*A Great Guest Blog Post Based On Our Favorite City Melbourne.
The state of Victoria is a tourists’ favorite for so many reasons, and millions of people from all over the world visit this state each year. It was a great pleasure of mine to see this region for myself a few years ago, and if you, too, are planning a vacation in this part of Australia, you should consider exploring the valley of the Yarra River and the capital of the state, Melbourne. A perfect combination of nature, relaxation and culture, you can have an unforgettable time if you plan out your visit properly. To help you with that, here are a few suggestions
The geography of the Yarra River
The Yarra River is located in East-Central Victoria; it’s a 242 kilometers long river that flows from its source up in the Yarra Ranges all the way to Greater Melbourne and ultimately, into Hobson Bay. The river is also referred to as “the upside down river” and “Birrarung,” and it’s an important geographical feature of the region with both a significant history and over 100 billabongs and 50 tributaries. Along those 242 kilometers, there is a lot you can see.
The source of the Yarra River
As mentioned, the river’s source is in the Yarra Ranges National Park, which in itself is already a destination worth visiting. It’s especially great for families who like camping, as there are nice picnic areas in the forests, so you can spend some time marveling at the beautiful Mountain Ash trees this place is known for. A great day-trip destination in the Yarra Ranges I can recommend is Mt Donna Buang, which turns into a snowy wonderland in the winter, so if you like winter sceneries, climbing up to the lookout is well worth it.
Parks along the river
But the Yarra Ranges are only the beginning of all the amazing parks that you can find along the river. If you’re a nature lover, you will want to stop by the Warrandyte State Park, just outside of Melbourne. It’s actually the closest state park to the city, so it’s no wonder it’s a favorite of the locals who want to breathe some fresh air. Not only is it a great spot for active people who want to go bushwalking or even enjoy some canoeing, but it’s also a notable spot for birdwatching and if you’re an animal lover, like me, you will be delighted to spot koalas and kangaroos in their natural habitat in some parts of the park.
Arriving at the city
As you travel down the river and reach Melbourne, you will soon penetrate the streets of the city, but you will still be able to enjoy the natural surroundings of the Yarra River by exploring the historic Dights Falls, for example, which is an artificial weir on the Yarra River dating back to the 1840s. But that’s not all there is to this stop – there are a number of historic sites such as one of a former asylum in the area, which you can explore by taking on the Dights Falls Loop Trail. The trail also takes you to a viewing platform where you can catch a good view of Galatea Point. Another good stop could be Westerfolds Park in Templestowe. It’s a true natural retreat really close to the buzz of the city, but at the same time, it features everything a good picnic area needs. Kids can enjoy playgrounds, and there are plenty of walking trails for anyone to try.
Reaching the end
Now that you are reaching the endpoint of the Yarra River, you should devote some time to take it all in once again in style. Enjoy the amenities of this amazing city by booking a ride at Classic Steamboat Cruises and giving a majestic finale to your trip. The scenic tour will allow you to see some of the most notable spots of the city in a comfortable way. Charmed by the skyline, you might even decide to ride the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel afterwards. Of course, don’t forget to enjoy some time in metropolitan Melbourne either, and sip some Yarra Valley wine to stay true to your trip’s theme.
The Yarra River is a true treasure of Victoria with outstanding nature and a lot of history to it. If you start your journey from its source and go all the way to the heart of Melbourne, you will be able to fully grasp the significance this geographical feature has.
Bio –
I am Arlette Green a blogger into traveling and moving to the farthest places to explore the world and myself as well. I usually start blogging after I return from my self-planned tours to share my experiences and insights gained throughout the trip.