Tramboat on Maribyrnong
We regularly hire Melbourne's only Tramboat to take a trip up and down the Maribyrnong River. As part of the journey we invite conversations about water and personal connections to the river.
Photo Credit Gerry Orval
Our Tramboat rides along the Maribyrnong River are a highlight or our water literacy program. As a signature MRWA activity, we aim to bring the lower catchment alive with river stories — told from the river’s perspective.
Gliding up and down the Maribyrnong, carrying 50 passionate locals on each journey, MRWA staff offer river talks about their advocacy and education work.
More importantly though, these rides provide an opportunity for community members to engage in meaningful conversations, shaped by shared concerns, ideas, and stories about the river.
Stories of deep connection: gardens lovingly built to welcome microbats, decades of quiet (and not-so-quiet) advocacy, and heartfelt memories of the river through time are brought into the open.
There are reflections on floods — some sobering, some surprisingly funny — and always there are strong messages of care and concern for the Maribyrnong’s future.
These events are inspiring, grounding, and at times emotional. The popularity of these River events (tickets sell fast) makes it very clear that the Maribyrnong River has many champions — every voice matters in its story.
Travellers are enthusiastic about this initiative evidenced by the following comments:
Traveller 1
Congrats, it was a lovely afternoon and great learning. We enjoyed all aspects.
Traveller 2
Much appreciated and thank you! Pointing out things of interest along the way was good (you did that well)- like drains coming into the river and the lack of natural banks etc.
Traveller 3
A fabulous info session that offered detailed insight into the river’s ecosystem. As nice as the views were, there was a sobering realisation that the river isn’t in the best shape and why “advocating to achieve positive policy change” to ensure the river’s health for future generations is so important.
Join the Team
For internship & volunteer opportunities, please email
contact@maribyrnongriver.org.au