| The Yarra River is truly the heart of leisure and | | | | nearby Southgate Shopping Complex offers three |
| tourism in Melbourne. It gives the city its freshness | | | | floors of fascinating specialty stores. |
| and focus and is the site of non-stop activity. All | | | | Sunday is the best time to visit the Southbank as it's |
| manner of boats ply its waters and a host of cultural | | | | the site of the Arts Centre Sunday Market, just the |
| and entertainment facilities grace its banks including | | | | place to pick up some local crafts and Australian |
| museums, galleries, aquarium, concert halls and | | | | souvenirs. Also nearby is the Crown Casino and |
| theatres. | | | | entertainment complex which features food courts, |
| In fact, the discovery of the Yarra was pivotal to | | | | cafes, shops, and nightclubs. |
| the founding and development of Melbourne. The | | | | Exploring the riverbanks is a wonderful experience |
| fresh water it provided was vital to the new city. | | | | but to truly experience the Yarra, you have to take |
| The river was called Birrarung by the indigenous | | | | to the waters. You have many options here, including |
| Wurundjeri people and was given the name Yarra | | | | a leisurely scenic cruise, penguin trip, ferry ride to |
| Yarra by John Helder Wedge of the Port Phillip | | | | Williamstown, romantic gondola or water taxi ride. |
| Association who thought it was the Aboriginal name. | | | | You can choose from a range of sightseeing cruises, |
| The Yarra River begins in the highlands of Mount Baw | | | | either upstream to the scenic parks and gardens of |
| Baw in Victoria's West Gippsland region and flows | | | | the Yarra River, or downstream to the Melbourne |
| down into Port Phillip Bay, home to the Port of | | | | Docklands. |
| Melbourne, Australia's busiest seaport. | | | | Take a downstream cruise and you can follow the |
| So how to best enjoy the Yarra on your holiday? | | | | trail of the early pioneers down to Melbourne's port |
| Here we'll look at the north bank, the booming new | | | | and Docklands area. Melbourne is the Southern |
| developments on the south bank, and then at some | | | | Hemisphere's busiest general cargo port. You can also |
| cruises that will take you along this delightful river. | | | | take a ferry service to Williamstown, a historic |
| The north bank of the Yarra marks the southern | | | | maritime village with scenic bay views and a vibrant |
| edge of the CBD. A walk along Birrarung Marr, the | | | | restaurant and café area. |
| stretch of water that runs from Federation Square | | | | An upriver cruise takes you to historic Herring Island |
| to the Melbourne Cricket Ground is an especially fine | | | | and passes some of Melbourne's most famous |
| location to enjoy views of the Melbourne skyline. | | | | landmarks including the Royal Botanic Gardens, |
| Though the north bank has much to see and do, it's | | | | Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne Sports & |
| the south bank of the Yarra that the more | | | | Entertainment Centre, and Olympic Park. This is a |
| happening place. Crossing over Queensbridge Street | | | | very green and peaceful route that unlocks the true |
| brings you to Southbank Promenade. This is a fine | | | | charm of Melbourne. |
| place to dine while enjoying superb river views. The | | | | |