Seeing the Light on the Birrarung

Join artist Asher Milgate and Up the Creek for an artist-led photography experience on the Birrarung, exploring how light shapes the way we see, photograph and connect with place.

Travelling by canoe, you’ll experience the river from a unique perspective while observing the changing qualities of sunlight, reflection and movement within the landscape.

Photography begins before the camera is raised. Whether you’re using a smartphone or a camera, Seeing the Light is not about mastering equipment. It’s about learning to see. Through guided observation, conversation and image-making, you’ll discover how slowing down transforms both the photographs you make and your experience of the Birrarung.

Led creatively by Asher Milgate and safely on the water by Up the Creek, this immersive experience offers a rare opportunity to encounter one of Melbourne’s most significant natural and cultural landscapes from the river itself.

No previous photography experience is required.

This event is generously being hosted by artist Asher Milgate and Up the Creek.

• 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 need to walk a short distance between the meeting point and the canoe launch area.

This outdoor experience takes place on the water and involves entering, exiting and paddling a canoe. A moderate level of mobility is required. A comprehensive safety briefing will be provided before departure, and all participants will be fitted with a life jacket and supplied with the necessary safety equipment by Up the Creek.

This experience is weather dependent and may be postponed or rescheduled if conditions are unsuitable.

If you have specific accessibility requirements or would like to discuss whether this experience is suitable for you, please contact the event organisers before booking.

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.