Boroondara Riverfest is postponed. Due to the extreme wet weather forecast this Friday 2 October, we’re sad to advise this outdoor community event at Willsmere Billabong won’t be proceeding. We don’t want everyone to miss out on all the fun, interactive activities we had planned so we’re postponing the event to Friday 27 November. We’ll share new event details and activities you can book in the coming weeks.

On Friday 2 October, City of Boroondara invites you to a special afternoon-to-evening of nature-based activities, wildlife encounters and guided walks at our Riverfest event at Willsmere Billabong in Kew East.

Discover the incredible animals that call the Birrarung River and Billabong home, connect with local experts, and learn about the river’s rich ecology and biodiversity.

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

Drop-in activities

Drop in any time between 4:30pm and 7:30pm and enjoy a range of free, family-friendly activities:

• 💧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 rock and create a unique nature-inspired keepsake.

• 🌱Make a compostable pot and plant a seed to take home and watch grow.

• 🎨Become an artist for the evening and paint a picture inspired by the beautiful Birrarung River or the Billabong.

• 🪰Moth Spotting - All ages - 6:30pm to 8:30pm.

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

Book your spot in a wildlife spotting activity:

• Krefft’s Glider Hollow Checks (older children and adults) 4pm to 5pm

• Kids Animal Adventure Walks 4:30pm to 5:15pm OR 5:30pm to 6:15pm

• Family Friendly Insect Walk 6.30pm to 7:15pm

• Evening Wildlife Walk and Talk (all ages) 6:30pm to 7:15pm

• Insect and Spider Walk (adults) 7:30 pm to 8:15 pm

• Nocturnal Wildlife Walk and Talk (all ages) 7:30pm to 8:15pm

Our Riverfest events are free and often in high demand. If your plans change and you can no longer attend, please cancel your booking so another community member can enjoy the experience.

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.

Privacy: The personal information required for this booking is necessary for us to keep you informed about the event or event cancellations. Any other information requested is optional and will be used only to help us evaluate our program and plan future events.

Privacy: The personal information required for this booking is necessary for us to keep you informed about the event or event cancellations. Any other information requested is optional and will be used only to help us evaluate our program and plan future events.