The Big Birrarung Paddle with Sammy J

Get ready to roll up your sleeves and be part of Birrarung Riverfest's biggest community clean-up!

Join Riverfest Ambassador Sammy J, fellow river lovers and community groups for a fun-filled day helping care for the Birrarung. Whether you're on a boat on the river or travelling on foot, every piece of litter collected helps protect this incredible waterway for wildlife and future generations.

Come ready for a little friendly competition! There are prizes up for grabs for:

🏆 Best Dressed

🤪 Weirdest Piece of Rubbish Found

This is more than a clean-up, it's a celebration of community, nature and everything we love about the Birrarung.

Once the hard work is done, spread out your picnic rug, unpack your lunch and stay to enjoy a relaxed community picnic by the river. Or book a table for lunch at the iconic Fairfield Boathouse & Tea Gardens.

Swap stories, celebrate your efforts and soak up the Riverfest atmosphere.

Whether you're flying solo, bringing the family, rounding up your mates or joining as a community group, everyone is welcome. Together, let's show the Birrarung some love and prove that small actions really can make a big difference.

Please read the important safety information below before booking.

Let's make this the biggest Birrarung clean-up yet!

This event is proudly hosted by Yarra Riverkeeper Association, Up the Creek and Fairfield Boathouse & Tea Gardens.

If you are paddling/rowing, please read the following carefully before booking:

• You must arrive at 9.30am to check in and attend the compulsory safety briefing before the paddle begins.

• You will not be permitted onto the water if you miss the safety briefing.

• Must follow all instructions provided by event organisers, safety personnel and the boat operator.

• Wear a correctly fitted and secured lifejacket while paddling.

• Remain within the designated event area and follow the directions of event safety personnel at all times.

• All children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

For everyone's safety, event organisers may prevent a participant from entering the water or require them to leave the water if safety instructions are not followed or if conditions are considered unsafe.

The on-water component may be modified, postponed or cancelled if river, weather or other conditions make paddling unsafe.

🧤 What to bring

Bring your own sun protection, water and appropriate clothing. Please wear sturdy footwear if you're joining the land-based clean-up. All rubbish will be collected by Yarra City Council at the end of the paddle.

• 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.

Sorry 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.