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Yarra River facts for kids

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Yarra
Yarra River Pound Bend.JPG
The Yarra River through Pound Bend near Warrandyte.
Yarra River is located in Victoria
Yarra River
Location of the mouth of the Yarra River in Victoria
Native name Berrern
Birr-arrung
Wongete
Yarro-yarro
Country Australia
State Victoria
Region South Eastern Highlands (IBRA), Central Victoria
LGA City of Hobsons Bay
City of Port Phillip
City of Melbourne
City of Yarra
City of Darebin
City of Boroondara
City of Banyule
City of Manningham
Shire of Nillumbik
Yarra Ranges Shire
City Melbourne
Physical characteristics
Main source Yarra Ranges, Great Dividing Range
within Yarra Ranges National Park
792 m (2,598 ft)
37°44′57″S 146°8′26″E / 37.74917°S 146.14056°E / -37.74917; 146.14056
River mouth Hobsons Bay, Port Phillip
near the suburb of Port Melbourne
0 m (0 ft)
37°51′7″S 144°54′30″E / 37.85194°S 144.90833°E / -37.85194; 144.90833
Length 242 km (150 mi)
Basin features
River system Port Phillip and Western Port catchment
Basin size 4,078 km2 (1,575 sq mi)50%
Tributaries
National park Yarra Ranges NP, Royal Botanic Gardens

The Yarra River is a famous river in Victoria, Australia. It's also known by other names like the Yarra Yarra River and several Indigenous names such as Berrern, Birr-arrung, and Birrarung. This river flows all year round, starting in the east-central part of Victoria.

The Yarra River begins in the Yarra Ranges and travels about 242 kilometers (150 miles) west. It flows through the beautiful Yarra Valley before reaching the wider plains of Greater Melbourne. Finally, it empties into Hobsons Bay, which is part of Port Phillip.

For thousands of years, the river was a very important source of food and a meeting place for indigenous Australians. They called it Birrarung. The name "Yarra" came from a misunderstanding of another Indigenous term, Yarro-yarro, which means "ever-flowing".

When European settlers arrived, they used the river for farming. Over time, the river's shape and surroundings have changed a lot. Parts of it were made wider, and dams like the Upper Yarra Reservoir were built. These changes help protect Melbourne from big floods. Today, the Yarra River is celebrated every year during the Moomba festival in Melbourne.

Where Does the Yarra River Flow?

The Yarra River starts high up in the Yarra Ranges, which are part of the Great Dividing Range. This area is a national park, full of nature. From there, the river flows downhill, collecting water from many smaller streams and creeks.

As it moves west, the Yarra passes through different types of land. It goes through forests and valleys, then opens up into flatter areas as it gets closer to the big city of Melbourne. The river ends its journey by flowing into Hobsons Bay, which is a part of Port Phillip. This is where the river meets the sea.

Who First Lived by the Yarra River?

Long before European settlers arrived, the Yarra River was home to many Indigenous Australian groups, especially the Wurundjeri people. For them, the river was much more than just water. It was a vital part of their lives.

The river provided food like fish, eels, and birds. It was also a special place for gatherings, ceremonies, and trade. The Wurundjeri people had their own names for the river, including Birrarung. This shows their deep connection and respect for the land and its waterways.

How Has the Yarra River Changed Over Time?

Since 1835, when European settlers began to arrive, the Yarra River has seen many changes. At first, settlers used the river's water and land for agriculture. They grew crops and raised animals near its banks.

To help prevent floods and make it easier for boats to travel, parts of the river were made wider. Dams were also built, such as the Upper Yarra Reservoir. These dams help control the water flow and store water for Melbourne.

As Melbourne grew into a city, industries developed along the river. This led to changes like the destruction of marshlands where the Yarra and Maribyrnong Rivers met. Today, efforts are made to keep the river clean and healthy for everyone to enjoy.

Celebrating the Yarra River

The Yarra River is a central part of Melbourne's identity. Every year, the city holds the Moomba festival, which is one of Australia's largest community festivals. Many of the festival's events, like water skiing and boat races, take place on the Yarra River.

The river is also a popular spot for walking, cycling, and relaxing. Paths run along its banks, offering great views of the city skyline and natural areas. It's a place where people can connect with nature right in the middle of the city.

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See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Río Yarra para niños

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