BGM_Canvas Town: Naarm - Melbourne’s Forgotten Shanty City

In this episode of Down the Yarra, we take you deep into the forgotten heart of the 1850s Naarm - Melbourne - Canvas Town. Once home to tens of thousands, this notorious tent city rose from desperation during the VictorianGold Rush era, sprawling along the Birrarung (the Yarra) southern bank to Emerald Hill (now South Melbourne). Discover its chaotic origins, tragedies stories, hidden crimes, and the people who lived - and dead - beneath Canvas roots. From the overwhelming and disease to resilience and community, this is the story that Naarm - Melbourne tried to erase. Trigger Warning: This episode contains references to poverty, death, disease, colonial displacement, and child mortality. Listeners discretion is advised. YouTube recommendation: Goldfields Guide’s episode on Melbourne’s notorious Canvas Town of the 1850’s offers a powerful visual comparison. Next Episode Teaser: We journey next just a little further down the road into the Royal Botanic Gardens and King’s Domain - from volcanoes and war memorials to the tragedies buried beneath the beauty.