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