Before colonisation, the lower stretch of the Yarra River – Birrarung was a winding, marshy saline eco-system. Plants and wildlife were plentiful, making it an important place for the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and the people of the Kulin nation.
This is one of three floating wetland sites installed by the City of Melbourne in the Yarra River – Birrarung as part of a trial funded by the Victorian Government.
The floating wetlands help us to reintroduce indigenous planting to the city river, as well as to learn more about the plant and wildlife it can support.
So far, we have observed 24 different bird species across the three floating wetland sites to date, with the Yarra’s Edge site becoming the place to be for keen bird watchers.
We’ve designed special elements to attract a range of bird species to the floating wetlands:
Cormorants and Darters are often observed using the drying rails with their wings stretched wide.
Bird feet of all sizes take advantage of a tapered rod, using the perching post as a place to rest.
While internal ponds allow for ducks and other wildlife to swim straight in.
The Australasian Darter has also been sighted using the floating wetland as a feeding site, as well as dipping and diving in the water nearby.
Finally, Black Swans have come to nest at all three sites, with at least two families regularly sighted along the river, since hatching cygnets in late 2023.