Nº6 · Melbourne CBD & Southbank
Birrarung & the arts
Along the Yarra from Federation Square to the arts precinct.
Draft trail. We haven’t walked this one yet to check every detail. Opening days, prices and paths can change, so check before you go.
1 / 6Birrarung, the Yarra’s Woiwurrung name, is often translated as “river of mists”. This riverside loop joins Federation Square to the parklands of Birrarung Marr, the Queen Victoria Gardens and their floral clock, and the spire of the Arts Centre.
- Getting there
- Start at Federation Square, across the road from Flinders Street station.
- How long
- About 2 hours, 2.5 km on foot (1 h 55 min at the stops)
- Cost
- Free
- Best time
- Late afternoon into dusk, when the river and the spire light up.
The stops
- 1Federation Square · Culture · 20 min
The city’s meeting place, opened in 2002.
Directions - 2Birrarung Marr · Nature · 30 min
Terraced riverside parkland with city views.
Directions - 3Queen Victoria Gardens · Nature · 20 min
Formal gardens with the Floral Clock, replanted each season.
Directions - 4Hamer Hall rooftop viewing platform · Nature · 15 min
A free lookout over the Yarra and Princes Bridge.
Directions - 5Arts Centre Melbourne · Culture · 30 min
Under the lattice spire; free exhibitions are often on in the foyers.
Directions
On the map
Tips
- The Hamer Hall rooftop viewing platform looks straight down the river.
- Much of this walk is shadeless in summer; carry water.
Collect this trail’s stamp in your Passport by checking in at each stop.