ON A BOAT: Operation Clean River

Join us for a hands-on environmental adventure on the Yarra, Birrarung.

Set off on an electric, zero-emission self-drive boat to collect litter and floating debris while cruising through the heart of Melbourne. Each boat accommodates up to nine people, creating a fun and interactive experience focused on making a positive impact on the health of the river.

Led by our experienced boating team, participants will receive a safety briefing, on-water guidance and an introduction to sustainable boating practices before heading out onto the Birrarung.

Working together, boats will compete in a friendly clean-up challenge to collect as much litter and floating debris as possible, combining teamwork with meaningful environmental action.

Whether you're coming with family, friends, a community group or on your own, this is a unique opportunity to experience the Birrarung from the water while helping protect and improve it for future generations.

This event is proudly hosted by ON A BOAT - Eco-friendly electric boat experiences on the Yarra.

• 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.

This event is not wheelchair accessible.

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.