You are invited to help us celebrate the 2026 Birrarung 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 waterbugs under a microscope and play frog bingo
• Decorate your own rock and create a unique nature-inspired keepsake.
• Make a compostable pot and plant a seed. Take it home and watch it grow.
• Become an artist for the evening and paint a picture inspired by the beautiful 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.

Book via Humantix

What to bring

Here are our tips to come prepared to this outdoor event:

• Dress for the outdoors with sturdy, enclosed shoes suitable for uneven ground, and be prepared for changing weather conditions.
• Bring a torch for after-dark guided walks
• Bring a water bottle.
• This is an all-ages event. Children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult.

About Willsmere Billabong

Did you know that Willsmere Park in Kew East is one of our most significant natural heritage sites? The Willsmere Billabong is one of the last remaining in the lower reaches of the Yarra River.

What is Riverfest?

Birrarung Riverfest is a 3-week celebration of our beautiful Birrarung/Yarra River, presented by the Yarra Riverkeepers Association. This year, we’re joining the celebration to host an afternoon-to-evening of family-friendly activities and guided walks.