ArtPlay

For access information, please contact City of Melbourne..

Located on the northern bank of the Yarra River between Federation Square and Melbourne Park, Birrarung Marr features a range of native flora and sculpted terraces. It is also the location for the children's arts centre, ArtPlay, and provides space for many events held throughout the year. In Woi Wurrung and Boon Wurrung culture, 'Birrarung' is the traditional name of the Yarra River; and 'marr' refers to the mist that sometimes settles over the Birrarung. The park name reflects the ‘river of mists'.

This area was historically used for railway lines and yards from 1856. In 1992, the Victorian Government undertook a process of reorganisation of land uses around the then proposed Federation Square. This led to the reclamation of the former railyard to allow access to the river and land for public open space purposes.

Construction of the park began in 2000 and was a joint venture between the City of Melbourne and the Victorian Government. Birrarung Marr was opened in 2002.

The park hosts a variety of native flora, sculpted terraces, pedestrian and bicycle paths and is used for numerous festivals and events throughout the year.

The former rail use continues to be represented by the adaptation of the former Princes Bridge Lecture Room (a purpose-built railway training building constructed in 1916-17) into ArtPlay, a children’s art centre and gallery.

At the east end of the park, the William Barak pedestrian bridge leads directly to the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) and the Tanderrum Bridge leads directly to the Melbourne Park tennis centre.

PARKING

There is a Wilson Parking at Fed Square Rooftop. Parking is available at Wilson Parking locations found in and around the CBD. Plan your journey with drive up and online options available, click here for details.