This online forum showcases other cities and their journey to swimmability, learning from Paris, Copenhagen and closer to home Parramatta about the ins and outs of restoring waterways.

Around the world people are dipping into rivers on their way to work in the morning and on a lunch break without a second thought. Internationally we’ve seen swimmable cities become a movement. Whether that’s been a result of recent efforts to clean up the Seine river for landmark events like the Olympics in Paris or the last 20+ years of water restoration and harbour renewal in Copenhagen or our closer friends up in Parramatta, Sydney sparking a campaign to get their people behind the idea of swimming.

Here in Melbourne the journey towards making the lifeblood Yarra, Birrarung river swimmable again, is underway but needs some acceleration and movement building. What can we learn from our international counterparts to make swimming in the CBD a reality?

Join this online forum to hear from other places about the warts and all stories towards swimmability and have a conversation about what’s possible here in Melbourne.

This event is hosted by Regen Melbourne.

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

Contact the host of Swimmable Cities: Come on Melbourne!