Life in the lower Yarra

The water in this part of Victoria Harbour is saltier than in other parts of the Yarra River – Birrarung, being protected from the main flow of the river’s fresh water.

Before colonisation (and before the harbour) this area was a large wetland. The species it supported made it an important place for the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and the people of the Kulin nation.  

City of Melbourne has installed floating wetlands at three locations in the Yarra River – Birrarung to trial reintroducing indigenous plants to the city river, and to learn more about the wildlife it can support. 

To suit its saltier environment, the floating wetland at Victoria Harbour includes plants typically found in the saltmarsh and mangrove forest ecosystems of coastal Victoria. There are dense strands of salt-tolerant grasses, rushes, herbs, low shrubs, and mangroves. 

This ecosystem provides important feeding, breeding and habitat functions for fish, crustaceans and birds in the area.  

At Victoria Harbour's floating wetland, we've seen signs of use by Rakali (native water rats). Rakali use the platform as a safe place to crack open and eat the mussels they have collected from the harbour, leaving the shells behind.  

We hope that other local animals like long neck turtles and seals could use this floating wetland in the future too. That's why we’ve made sure to include basking platforms, ramps and open space for all types of wildlife to enjoy the floating wetland.