Yarra

The Yarra is a major river in the state of Victoria, Australia, rising in the Yarra Ranges in the state's northeast and flowing generally westward to Port Phillip Bay. It passes through the Yarra Valley wine region and the Melbourne metropolitan area before reaching the bay, where its lower reaches form part of the city’s riverfront landscape.

The name Yarra comes from Indigenous Australian language, attributed to the Woiwurrung (Wurundjeri) people, with interpretations such as “ever flowing” or “water running.” The river is part of the traditional lands of the Wurundjeri and Boon Wurrung communities, and Aboriginal history and place-making along its banks remain important to local cultural heritage.

Geography and features: The Yarra’s upper catchment includes national parks and forested ranges, supplying the lower river through a series of urban and rural tributaries. In its urban stretch, the river runs through several inner-city parks and past bridges and docks, shaping Melbourne’s eastern and central waterfronts and providing a focal point for riverside recreation.

Uses and management: The river basin includes infrastructure such as the Upper Yarra and Maroondah reservoirs, which form part of Melbourne’s drinking-water supply. The Yarra supports recreational activities including rowing, kayaking, fishing, and walking paths, and it is the focus of ongoing conservation and water-quality programs to protect native ecosystems and manage pollution and invasive species.

Ecology and conservation: Native and introduced species inhabit the river system, with ongoing efforts to monitor water quality, restore habitats, and protect wildlife. The Yarra remains a symbol of Melbourne and a key natural asset for the region.