The Long Yarra Quilt

The Yarra's Journey

Sourced in the mountains of Yarra Ranges National Park
A habitat corridor for native flora and fauna the Yarra provides;
As it loops around Warrandyte State Park,
In its waters the shy platypus sleekly glides.

Then widening and joyously dancing over protruding rocks,
Sparkling in the sunshine, its banks lined with wattle trees,
Eucalypts, walking tracks and many picnic areas,
It is home to families of ducks a visiting child delightedly sees.

It often carries canoes as it winds through Westerfolds Park,
Passing Heide's pastures where painted corrugated-iron cows now stand
Near a huge tree whose bark bears a large oval scar
From which aboriginals once fashioned a canoe by hand.

Paddle boats and canoes can be hired at Studley Park
Where two popular tea houses provide river views with meals,
Before it meanders past several golf courses on the Yarra Flats,
Bypassing the Bolin Bolin Billabong where the Wurundjeri caught eels.

After another big loop around Yarra Bend,
Over the small rock wall of Dight's falls it tumbles,
Then it flows past the industrial area on the city outskirts,
Skirted by the Easter Freeway on which traffic continually rumbles.

Approaching the city the river slows and broadens,
Spanned by several attractively arched bridges
Under which sightseeing barges slowly cruise,
Patterning its surface with wakes of rippling ridges.

Lined by steep grassy banks and cycling tracks,
Through magnificent formal parks and gardens it makes its way
Past Melbourne's central business district and bustling Southbank,
Until our precious Yarra River ends its journey in Port Phillip Bay