Have you ever wondered what creatures lurk in the forest at night? Have you been wanting the chance to see what awaits in the shadows accompanied by youthful trained experts? Look no further! Our beautiful Birrarung is home to some amazing cryptic and endangered animal species, only seen at night. This is your chance to experience how naturalists use spotlighting safely and ethically when observing animals in the dark and understand more about the health of forests that call the Birrarung home. This event is for youth aged 18-30. We only have 15 slots so get in quick.

Hosted by Rachel Lauder of Urban Guerilla's.

Getting there and meeting place: Due to the wonderful interest, we have decided to move the event to Pound Bend as it has a larger parking space, and we can split the large number into 2 groups. The 2 groups will split and loop around each other, that way each group gets a chance to see 2 different ecosystems + more chances of wildlife 🎉 Please review the map below:

Accessibility: As this is a night event, walking in uneven terrain, it is not wheelchair friendly. Riverfest welcomes everyone—we’re committed to making our events accessible and inclusive for people of all abilities. If you have accessibility needs and require support to attend, please email carolyn.tate@yarrariver.org.au

About Riverfest

This event is part of the 2025 Birrarung Riverfest. Celebrate our river at one of 60+ events hosted over three weeks from 6–28 September. Whether you enjoy riverside walks, cleanups, creative workshops or paddling adventures, there's something for everyone at Riverfest. Riverfest is presented by the Yarra Riverkeeper Association and our partners Burndap Birrarung burndap umarkoo collaboration and Melbourne Water.
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.

Acknowledgement of Country

Our Partners: