Yarra River (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Yarra River?
What makes it 81% Kids-Friendly: Children will enjoy Birrarung Marr playground, Moomba shows and narrated boat rides; toilets and lawns are handy, but unfenced banks and kayak age limits mean parents must supervise constantly.
Positives:
- Family Friendly Access: Riverside paths and playgrounds are stroller and pram accessible.
- Free Play Areas: Multiple complimentary playgrounds and picnic lawns along the river.
- Central Location: Easy to reach from Southbank, Melbourne CBD, and public transport.
Challenges:
- Weekend Crowds: Playgrounds and promenade can fill up on weekends and school holidays.
- Age Restrictions: Kayak tours require participants to be at least 10 years old.
- Weather Dependent: River cruises and kayak tours may cancel in strong winds or heavy rain.
What is Yarra River?
- A 242-kilometre river rising in the Yarra Ranges and winding through Melbourne to empty into Port Phillip Bay
- A natural watercourse shaping the city’s topography and feeding floodplains, wetlands and riverine parklands
- A vital ecological corridor hosting native fish species, waterbirds and riverside vegetation along its length
What is so special about Yarra River for with kids?
- Spacious riverside playgrounds at Birrarung Marr and Wombat Bend
- Hands-on animal fun at Collingwood Children’s Farm
- Informative 1-hour river cruise with city landmark views
- Kayak tours available for kids aged 10 and above
- Mix of free and paid activities fit most budgets
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Gives time for playgrounds, a river cruise, and a farm visit
Kids-Friendly Activities in Yarra River
Birrarung Marr Playground (ArtPlay):
Playground with slides, sandpits, rope climbs, wheelchair swing, picnic tables.
Tip: Pick up the Liberty swing key at ArtPlay. Bring snacks and water.
Wombat Bend Playground:
Nature-themed play area with sand, slides, suspension bridge, river trails.
Tip: Wear shoes that can get muddy. Explore the river trails after play.
Collingwood Children’s Farm:
Meet sheep, goats and join egg-grading and guided farm tours.
Tip: Check the daily activity schedule online. Arrive early to feed lambs.
1-Hour Yarra River Gardens Sightseeing Cruise:
Upstream cruise with live guide pointing out gardens and city landmarks.
Tip: Book seats near the front for the best views. Arrive 15 minutes early.
City Sights Kayak Tour:
Guided kayak trip under Princes Bridge past Southbank and Crown Casino.
Tip: Kids 10+ can join. Wear a hat and bring a waterproof camera.
When is the best time to visit Yarra River (Melbourne, Australia)?
Summer: start early for cooler paddle trips. March: catch Moomba festival water shows. Winter: pack warm layers and check cruise schedules in bad weather.
Explore These Activities
Reviews of Yarra River (Melbourne)
Brad
The Yarra River is a 242 km river that begins in the Yarra Ranges before winding its way through south central Victoria and through Melbourne before emptying into Hobsons Bay. In Melbourne, we enjoyed the riverside areas between St. Kilda and South Wharf Promenade, taking in monuments, numerous bridge crossings, urban space, mall, convention centre, restaurants and bars along the way. Environs ar...
Kavya Singh
Yarra Riverbank offers a perfect blend of nature and urban life. It is a nice place to visit in the middle of the city for relaxation.
mandyGoTravelling
you can passing through from the most crowded city centre area CBD to the arts area, having arts gallery nearby, by Evan WLker Bridge, just walk from flinders street railway station and you reach the bay side, we come here in afternoon the view is just okay, not so special, there are many restaurant near Southgate, not sure whether night view will be better ha rating of mine: 3.9
Yè
Just beautiful and never gets old. A gorgeous river with walking paths on both sides, lined with a slew of dining and shopping options, as well as exhibition and conference spaces.
Victor
Iconic river flowing through Melbourne. Always relaxing and peaceful to walk around. Generally kept clean as well. Used well during celebrations including Moonba Festival.
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Birrarung Marr Playground | AUD 0 |
| Collingwood Children’s Farm (2 adults + 2 kids) | AUD 50 |
| Yarra River Gardens Cruise (2 adults + 2 kids) | AUD 142 |
| City Sights Kayak Tour (2 adults + 1 child) | AUD 236 |
| Total Estimated | AUD 428 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
How to Maximize Your Visit to Yarra River
- Combine Activities: Start with a playground visit then relax on the river cruise for a full morning.
- Pack Snacks: Bring water and snacks as food options are limited at Wombat Bend.
- Book in Advance: Reserve cruise and farm tour spots online to secure preferred times.
Map of Yarra River
Address: Yarra River, Victoria, Australia
Map will load when you scroll here
Scroll down to view the interactive map
Looking for other Things to Do besides Yarra River (Melbourne)?
About Yarra River
10 BEST nearby Activities
Explore Popular Things to Do
How You Can Support Us
If our website helps you, please support us by booking your travel needs through this link: Book Flights, Hotels, Activities on Trip.com - New App User Promo up to 10% OFF. We may earn a small affiliate commission - at no extra cost to you!
It's a simple way to help us keep the site running and improving for everyone. Thanks for your support!
10 BEST nearby Activities