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 events for all ages. Bring your family and friends to get to know this fascinating native plant and wildlife corridor.

Whether you drop in for a hands-on activity or join a guided wildlife walk, there is something for nature lovers of all ages!

What’s happening

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

• Chat with an expert from Melbourne Water, see the 3D urban water catchment model and learn about the importance of healthy waterways.
• Look at water bugs under a microscope and play frog bingo
• Decorate your own rocm
• 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)

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

Book a spot in a wildlife spotting activity:

• Krefft’s Glider Hollow Checks (older children and adults) 4 pm to 5 pm
• Kids Animal Adventure Walks 4:30 pm to 5:15 pm or 5:30 pm to 6:15 pm
• Family-friendly Insect Walk 6:30 pm to 7:15 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.

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.
• Children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult.

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.