Upthecreek.melbourne

20/12/2024

As 2024 comes to a close we’ve been reflecting on what this year has held for Up the Creek.

Amongst the many clean-ups, workshops and paddles, we’ve continued our focus on reframing and re-engaging our relationship with nature, fostering curiosity and togetherness along the way.

Some of the highlights within this space were partnering with to help deliver Reimagining Birrarung 2070 during Yarra River Fest. Paddling down Birrarung, being a part of inspiring conversation and imaginings, and walks with Uncle Ian Hunter; always leaving us seeing the world around us with new eyes.

We held over 30 river clean-ups, creating a space for organisations and individuals to connect to Birrarung and give something back.

We worked with multiple schools and organisations to co-create healthy leadership embedded in togetherness, vulnerability, and a collective mindset whilst operating in a collaborative setting.

On top of that, we renovated two houses and are very much looking forward to a wee little break over Christmas before we jump back in the boats for summer.

We have lots of exciting offerings and collaborations that will be with you in the new year. Until then, thank you all for being here, we hope you all have a very merry Christmas and a new year filled with some more time in boats or bare feet on tracks. And we hope to see you Up the Creek in 2025!

Photo 1 Features:
Photo 2 Features: , Matthew McQuiggan
Photo 3 Features: , Matthew McQuiggan
Photo 4 Features: .3909

13/12/2024

Up The Creek Melbourne is founded on a commitment to the developing connection between Melbourne, its citizens and the lifeblood of our city, the mighty Birrarung. We seek to enable the whole person to thrive, as part of a living system, in the Anthropocene.

As a social enterprise, we focus on regenerative experiences in collaboration with more than human worlds

Come and be part of the next regeneration.

13/12/2024

Why we exist.
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12/12/2024

A regenerative paddling adventure is in the making. Stay tuned for a week-long adventure with local food, knowledge, artists, and time to connect to the longest river in Australia.

If you'd like to be kept in the know, comment below, or send us a msg to be the first to hear.

From a dawn paddle along the mighty Murray

11/12/2024

GIVEAWAY TIME

Go in the draw to win a double pass of your choice of: DIY adventure, Dance with Birrarung, or Bats Sunset Paddle to enjoy this summer.

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO:

1. Like this post
2. Comment who you'd like to take and what you'd like to do
3. Share this post to your story
4. Make sure you're following Up the Creek

Competition closes Wednesday 19th December. Winner announced here Thursday 20th.

Good luck, can't wait to see you Up The Creek!

09/12/2024

Come on a sunset adventure into the more-than-human world, taking in the perspective of one of Melbourne/Naarm's grey-headed-flying-fox colonies as they head out on their evening flight.

Bats play a vital role in pollinating and dispersing seed for many native forests across the east coast of Australia. Like many native mammals, their species is endangered, facing habitat destruction and the effects of climate change. The more we connect and learn to listen to other perspectives, the better position we are in to make more room for them, too, and the better all our lives will be.

Come on an urban adventure, and learn from the more-than-human world.

Head to the BOOK NOW link in our bio to join us this paddle over the summer.

01/12/2024

The DIY adventure is designed to allow you to create your own relationship and story with the lifeblood of our city: the mighty Birrarung.

As a supported self-discovery journey, we'll set you up for success, teaching paddling skills and helping you plan your route together. Then when you're ready you're free to explore at your own pace, with phone support ready for any questions. Every paddler, from first-timers to weekend enthusiasts, will find something special on the river.

The Birrarung offers both peaceful moments and exciting exploration - it's ready for you to discover. Check out the 'BOOK NOW' lin in our bio to book a journey with Birrarung.

29/11/2024

The DIY adventure is designed to allow you to create your own relationship and story with the lifeblood of our city: the mighty Birrarung.

As a supported self-discovery journey, we'll set you up for success, teaching paddling skills and helping you plan your route together. Then when you're ready you're free to explore at your own pace, with phone support ready for any questions. Every paddler, from first-timers to weekend enthusiasts, will find something special on the river.

The Birrarung offers both peaceful moments and exciting exploration - it's ready for you to discover.

🚣 Discover the Birrarung at your own pace: https://zurl.co/vtiQ?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=Zoho+Social

28/11/2024

A relational approach to help us slow down and connect with the Birrarung. In this session, you will be encouraged to feel your way with the river. Feel yourself relax as you change your focus from yourself to your connection with nature. This activity is worthwhile for beginners and experienced paddlers alike.

We'll be running this session every Saturday over the summer. Head to our website to book a spot for yourself, your family, or a bunch of friends.

👉 Plan your adventure here: https://zurl.co/vtiQ

28/11/2024

Love spending time in nature but don’t want to leave the city? The Up The Creek Summer Program is your perfect way to reconnect with the outdoors, discover Melbourne’s Yarra River, and immerse yourself in unique adventures—all without going far from home.

What’s in Store?
Our program is designed for nature lovers who value the beauty of Melbourne’s local treasures. Explore our calendar and choose from:

DIY Paddling Adventures (Tues & Fri): Paddle your way through the Yarra at your own pace. Whether you're solo or bringing a friend, this is your chance to take the reins and embrace the river’s serenity.

Bats Sunset Paddle (Wed & Thurs): Watch the Yarra come alive as the sun sets and bats take to the skies. It’s a magical moment that connects you with nature’s rhythm.

Dance with Birrarung (Sat): Celebrate the cultural and ecological essence of the Yarra through stories, movement, and meaningful connection.

How It Works
We’ve made it simple to plan your experience. Visit our site to explore the activity calendar, find what inspires you, and pick the perfect day and time for your adventure.

Nature is Closer Than You Think
You don’t need to leave Melbourne to experience the joy of being outdoors. The Yarra River has so much to offer—quiet paddles, stunning sunsets, and stories that bring the landscape to life.

👉 Plan your perfect summer day now: https://zurl.co/Rwze

It’s all waiting for you, right in your backyard. 🌿🚣♂️

22/11/2024

Summer is just around the corner, and we're busy planning our program. While you're here, is there anything you'd like to see or do with us and Birrarung? (Could include climbing up trees with Luca)

20/11/2024

Meet the team

Luca

What is your personal connection to our waterways?

My connection to rivers began on the banks and water of the Murray. Spending the hot Mallee summers of my childhood, splashing around, kayaking and fishing with my family. This was a river who was already quite sick, who’s water is stolen and given to imported plants and animals, that use more water than the river can healthily provide. A living entity, soiled with top soil that should not be running.

I remain optimistic. I dream of a future where we can re-learn. And rivers like the Murray, can have custodians again, that know how intertwined their lives are. There is no doubt this will take time, come down the ancient rivers, and learn just how much time this takes.

📷

13/11/2024

Meet the team

Dana – our storyteller and river ponderer.

What is your personal connection to our waterways?

I grew up going fishing in creeks with my dad as a kid on Brayakaulung Country, in Gippsland. It was where I learned patience. I loved sitting there with my 50c bag of lollies, waiting for a bite in the afternoon sun. It was also where I learned about caring for our waterways. I remember one day we came across a heap of rubbish and oil containers that had been dumped near the creek on a farm. Dad called the EPA the next day to report it and when we visited next month, it had all been cleaned up. Reflecting now, other than his genuine care for the river, I can also see why dad wouldn’t have wanted the oil near where he fished. These things affect us all. When I move to Melbourne/Naarm just before lockdown in 2020, rivers became my connection place again. I’d sit by Darebin Creek and ponder all my thoughts. When I moved to Finland last year, they again became the place I’d go and just be; a never-ending thread of connection to myself and place.

My dream is to have all the rivers and creeks swimmable again in Naarm. To be at a point where rubbish doesn’t hang in the trees when the Merri floods, and factories are no longer leaking into Darebin creek. And maybe even a greater return of dolphins in Birrarung. A sparkling, misty, Yarra from the mountains to the sea. That’d be the best.

09/11/2024

Experience the Magic of Daybreak on the Birrarung! 🌅

Join us and witness an unforgettable sight—the early morning flying fox fly-in! 🦇✨ Paddle up the serene Yarra River with Up the Creek, guided by the knowledgeable Davita Coronel, as we observe these nocturnal creatures returning to their colony. Learn about the beautiful connection between mother and pup, and the ecological importance of the flying fox species.

📅 Daybreak Paddle: 24.11.24
📍 Meeting just before sunrise for an immersive morning on the water.
👫 No paddling experience required—bring a friend, or make new ones on the boat!
☕ Fuel up with coffee and fresh baked goods after a morning of magic on the river.

All gear provided (canoes, paddles, life jackets, dry bags). Secure your spot and start your day with a truly unique experience! Book now: https://zurl.co/bjqz

Join us for a sunrise paddle up the Birrarung (Yarra River) and learn about the native grey-headed flying fox.

08/11/2024

What caught your eye in nature this week? Let us know in the comments.

04/11/2024

Ever seen the Birrarung at dusk… surrounded by hundreds of friendly, flapping neighbors? 🦇

Join us for a sunset bat tour and get to know the river's 'night crew'!

Book your spot now, or bring the whole flock with a private group option!



https://zurl.co/pJFV

02/11/2024

𝑳𝒐𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏: 𝑾𝒖𝒓𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒋𝒆𝒓𝒊 𝑪𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒓𝒚

𝑩𝒖𝒓𝒏𝒅𝒂𝒑 𝑩𝒊𝒓𝒓𝒂𝒓𝒖𝒏𝒈 𝒃𝒖𝒓𝒏𝒅𝒂𝒑 𝒖𝒎𝒂𝒓𝒌𝒐𝒐 (𝑾𝒐𝒊-𝒘𝒖𝒓𝒓𝒖𝒏𝒈)
𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕'𝒔 𝒈𝒐𝒐𝒅 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒀𝒂𝒓𝒓𝒂 𝒊𝒔 𝒈𝒐𝒐𝒅 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒂𝒍𝒍.

#𝑩𝒖𝒓𝒏𝒅𝒂𝒑𝑩𝒊𝒓𝒓𝒂𝒓𝒖𝒏𝒈 #𝑰𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒈𝒆𝒏𝒐𝒖𝒔𝑳𝒂𝒏𝒅 #𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒕𝒆𝒄𝒕𝑶𝒖𝒓𝑾𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒘𝒂𝒚𝒔 #𝑨𝒃𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒍𝑯𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒂𝒈𝒆