Jeep Down By The River
So often, the river is the lifeblood of a city. So many of the world’s great cities are built on great rivers. Paris is on the Seine, Vienna on the Danube and London on the Thames. Rivers served originally as a source of water, later as a vital transport artery for goods and people, and in more modern times, a place to enjoy and for recreation.
Here in Melbourne we have our very own river – the Yarra It may not be as grand or as famous as the Thames or the Tiber but it’s ours. And it was as important in the founding and development of this great city as any other big city river in the world. But how much do you actually know about its path once it leaves the city? Not a lot we’re guessing. But seeing as it has given our city so much, maybe we owe it a little bit more of our time and respect.
Of course, one way to explore the river is by boat. It’s great way to do it. But why not explore the river and its environs in a Jeep Wrangler? That way you truly get to explore the landscape the river has created and how it affects the lives of those that live on its banks and plains, right along its course. After all, the river isn’t just important to those in the city.
The Yarra runs for 242 km, so it’s a serious trip. Watch as the river changes gradually from its mouth in Melbourne, through its lower course meandering through the suburbs of the city, to the upper course in the Yarra Ranges. Start your journey at the Market Street post office, just off Flinders Street, and try and stick as close as you can to the river. This will involve some skilful map reading through suburban Melbourne but once you get out the city, you’re in a Jeep Wrangler so you’ll be able to get closer to the water than in any other car.
The closer you get to the source, the wilder the Yarra gets. Experience some stunning wildlife and even more spectacular scenery. Sometimes it’s incredible to think that this is the very same river that runs through the heart of a bustling metropolis like Melbourne. The things the river must see through the course of its journey. Of course, that’s the aim of your journey too.
It might not be one of the world’s great rivers. It’s dwarfed by huge serpents like the Nile and Amazon. But it’s ours and we love it. And it’s time we got to know it better.
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