This Just In: The Yarra River's New 450-Metre Path Brimming with Native Greenery Is Here — Just in Time for Summer
Stroll the Yarra River like never before, as the first stretch of this major rejuvenation project has just opened to the public.
You probably know NYC's High Line or Paris' Promenade Plantée; now get ready for the arrival of Melbourne's Greenline. The first of a five-site rejuvenation project has just been completed, bringing loads more green space and scenic boardwalks to the Yarra River – Birrarung.
Stretching for 450 metres between Batman Avenue and the eastern edge of Federation Square, this reimagined spot is now ready to be explored by the public, launching just in time to offer even more stellar vantage points for the New Year's Eve fireworks.
Yet this project's benefits extend far beyond just a single night of fun. Visitors will now encounter 70 new native trees, over 25,000 native plants and 900 square metres of lawn, garden beds, seats and shaded resting areas, levelling up this central part of town.
Meanwhile, this initial stage of the Greenline also features a 200-metre boardwalk, ideal for a riverside jog as the sun rises or a quiet spot for a lunch break. Complemented by a six-metre-wide promenade, there's no shortage of space to experience the river from a new perspective.
"Hundreds of thousands of people will soon enjoy one of the most beautiful walks in all of Melbourne, with the transformed Birrarung Marr boasting breathtaking scenery from every angle," said Councillor Rafael Camillo, Deputy Portfolio Head for Infrastructure, Safety and Cleaning.
With the first major milestone of the Greenline project now wrapped up, locals can look ahead to the arrival of future sections. When all five sites are complete — tentatively pencilled in for 2030 — the Greenline will provide a four-kilometre continuous green pathway from Birrarung Marr to the Bolte Bridge.
Site 1 of the Greenline is now open, located from Batman Avenue to the eastern edge of Federation Square. Head to the website for more information.
Images: City of Melbourne.
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