.
• - Biking: Biking to the event is encouraged. Back to Bikes will conduct repair workshops on-site.
• - Public Transport (PT): Take bus 235 to Wharf Road, then enjoy a short walk through the park to reach the event. Check the bus 235 timetable for specific timings.
• - Driving:
• o Lorimer St Entrance: Park on the street near this entrance.
• o Todd Road Entrance: Park at the Westgate Parking lot and cross the park on foot to reach the event.

Special Thanks to Our Event Sponsors and Partners:

City of Melbourne, FB IDEA’s, Parks Victoria, Melbourne Pollinator Corridor, Gardens for Wildlife, SES, Back to Bikes, The Men’s Shed.

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.

Our Partners