- Public toilets (2)
- Picnic facilities
- Lawns
- Seats
- Playground
- Shared cycling path
- Bookable event spaces
In Woi Wurrung and Boon Wurrung culture, 'Birrarung' is the traditional name of the Yarra River; and 'marr' refers to the mist that sometimes settles over the Birrarung. The park name reflects the ‘river of mists'.
This area was historically used for railway lines and yards from 1856. In 1992, the Victorian Government undertook a process of reorganisation of land uses around the then proposed Federation Square. This led to the reclamation of the former railyard to allow access to the river and land for public open space purposes.
Construction of the park began in 2000 and was a joint venture between the City of Melbourne and the Victorian Government. Birrarung Marr was opened in 2002.
The park hosts a variety of native flora, sculpted terraces, pedestrian and bicycle paths and is used for numerous festivals and events throughout the year.
The former rail use continues to be represented by the adaptation of the former Princes Bridge Lecture Room (a purpose-built railway training building constructed in 1916-17) into ArtPlay, a children’s art centre and gallery.
At the east end of the park, the William Barak pedestrian bridge leads directly to the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) and the Tanderrum Bridge leads directly to the Melbourne Park tennis centre.
Things to do
- Explore public art:
- Check out Birrarung WilamOpens in new tab – a collection of artworks exploring Victoria’s diverse indigenous culture.
- Marvel at the sculpture 'Angel' by Deborah Halpern, by the river’s edge.
- Listen to the Federation Bells, which play three times daily.
- Take an Indigenous history tour.
- For children, visit the public playground or book into a programmed activity at ArtPlay.
- Walk east from Federation Square along the river to Speakers' Corner (Yarra Bank). The speakers' mounds in this location were used for public meeting and debates for over a century.
Detail of the artwork ‘Birrarung Wilam’ (Common Ground)
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Vicki Couzens (Kirrae Wurrong/Gunditjmara); Lee Darroch (Yorta Yorta, Mutti Mutti and Trawlwoolway); Treahna Hamm (Yorta Yorta)
'Angel' by Deborah Halpern on the banks of the Yarra River, Birrarung
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Boatsheds and Princes Bridge seen through Moreton Bay fig trees from Birrarung Marr
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A view up the former Batman Avenue which is still lined with elm trees
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The path through Birrarung Marr is popular with both pedestrians and cyclists
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A timber footbridge in Birrarung Marr linking the upper terraces to the lower terrace
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Detail of the artwork ‘Birrarung Wilam’ (Common Ground)
Vicki Couzens (Kirrae Wurrong/Gunditjmara); Lee Darroch (Yorta Yorta, Mutti Mutti and Trawlwoolway); Treahna Hamm (Yorta Yorta)
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'Angel' by Deborah Halpern on the banks of the Yarra River, Birrarung
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Boatsheds and Princes Bridge seen through Moreton Bay fig trees from Birrarung Marr
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A view up the former Batman Avenue which is still lined with elm trees
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The path through Birrarung Marr is popular with both pedestrians and cyclists
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A timber footbridge in Birrarung Marr linking the upper terraces to the lower terrace
Playground
Birrarung Marr Playground is a colourful and modern play space with plenty of creative and fun things to do. The playground features slides, a space net, rock and rope climbing features, a swinging hammock and a liberty swing for wheelchairs.
For more information, see Playgrounds.
Designations, policies and plans
- Birrarung Marr is classified as a Capital City Open Space in City of Melbourne's Open Space Strategy.
- The Yarra River Birrarung Strategy (2019) guides City of Melbourne’s future planning of the inner city reach of the river. It outlines strategic directions and opportunities to improve the way we use our river and its edges.
- Yarra Bank, also known as Speakers' Corner, is a section of parkland with historic and social significance, listed on the Victorian Heritage RegisterOpens in new tab.
- Birrarung Marr's infrastructure includes a stormwater harvesting system which captures, treats and stores stormwater for irrigation reuse in the park.
- The Greenline Project is a transformational project that presents a new vision for the north bank of the Yarra River - Birrarung. It will create 4km of interconnected promenades, parks, open spaces, Australian native planting, cultural activations and environmental renewal between Birrarung Marr and the Bolte Bridge. Construction is planned to commence in 2024.
How to get there
Birrarung Marr is a short walk along the Yarra River (Birrarung) from Flinders Street Station and Federation Square.
See the PTV journey plannerOpens in new tab for public transport information.
Birrarung Marr
