OVERVIEW

Situated at the confluence of the Plenty and Yarra Rivers, this 33 hectare park was in important meeting place for the Wurundjeri people. Birrarrung Park is a significant recreation space within the parks along the Yarra River, incorporating two large ephemeral wetlands.

 

ACCESS

Pedestrian and cyclist access is available at all times.  Vehicle entry is available from Templestowe Road, Bulleen (Melway 32 H4).  Car park gates are open 6am to 6pm, extending to 9pm during daylight savings. 24-hour car parking is available

 

Dogs are permitted in the park but must remain on a leash at all times.

 

FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES

Several wood barbecues (wood is provided), picnic tables and shelters are available in the park. Fires are permitted only in the barbecues provided, and you are welcome to bring your own small gas barbecue.

 

The toilet block at Birrarrung Park is wheelchair accessible.

 

An adventure playground is available for children. There are flat sealed trails suitable for skating, cycling and walking. The main circuit trail is 2.8 km. Unsigned foot-tracks and side-trails may be followed next to the Yarra (beware of snakes!)

 

A water tap is next to the Information Shelter.

 

HISTORY

The name ‘Birrarrung’ is derived from an Aboriginal name for the Yarra River; ‘Bay-ray- rung’ meaning ‘river of mists’. Stone chips, flakes and an axe head found in the park are remnants of large gatherings of the local Aboriginal people, the Wurundjeri. Because of the constant threat of flooding, residential and industrial development did not occur at this location.

 

The predominant former land use was ‘small-scale cattle grazing and horse agistment as well as seed farming.  The park was opened to the public in 1984.

 

FLORA AND FAUNA

This area of parkland is primarily classified as ‘Riparian Floodplain Woodland’ that features River Red Gum and wetlands.

 

The wetlands at Birrarrung provide habitat for a variety of birdlife and also frogs.  As part of the natural cycle, wetlands occasionally dry out completely and the wildlife disperses temporarily.Rare birds, such as the Australasian Bittern have been seen at Birrarrung.  Kookaburras and Boobook Owls are regularly seen in the park.