About Birrarung Riverfest

Birrarung Riverfest is Victoria's annual celebration of the Yarra - known by its traditional name, Birrarung. This river is recognised as a single living entity, central to First Nations’ Country, culture, and communities across the state. Our Yarra, Birrarung: one living entity, cared for by many, caring for all.

Now in its fourth year, Riverfest continues to grow as a powerful community-led festival. Each year, across three weeks, Riverfest connects thousands of people to the Birrarung through cultural events, storytelling, clean-ups, art, planting, education, and citizen science. There's something for everyone at Riverfest—whether that’s platypus spotting, paddling the river or joining a local planting event.

You don’t need to be an expert to make a difference. Here’s how you can take action for a healthy, loved and protected Birrarung:

1. Connect with the river: Experience the Birrarung in your own way through Riverfest—walk, paddle, spot wildlife, enjoy art or join a clean-up. There’s something for everyone at Riverfest.
2. Stop pollution at the source: Pick up litter and keep rubbish out of stormwater drains before it reaches the river.
3. Roll your sleeves up: Join a local Friends of, Landcare or environmental group to restore habitat, plant trees and care for waterways.
4. Learn. Act. Care.: Attend Confluence 2026 and discover the challenges facing our waterways and how you can take action for it’s future.
5. Be a voice for the Birrarung: Become a member or donor of Yarra Riverkeeper Association and help protect the river for generations to come.
   

Thank you

Led by the Yarra Riverkeeper Association team, supported by passionate collaborators and volunteers, the festival is guided by a dedicated Steering Committee with representation from DEECA, Parks Vic, Melbourne Water, Regen Melbourne, City of Melbourne and representatives from the arts and youth community.

Riverfest would not be possible without the support of a whole range of people and organisations:

• The Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation
• The Birrarung Council
• Major Partners: Burnadap Birrarung burndap umarkoo collaboration & Water4Good
• Strategic Partners: City of Melbourne & Yarra Valley Water
• Festival Sponsors: Banyule & Manningham City Councils & Australian Ecosystems
• Event Sponsors: Fed Square, Urban Waterways Alliance & To Good Use
• 50+ Event Hosts including community members and groups, local councils, artists, universities, schools and government organisations
• 200+ Volunteers.

Keen to Get Involved?

If you’d like to support Riverfest through sponsorship, donations or volunteering please email the Festival Producer Carolyn Tate at carolyn.tate@yarrariver.org.au

For media enquiries email Carolyn or contact her on 0412 806 950.