Upper Yarra River (rural)
You live in the Upper Yarra River (rural) area of the Yarra Catchment.
Use the links on the left to find out about river health, rainfall and river level data , frog species identified and councils and community groups in your area.
Upper Yarra River (rural) Overview
The Upper Yarra River contains the section of Yarra River upstream of Warrandyte, including major tributaries such as the Don River. The headwaters of many tributaries arise in protected forests and are of excellent environmental condition, provide high quality drinking water for Melbourne and sustain a diversity of flora and fauna including the Mt Donna Buang stonefly. The Yarra River between Warburton and Warrandyte is a Victorian Heritage River. In addition to its environmental value, this section of the river also has high social values. The protected catchments are highly valued by the people of Melbourne and the river attracts many visitors.
The Yarra River retains many environmental values but a number of risks persist including poor water quality, poor quality of streamside zone vegetation and stock access, and change in flow from natural.
Community Groups
- Don Valley District Landcare Group
- Friends of Kurth Kiln
www.vicnet.net.au/~fofkk
auk@c031.aone.net.au
Alfred and Ursula, Tel: 5967 4201
The Friends of Kurth Kiln Group are an active group of some 50 volunteers, looking after and promoting the heritage at the centre of Kurth Kiln Park. Kurth Kiln itself is located at the corner of Beenak Road (West) and Soldiers Road on the Tomahawk Creek. It is a historic site, named after Professor E. E. Kurth who designed and built the facility for making charcoal as a motor vehicles fuel during WWII, in the early 1940. After the war the place became a forestry management centre for the area until the early 70s when it was developed as a picnic ground. The picnic ground is right next to the kiln and is suitable for day or week-end picnics and short-term camping. Bushwalking, horse-riding, time trials, research or just enjoying the fauna and flora of the natural bush-setting, Kurth Kiln has it all. The 3500ha of Kurth Kiln Park is being managed by Parks Victoria. - Friends of Leadbeaters Possum
blair@nex.net.au
Sera, Tel: 5962 4043 - Friends of the Helmeted Honeyeater
www.helmetedhoneyeater.org.au
silvertopatbadger@bigpond.com - Friends of the Yarra Valley Parklands
www.yvfriends.org.au
grahampatterson@connexus.net.au
Graham Patterson, Tel: 9432 0163 - Friends of Wanderslore
Steve, Tel: 5941 8672
Wanderslore Sanctuary is a 10 ha Trust for Nature property at Launching Place, behind the Home Hotel, on a Yarra River tributary creek. It is not open to the public except on special occasions or by arrangement. - Friends of Yarra Bridge
- Friends of Yarra Flats Billabongs
yarraflatsbillabongs.friends.melbournewater.com.au
kevinheeley@bigpond.com
Restoring a natural billabong system beside the Yarra River at Yarra Glen - Gruyere & District Landcare Group
- Healesville Environment Watch
hewi.friends.melbournewater.com.au
maub@virtual.net.au
Maureen, Tel: 5962 1224 - Millgrove Environment Restoration Group
- Mt Toolebewong Landcare Group
eco@hotkey.net.au
Karen, Tel: 5962 5150
Our current revegetation sites are the Badger (Coranderrk) Creek along Blue Gum Drive, Healesville, and the Yarra River at Worawa College, Healesville. - Steels Creek Community Landcare Group
drallan@gotalk.net.au
David, Tel: 5965 2556
We have 24 members covering the Steeles Creek catchmen - Stoney Creek Management Committee
- Yarra Bridge Reserve and Friends Group
- Yarra Valley Tree Group
yvtg.friends.melbournewater.com.au
jethro89@bigpond.com
To find details of your local Friends, Landcare or other community group, please contact the Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority (http://www.ppwcma.vic.gov.au), your local council or Melbourne Water.
Councils
- Nillumbik
www.nillumbik.vic.gov.au/
PO Box 476,
Greensborough Vic 3088
Tel: +61 3 9433 3111 - Yarra Ranges
www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/
P O Box 105,
Anderson Street,
Lilydale, Vic 3140
Tel: 1300 368333
Rainfall and River Levels
Melbourne Water maintains 7 automated rainfall and river level monitoring stations in the Upper Yarra River (rural) area. Click on the map below to see the latest information.
| Latest Daily Totals for Cement Creek | More information... (Including hourly updates) |
| Flow | 0.000 Ml/day (Results unavailable) |
| Level | 0.000 m (Results unavailable) |
| Latest Daily Totals for Millgrove | More information... (Including hourly updates) |
| Flow | 200.983 Ml/day (30 Jul 2010) |
| Level | 0.710 m (30 Jul 2010) |
| Latest Daily Totals for Warburton | More information... (Including hourly updates) |
| Rainfall | 0.00 mm (24 hours to 9AM 30 Jul 2010) |
| Latest Daily Totals for Woori Yallock | More information... (Including hourly updates) |
| Rainfall | 0.00 mm (24 hours to 9AM 30 Jul 2010) |
| Latest Daily Totals for Yarra Glen | More information... (Including hourly updates) |
| Flow | 482.617 Ml/day (30 Jul 2010) |
| Level | 0.790 m (30 Jul 2010) |
| Latest Daily Totals for Coldstream | More information... (Including hourly updates) |
| Flow | 360.940 Ml/day (30 Jul 2010) |
| Level | 0.800 m (30 Jul 2010) |
| Rainfall | 0.20 mm (24 hours to 9AM 30 Jul 2010) |
| Latest Daily Totals for Christmas Hills | More information... (Including hourly updates) |
| Flow | 259.000 Ml/day (30 Jul 2010) |
| Level | 0.500 m (30 Jul 2010) |
| Rainfall | 0.20 mm (24 hours to 9AM 30 Jul 2010) |
The Yarra catchment covers 4078 square kilometres. Average annual rainfall in the catchment ranges from 615mm at Burnley, near Melbourne, to 1080mm at Upper Yarra Reservoir near Warburton, contributing to higher flows during Winter and Spring. Although the Yarra River is not large by Australian standards, it is a very productive catchment as it generates the fourth highest yield of water per hectare of catchment in Victoria.
Disclaimer
While all due skill and attention has been taken in collecting, validating and providing the attached data, Melbourne Water shall not be liable in anyway for loss of any kind including damages, costs, interest, loss of profits or special loss or damage, arising from any error, inaccuracy, incompleteness or other defect in this information. In utilising this information the recipient acknowledges that Melbourne Water makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of this information.
River Health
The Index of River Condition (IRC) for the Upper Yarra River (rural) area is shown below.
The IRC is designed to provide an overall integrated measure of the environmental condition of rivers. It is based on the Index of Stream Condition (ISC) developed by the Department of Sustainability and Environment for rural rivers and creeks. The ISC has been modified to account for the urban rivers and creeks in Melbourne Water's operating area.
The Upper Yarra River (rural) area is in the Yarra Basin and within the Yarra Catchment.
Current Condition : Moderate
Significance : Very High
Social Value : Very High
| Water quality |
Aquatic life |
Habitat and stability |
Vegetation | Flow | |
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| Excellent | |||||
| Good |  |
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| Moderate | |||||
| Poor |  |
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| Very Poor |
More information on Index of River Condition
The Upper Yarra River (rural) area consists of the Reaches listed below.
Please select a Reach to view the Index of River Condition for that Reach.
Reach :
Armstrong Creek is a natural Reach in the Yarra Basin and within the Yarra Catchment.
The latest Index of River Condition data for the Armstrong Creek Reach is for the 5 years to 30th June, 2004 and was compiled by Melbourne Water.
| Hydrology : | 9 |
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| Physical Form : | 10 |
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| Streamside Zone : | 10 |
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| Water Quality : | 10 |
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| Aquatic Life : | 9 |
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IRC Score : 47 |
IRC Rating : Excellent |
| 10 | 20 | 30 | 40 | 50 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Very Poor | Poor | Moderate | Good | Excellent | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Big Pats Creek and Mississippi Creek is a natural Reach in the Yarra Basin and within the Yarra Catchment.
The latest Index of River Condition data for the Big Pats Creek and Mississippi Creek Reach is for the 5 years to 30th June, 2004 and was compiled by Melbourne Water.
| Hydrology : | 10 |
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| Physical Form : | 10 |
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| Streamside Zone : | 10 |
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| Water Quality : | 10 |
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| Aquatic Life : | 9 |
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IRC Score : 48 |
IRC Rating : Excellent |
| 10 | 20 | 30 | 40 | 50 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Very Poor | Poor | Moderate | Good | Excellent | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Crooked Creek and Muddy Creek Upper Yarra Tribs is a natural Reach in the Yarra Basin and within the Yarra Catchment.
The latest Index of River Condition data for the Crooked Creek and Muddy Creek Upper Yarra Tribs Reach is for the 5 years to 30th June, 2004 and was compiled by Melbourne Water.
| Hydrology : | 7 |
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| Physical Form : | 10 |
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| Streamside Zone : | 9 |
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| Water Quality : | 8 |
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| Aquatic Life : | 10 |
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IRC Score : 42 |
IRC Rating : Excellent |
| 10 | 20 | 30 | 40 | 50 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Very Poor | Poor | Moderate | Good | Excellent | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Don River, Ure Creek and Upper Yarra Tributaries is a natural Reach in the Yarra Basin and within the Yarra Catchment.
The latest Index of River Condition data for the Don River, Ure Creek and Upper Yarra Tributaries Reach is for the 5 years to 30th June, 2004 and was compiled by Melbourne Water.
| Hydrology : | 8 |
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| Physical Form : | 6 |
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| Streamside Zone : | 4 |
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| Water Quality : | 8 |
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| Aquatic Life : | 9 |
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IRC Score : 31 |
IRC Rating : Moderate |
| 10 | 20 | 30 | 40 | 50 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Very Poor | Poor | Moderate | Good | Excellent | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
McMahons Creek is a natural Reach in the Yarra Basin and within the Yarra Catchment.
The latest Index of River Condition data for the McMahons Creek Reach is for the 5 years to 30th June, 2004 and was compiled by Melbourne Water.
| Hydrology : | 10 |
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| Physical Form : | 10 |
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| Streamside Zone : | 10 |
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| Water Quality : | 10 |
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| Aquatic Life : | 9 |
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IRC Score : 48 |
IRC Rating : Excellent |
| 10 | 20 | 30 | 40 | 50 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Very Poor | Poor | Moderate | Good | Excellent | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Upper Yarra (between Maroondah Hwy and Healesville KooweeRup Rd) is a natural Reach in the Yarra Basin and within the Yarra Catchment.
The latest Index of River Condition data for the Upper Yarra (between Maroondah Hwy and Healesville KooweeRup Rd) Reach is for the 5 years to 30th June, 2004 and was compiled by Melbourne Water.
| Hydrology : | 7 |
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| Physical Form : | 9 |
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| Streamside Zone : | 7 |
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| Water Quality : | 8 |
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| Aquatic Life : | 8 |
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IRC Score : 37 |
IRC Rating : Good |
| 10 | 20 | 30 | 40 | 50 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Very Poor | Poor | Moderate | Good | Excellent | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Upper Yarra (d/s Healseville Yarra Glen Rd and u/s Olinda Creek) is a natural Reach in the Yarra Basin and within the Yarra Catchment.
The latest Index of River Condition data for the Upper Yarra (d/s Healseville Yarra Glen Rd and u/s Olinda Creek) Reach is for the 5 years to 30th June, 2004 and was compiled by Melbourne Water.
| Hydrology : | 8 |
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| Physical Form : | 8 |
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| Streamside Zone : | 2 |
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| Water Quality : | 5 |
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| Aquatic Life : | 5 |
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IRC Score : 23 |
IRC Rating : Poor |
| 10 | 20 | 30 | 40 | 50 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Very Poor | Poor | Moderate | Good | Excellent | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Upper Yarra River (along Warburton Hwy) is a natural Reach in the Yarra Basin and within the Yarra Catchment.
The latest Index of River Condition data for the Upper Yarra River (along Warburton Hwy) Reach is for the 5 years to 30th June, 2004 and was compiled by Melbourne Water.
| Hydrology : | 9 |
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| Physical Form : | 9 |
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| Streamside Zone : | 5 |
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| Water Quality : | 9 |
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| Aquatic Life : | 9 |
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IRC Score : 37 |
IRC Rating : Good |
| 10 | 20 | 30 | 40 | 50 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Very Poor | Poor | Moderate | Good | Excellent | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Yarra River (between Olinda Creek and Cherry Hill Drain) is a natural Reach in the Yarra Basin and within the Yarra Catchment.
The latest Index of River Condition data for the Yarra River (between Olinda Creek and Cherry Hill Drain) Reach is for the 5 years to 30th June, 2004 and was compiled by Melbourne Water.
| Hydrology : | 5 |
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| Physical Form : | 7 |
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| Streamside Zone : | 2 |
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| Water Quality : | 6 |
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| Aquatic Life : | 5 |
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IRC Score : 20 |
IRC Rating : Poor |
| 10 | 20 | 30 | 40 | 50 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Very Poor | Poor | Moderate | Good | Excellent | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other River Health Data
- Yarra Fact File
- EPA Yarra Watch website
- Melbourne Water Social & Environment Report
- Melbourne's Rivers & Creeks Report (PDF 1376.4 kb)
- Draft Port Phillip and Westernport Regional River Health Strategy (PDF 861.8 kb)
- 2004 Waterway Water Quality Data Fact sheet (PDF 2407 kb)
- Victorian Water Resource Data Warehouse
Autumn 2008 Frog Census
In the Autumn 2008 frog census, the following species were detected in the Upper Yarra River (rural) area : Eastern (common) Froglet, Victorian Smooth Froglet.
For more information, or to volunteer to assist in our next census, visit Melbourne Water's Frog Census web site.
