Flowtilla for the Future
Birrarung Riverfest will return in 2026 from 27 September (World Rivers Day) to 18 October, inviting Victorians to discover, explore, connect and care for one of the state’s most important waterways, the Yarra (Birrarung) River.
Now in its fourth year, Riverfest – presented by the Yarra Riverkeeper Association – brings together artists, educators, environmental organisations and Traditional Owners, through more than 70 free events along the length of the Yarra (Birrarung) River and its surrounding urban waterways.
Thousands of visitors are expected to attend events across the three-week program, from searching for the elusive platypus, experiencing vibrant Bollywood-inspired performances on the riverbank, or cruising through the heart of Melbourne in a zero-emission, self-drive boat while removing rubbish from the river.
This year’s Riverfest will continue to shine a spotlight on pollution, particularly stormwater runoff which is one of the greatest threats to the river. More than 828 million litter items flow into Port Phillip Bay via the Yarra (Birrarung) River’s surface waters every year, the majority of which are microplastics, including polystyrene fragments.
Australian comedian Sammy J has been appointed this year’s Birrarung Riverfest Ambassador, bringing his love of Melbourne and the Yarra (Birrarung) to help inspire more people to discover and connect with the river, and turn awareness into action.
“The Yarra is my happy place – I walk next to it, I paddle on top of it, and I very occasionally swim in it,” he said. “We are so lucky to have this wonderful waterway and I’m thrilled to help spread the word as part of Riverfest 2026!”
Sammy is set to MC and perform at River Rhythms, the singer-songwriter competition on the opening day of 27 September in Warburton, before leading The Big Birrarung Paddle on 10 October, where volunteers will take to the water in kayaks and rowboats and remove rubbish from the river along the way.
The festival will conclude with Confluence 2026, a forum for community waterways supporters to be held at the Edge, Fed Square.
The Yarra (Birrarung) River flows 242 kilometres from the Yarra Ranges to Port Phillip Bay. It supports significant biodiversity, cultural heritage and recreation, making it critical to Victoria’s identity, culture, biodiversity and liveability.
However, as Melbourne’s population grows and urbanisation continues to expand across the river’s catchment, more effort is needed to enhance the health of the river.
Birrarung Riverfest Producer Carolyn Tate said Riverfest was about inspiring all kinds of people to build a lifelong connection to the river, and to help protect it for generations to come.
“Riverfest is about bringing people together to experience the river – all the way from Warburton in the upper reaches to Westgate Park at the river’s mouth – because we know that when people connect with nature, they’re far more likely to care for and protect it,” she said.
Janet Bolitho, President of Yarra Riverkeeper Association, added “The festival shines a light on the gifts and challenges of the Yarra (Birrarung) River. It’s under increasing pressure from urban growth, climate change, and stormwater pollution, and every small act of care matters.”
The major partners for the 2026 festival include Burndap Birrarung burndap umarkoo, a collaboration which brings together Traditional Owners, government agencies and local councils to care for and protect Birrarung as one living and integrated natural entity; and Water4Good.
Claire Dunn, Implementation Manager for Burndap Birrarung burndap umarkoo at Melbourne Water, the lead agency for the collaboration, said “Birrarung was the first river in Australia to be recognised in law as a living entity, reflecting an understanding that Traditional Owners have held for tens of thousands of years. We are pleased to continue supporting Birrarung Riverfest, creating opportunities for people to connect with the river and care for its future.”
Darragh O’Donovan, Services Manager at Water4Good said, “Birrarung Riverfest is exactly the type of social, environmental and cultural investment the Water4Good (4GoodFund) was established to support.
“Engagement with the Yarra (Birrarung) through events on and around this magical waterway, provide opportunities for community and Country connections, highlighting that we are all responsible for, and our wellbeing is entwined with, our rivers.”
For more information on Birrarung Riverfest 2026, including the full program of events, visit: riverfest.org.au. Find out how to submit your song for the River Rhythms singer-songwriter competition here or via email: warburtonbirrarungriverfest@
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