The Yarra, Birrarung | A Celebration on World Rivers Day

Join us on World Rivers Day for an unforgettable celebration of the Yarra, Birrarung — through ceremony, music, conversation and collective action.

Wave in a flowtilla of boats as they gather on the Birrarung by Princes Bridge. Enjoy the sweet river songs on the banks of the Birrarung with the Climate Choir. Be moved by a cultural performance and Welcome to Country by the Djirri Djirri dancers.

Inside The Edge, the celebration continues with performances and talks, including the panel discussion Our Yarra Birrarung: Who’s caring for who? hosted by Yarra Riverkeeper Association President Janet Bolitho, in conversation with:

• Wurundjeri woman, multidisciplinary artist and educator, Dr Mandy Nicholson

• Co-founder and managing director of landscape design company Australian Ecosystems, Brendan Condon

• Chair of the Birrarung Council, Chris Chesterfield and

• Wildlife and Conservation student and emerging environmental activist, Sophie Hart.

See stunning images and words of Prayer for a River on the big screen, a beautiful new book being launched by Uncle Glenn Loughrey and ex-Riverkeeper Andrew Kelly accompanied by Wamba Wamba Elder Ron Murray on the didgeridoo (Book signings afterwards).

Bring the kids to the Birrarung Learning & Action Zone at the back of the Edge and enjoy a scrumptious afternoon tea where you'll connect with other river lovers to discover how you can give back to the river that sustains us all.

This event is presented in partnership with Fed Square.

Accessibility: This event is wheelchair friendly. 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
This event will be Auslan Interpreted.

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.

Our Partners: