Sunrise over the Birrarung: A sensory walk

Walk with artist Kate Gorringe-Smith from Dights Falls (where Merri Creek joins the Yarra/Birrarung) to Quarries Park to watch the sunrise. This silent, early-morning walk in the dark will heighten your senses beyond sight, tuned into sounds, smells, and the awakening landscape. Kate, a Melbourne artist deeply connected to the river and Wurundjeri Country, will guide you on this journey of awareness and connection.

Important: It's early so plan your journey ahead of time and allow for walking in low light. Assemble at 5:25 AM at Dights Falls Parking, 112A Trenerry Cres, Abbotsford. All participants must bring and wear their own working head torch with spare batteries. Please test your torch before leaving home. Snacks will be provided at the sunrise spot; please notify Kate of any dietary restrictions at 0432 322 408.

Weather dependent, the event will be canceled if it’s raining.

Seating at sunrise includes two benches and grass. Picnic rugs will be provided, but you may bring your own.

Accessibility:
This event is generally accessible to people with disabilities; however, those with balance or walking difficulties may need a stick or carer as there is one stretch of path that is not completely flat. There is a wheelchair-accessible toilet at Ramsden Park (adjacent to the Quarries) which opens at 6 AM.

There are two unpaved stretches of the walk:

• One is potentially wide and flat enough for wheelchairs, with a paved alternate route if needed.

• The other is not wheelchair-accessible, but a second paved path can be used instead.

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.