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Birrarung Marr, on the north bank of the Yarra River, next to Federation Square, is Melbourne’s newest major parkland. The park’s name comes from the language of the Wurundjeri people who originally inhabited this area. ‘Birrarung’ means ‘river of mists’ and ‘marr’ relates to ‘side’.

The park is designed to host some of Melbourne’s major events and festivals, with a theatre-like space at the river’s edge that caters for large crowds.

Birrarung Marr

Extending across three levels, the upper, middle and lower terraces of Birrarung Marr are defined by steep slopes with contrasting areas of grass and granitic sand underfoot. Plantings of more than 200 trees and hundreds of smaller native plants identify this contemporary park design as distinctly Australian.

Water conservation has been addressed with smaller lawn areas than in traditional parks, and with the use of drought tolerant summer grasses.

Birrarung Marr opened in January 2002 and received the Walter Burley Griffin Award for Urban Design in 2004.

1 Lower Terrace (River Terrace)

The Lower Terrace, or River Terrace, follows the curve of the Yarra in an easy, level walk from the Princes Bridge to the Swan Street Bridge, with a variety of interesting features to enjoy on the way. Some sections of the avenue of elm trees that bordered the original
riverside roadway can still be seen.

2 The Middle Terrace

The Middle Terrace is a functional event space, often the site of temporary facilities linked to major events at the Melbourne Cricket Ground or Melbourne Park. The pathway here leads past the Federation Bells to the William Barak Bridge.

3 Upper Terrace

From the Upper Terrace the Arts Centre spire and St Paul’s Cathedral stand out in views of the city skyline.

4 Playground

The colourful ArtPlay Playground is open all day, every day. Designed to stimulate the creative development of children, the playground features tube slides, sand pits, swinging hammocks, activity panels, rock and rope climbing features and balance beams. Provisions have been made for children of all abilities with a   Wheelchair accessible Liberty Swing.

An MLAK key for the swing can be borrowed from the Melbourne
Mobility Centre, First Floor, Federation Square Car Park.

5 ArtPlay

The old red brick railway building is ArtPlay, a children’s art centre and gallery. At ArtPlay, children’s imaginations come out to play as they collaborate with professional artists, craftspeople, musicians and performers in constantly changing, innovative programs. Call 9664 7900 for more information.

6 Birrarung Wilam

Tall, intricately carved message sticks mark the location of Birrarung Wilam(meaning ‘River Camp’), an installation celebrating the diversity of Victoria’s indigenous culture by interpreting stories from local communities through public artworks. A textured, twisting pathway acknowledges the significance of the eel as a traditional food source for groups camped by the river. Large rocks incised with animal drawings enclose a performance space and, closer to the river, a semi-circle of metal shields represents each of the five groups of the Kulin Nation. On the outside wall of the ArtPlay building are silver touch panels featuring audio recordings of indigenous people telling their personal stories. Artists Vicki Couzens, Lee Darroch, Treahna Hamm.

7 Why is the Yarra Muddy?

The sign, “Why is the Yarra Muddy?” explains the mystery of “the river that flows upside down”. This is one of a series of signs along the river, highlighting its significance as a gathering place for the Wurundjeri people prior to European settlement and as the port and primary source of water to colonial Melbourne.

8 Sea wall viewing area

The sea wall viewing area provides sweeping views across the river. Rowing sheds border the Alexandra Gardens, with the Queen Victoria gardens, the Kings Domain and the Royal Botanic Gardens beyond.

9 Angel

This viewing area is home to the commanding presence of the multi-headed, three-legged Angel, created by Deborah Halpern when she set out to make a sculpture that was “wild, whimsical and colourful”. After standing in front of the National Gallery of Victoria for 18 years,
and some restoration of her 4,000 tiles, Angel was relocated to her present position.

10 Federation Bells

The Federation Bells were commissioned to celebrate Australia’s Centenary of Federation in 2001. The 39 computer-controlled bells range in size from a small handbell to a bell that stands 1.8m high and weighs 3.5 tonnes. The bells ring at intervals throughout the day.

11 Speakers’ Corner

Speakers’ Corner played a significant role in Victoria’s social and political history. In 1916, demonstrations against conscription drew crowds of up to 50,000 people. Inlaid granite has been inscribed by artist Evangelos Sakaris with texts that symbolise the importance of this place as a site of free speech.

12 Speakers’ mounds

The raised speakers’ mounds used in the past by ‘soapbox orators’ can still be seen among the mature, heritage-listed elm trees in this area.

13 William Barak Bridge

The William Barak Bridge is named after the Wurundjeri diplomat, negotiator and artist who was a powerful leader and advocate for his people. As a child, William Barak witnessed the signing of a treaty between the indigenous leaders and Melbourne’s founder John
Batman. The bridge links the central business district to Melbourne’s major sporting precinct, offering expansive views of the city.

Up to nine metres wide and 525 metres long, the bridge also gives lift access to the ground level precinct and the Number 70 tram.

14 Yarra Park

Yarra Park, at the end of the William Barak Bridge, surrounds the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) and provides convenient access to Melbourne Park.