Stroll around along the banks of the Yarra, cross its bridges and explore Docklands to see and array of beautiful art by the water. Here is a selection of what you will find.
The Travellers - Nadim Karan
Sandridge Bridge, Yarra River
Melbourne is home to people from more than 140 countries. ‘The Travellers’ was created by Lebanese artist Nadim Karam, along with City of Melbourne designers, in tribute to our multicultural heritage. The work includes128 glass panels placed along the bridge, telling stories of the original Indigenous inhabitants and Melbourne’s many waves of migrants.
Ecophene – Karen Abernethy and Kiko Gianocca
Underneath Sandridge Bridge
[photo by Louis Porter]
Located under Sandridge Bridge, Ecophene re-inhabits a place where the destruction of the Yarra Yarra's waterfall in 1883 had irreversible consequences for the river's ecology. Ecophene was commissioned by the City of Melbourne in 2007.
Blowhole – Duncan Stemler
Docklands Park
‘Blowhole’ is a 15-metre high wind-powered sculpture. As the wind blows through, armature and cups interact with each other to form patterns, colours and shadows. Like an anemometer on a yacht’s mast, Blowhole’s various parts spin in different directions. The colourful results are dictated by the whims of the location’s prevailing winds.
Constellation – Bruce Armstrong and Geoffrey Bartlett
Yarra River, between the King and Queen street bridges
Occupying the site of Melbourne’s historic Turning Basin, five large figureheads reflect upon the ethnic and cultural diversity of those who worked in the turning basin during the early years of settlement. Admire the dragon, woman, man, bird and lion that represent this period in Melbourne’s past.
Birrarung Wilam – Vicki Couzens, Lee Darroch, Treahna Hamm
Birrarung Marr
[photo by Greg Sims]
‘Birrarung Wilam’ (River Camp) interprets stories from local Indigenous communities. Two tall, intricately carved message sticks mark the site that features a textured, twisting pathway representing the eel, a traditional food of groups camped by the river. Large rocks incised with animal drawings enclose a performance space, while metal shields represent the five clans of the Kulin Nation.