‘Yarra’ explores the chequered history of the stream we call the ‘city’s river’.

The riverbanks are tranquil now but, 186 years ago, they were the site of the first struggles between the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung, and invading Europeans. It was all over within five years, with First Nations people effectively banished from the village of Melbourne by Lieutenant-Governor La Trobe in September 1840.

This would be a story repeated over and over again throughout the catchment areas of the Yarra.

This free exhibition at the Old Treasury Building is rich in stories and illustrations of our river past and present. It was developed in consultation with the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation and in partnership with Public Record Office Victoria.

Please note: Old Treasury Building is closed between 12pm and 1 pm for daily covid cleaning. 

The exhibition also closed on Saturdays.