World Rivers Day highlights the many values of rivers and strives to increase public awareness and hopefully encourage the improved stewardship of rivers around the world.

From its source in the Yarra Ranges, the Yarra River flows 242 kms west through the Yarra Valley and Greater Melbourne before emptying into Port Phillip Bay. Clear at the time of the first European settlements, the intensive land clearing and development since the mid-19th century has resulted in the muddy brown colour - indicating the presence of microscopic clay particles. These particles are kept suspended by the turbulence in some parts of the middle and lower sections of the river.