Can I take my private water craft up the river?
Yes you can. Navigable water extends up to Dights Falls in Abbotsford, although the height of your craft may not allow you to get under some of the bridges in the city section, especially on a high tide and/or after heavy rainfall. A maximum speed of 5 knots is enforced. Click here to download a recreational boating map of the lower Yarra River, which shows bridge height clearances and public berthing points.
Where can I get information about taking a river cruise or hiring a boat?
Simply head to http://yarrariver.melbourne/listings/search/category/waterways
Where can I park along the river?
On-street parking is limited, but there are plenty of commercial car parks. Head to http://yarrariver.melbourne/parking. However, for a car-free experience, you can get to the river’s north bank, by taking a train to Flinders Street Station. Then, step across the pedestrian bridge to reach Southbank.
Where can I find some history about the Yarra River?
Head to http://yarrariver.melbourne/history
Which are the most popular attractions in the city section of the Yarra River?
The most visited free venues are Crown Entertainment Centre, Federation Square and Southgate. The most popular paid attractions are Eureka Skydeck and SEA Life Melbourne. For attractions information, head to http://yarrariver.melbourne/listings/search/category/play
How long is the Yarra River?
The river is 242 kilometres long, with 24 tributaries, and it starts on the flanks of Mt Baw Baw in Victoria's West Gippsland region. On its journey through Melbourne and to Port Phillip it supplies 9 catchment dams and provides drinking water to about 2.6 million households.
Are there walking tours of the Yarra River?
You can take a self-guided walk by heading to http://yarrariver.melbourne/walking-tours
Where can I shop in the Yarra River precinct?
The major retail centres are in the Southgate complex and at DFO South Wharf. Limited, specialist shopping can also be found in Crown and Federation Square. For details, head to http://yarrariver.melbourne/listings/search/category/shop
Why is the river brown?
The Yarra River collects clay particles as it passes through the farmlands of the Yarra Valley. These remain suspended until they reach the saltwater of the bay, when a natural chemical reaction sees the silt sink to the bottom.
Can I cycle on Southbank Promenade?
Yes you can cycle the entire length of the south bank, but commuting cycling is discouraged because of the high pedestrian activity, and all cyclists must limit their speed to under 15 km/hr.
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