Boroondara Riverfest

Join us for Riverfest at Willsmere Billabong.

To celebrate Birrarung Riverfest this spring, we’re hosting our own Riverfest event at Willsmere Billabong in Kew East on Friday 2 October.

Join us for this free afternoon-to-evening community event for nature lovers of all ages. Bring your family and friends to get to know this fascinating native plant and wildlife corridor.

Children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult.

What’s happening

Enjoy a range of free, family-friendly activities from 4:30 pm:

• Look at water bugs under a microscope and play frog bingo
• Decorate your own rock
• Make a compostable pot and plant a seed to take home
• Become an artist and paint a picture of the Birrarung River or the Billabong
• Moth Spotting with the Entomological Society (6:30 pm to 8:30 pm)
• Chat with an expert from Melbourne Water, see the 3D urban water catchment model and learn about the importance of healthy waterways.

Suitable for all ages. No bookings required. Just drop in and get creative!

Book a spot in a wildlife spotting activity

Spaces are still available in the following walks:

• Children’s animal adventure walks - at 4:30 pm to 5:15 pm or 5:30 pm to 6:15 pm
• Family-friendly spider and insect walk - 6:30 pm to 7:15 pm

Join the waitlist for other activities

You can join the waitlist via humanitix in case spaces become available for these guided walks which are currently fully booked:

• Krefft’s Glider hollow checks (older children and adults) - 4 pm to 5 pm
• Evening wildlife walk and talk (all ages) - 6:30 pm to 7:15 pm
• Insect and spider walk (adults) - 7:30 pm to 8:15 pm
• Nocturnal wildlife walk and talk (all ages) - 7:30 pm to 8:15 pm.

What to bring

For the best experience, please:

• dress for the outdoors with sturdy, enclosed shoes suitable for uneven ground, and be prepared for changing weather conditions.
• don't forget to bring a torch for after-dark guided walks.
• bring a water bottle.

About Birrarung Riverfest

This Boroondara community event is part of the 2026 Birrarung Riverfest, a 3-week festival presented by the Yarra Riverkeeper Association. Riverfest celebrates and showcases the beauty, cultural significance and environmental importance of the Birrarung (Yarra) River.