Wandering Stars

Overview

The debut program for Rising is set to light up and transform precincts all across Melbourne including the winding inner-city stretch of the Yarra. From May 26–June 6, the river — also known by its traditional name, Birrarung — will play host to a 200-metre-long glowing eel skeleton, undulating atop the water. Unlike some of the more questionable things to be found between the riverbanks, this large-scale creature is a beauty, created by renowned public art crew The Lantern Company. Titled Wandering Stars, the piece reflects on First People's connection to the river and nature, crafted from hundreds of community-made floating lanterns and shimmering glass eels, and emitting a mysterious soundscape as it moves.

Your best views of the artwork will be on the water's edge at Birrarung Marr, where you'll also find yourself in pretty good culinary company. To complement Wandering Stars' visual delights, expect riverside pop-up kitchens from Meatsmith (Andrew McConnell and Troy Wheeler's celebrated specialty butcher), delivering a soul-warming, charcoal-fuelled winter menu. Cosy up to the likes of slow-cooked beef short rib, fennel-glazed fried chicken sandwiches, and fancy hot chocolates with house-made clove and orange marshmallows.

Expect charcoal-fuelled eats from Meatsmith.