Unearthing Seafarers

Join OCULUS for a guided walking tour along the north bank of the Birrarung (Yarra River), exploring how landscape architecture is transforming Melbourne's river edge.

Focusing on Seafarers Rest, in the context of the Greenline Project and the surrounding riverfront precinct, this behind-the-scenes tour reveals how public spaces are designed to create healthier, more connected and climate-resilient cities.

Along the way, you'll discover how landscape architects respond to challenges including climate adaptation, urban heat, biodiversity loss and the growing need for high-quality public spaces in dense urban environments.

The tour will also explore how the Yarra River Protection Principles (Wilip-gin Birrarung murron) guide projects along the Birrarung, embedding environmental, cultural and social values into the design of Melbourne's evolving waterfront.

Drawing on more than a decade of involvement in these projects, the OCULUS team will share insights into the planning, collaboration and innovation behind some of the city's most significant riverfront transformations.

Whether you're interested in landscape architecture, urban design, sustainability or simply curious about the future of the Birrarung, this tour offers a fascinating new perspective on Melbourne's iconic river.

This event is proudly hosted by OCULUS.

• 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.

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.