Down the Yarra Podcast

BGM_BGM_Fitzroy & Collingwood: Naarm Melbourne’s First Suburbs

Fitzroy said Collingwood aren’t just Melbourne’s first suburbs-they’re the heartbeat of Naarm. In this episode of Down the Yarra, we journey through the rich history of these iconic neighbourhoods, from their working-class origins to their transformation into vibrant hubs of art, activism and culture. Explore the grit and glamour of today’s laneways, the challenges posed by gentrification, and what the future holds for these ever-evolving communities. Plus, we tease the fiery rivalry between Melbourne’s founders, John Batman and John Pascoe Fawkner, whose competing visions shaped the city’s earliest days.
Whether you’re a local or just curious, this episode offers a deep dive into past, present, and future of Fitzroy and Collingwood (Newtown).

BGM_Melbourne’s Chinatown: Secrets in the Laterns Glow

Melbourne’s Chinatown is a bustling hub of culture and history, but its vibrant streets hold shadows of the past. In this episode of Down the Yarra, we delve into the origins of Chinatown during the Victorian gold rush era and explore its dark underbelly-opium dens, underground gambling rings, and the challenges of systemic racism. Learn how this resilient community navigated adversity to become one of Melbourne’s most iconic cultural precincts.
Plus, a teaser for our next episode: uncovering the secrets of the Royal Melbourne Zoo, from its historic cages along the Yarra to its future plans. Don’t miss it!!

BGM_The Birth of Melbourne: From Batman to the Gold Rush

In this episode of Down the Yarra, we journey back to Melbourne’s humble beginnings on the banks of the Yarra-Birrarung. Discover the controversial legacy of John Batman, the significance of Batman’s infamous so-called Treaty, and how Melbournes iconic Hoddle’s grid was designed to shape the future city.
We’ll also explore the devastating impact of colonialism had on the Kulin nation’s peoples and the transformative gold rush that catapulted Melbourne into one of the world’s wealthiest cities. It’s a story of ambition, conflict, and the foundation of modern Melbourne.
Plus, don’t miss the teaser for our next episode on Melbournes Chinatown, one of the oldest continuous Chinatowns in the world and a vibrant testament to the city’s multicultural roots.
Tune in for a fascinating dive into the heart of Melbourne’s history.

BGM_john Pascoe Fawkner

When Melbournes founding story is told, John Batman often takes centre stage. But, what about the fiery, ambitious and controversial figure of John Pascoe Fawkner? In this episode of Down the Yarra, we uncover the life and legacy of Melbourne’s other founder. From his conviction roots to his entrepreneurial ventures to his bold political stances and public contributions, Fawkner’s story is as complex as it is influential.
We’ll explore the rivalry between Batman and Fawkner, the founding of Melbournes first newspaper, and Fawkner’s lasting impact on the city’s early development. Plus, get a sneak peek into our next episode on Fitzroy and Collingwood (or should I say Newtown), Naarm Melbourne’s first suburbs as well as cultural heartbeats.
Join us as we dive into the story of a man whose legacy is written across Melbournes Streets, parks and history books.

BGM_Down the Yarra S2 Trailer

Season 2 of Down the Yarra dives into the untold history of Naarm Melbourne and South Central Victoria. Journey to Sorrento’s abandoned penal colony, uncover the chilling secrets buried beneath, Yarra Bend Asylum, and relive the Battle of Yering. Explore the fiery debate between John Batman and John Pascoe Fawkner over Melbournes establishment, the vibrant history of Melbournes Chinatown, and the rise of Naarm Melbournes first suburbs, Fitzroy and Collingwood.
New podcast episodes drop every fortnight starting Tuesday, January 28, 2025. And for the first time, watch Down the Yarra on YouTube with two episodes every week, releasing Tuesday and Thursday, starting with Season 1 on February 25, 2025.
Please follow us wherever you find your podcasts and subscribe now on YouTube to explore the stories that flow Down the Yarra.

BGM_Wathaurong: Guardians of Geelong and Beyond

In this episode of Down the Yarra, we explore the Wathaurong people, their deep connection to the lands of Geelong and Ballarat, and their enduring cultural legacy. Discover their sustainable practices, the impact of colonisation and how their traditions thrive today. Tune in to uncover the heat and soul of the Wathaurong and their remarkable story.

BGM_The Forgotten Yarra Falls

In this episode of Down the Yarra, we will be uncovering the hidden history of the Yarra Falls, Melbourne’s Lost Natural wonder. Exploring its cultural significance to the Wurundjeri people, the decision made by the colonial government at the time, which led to its destruction, and the lasting impact on the city’s environment and heritage.

BGM_Voices of the Land: The DjaDjawurrung Story

In this episode of Down the Yarra, we explore the rich cultural heritage of the DjaDjawurrung people, one of the five language groups of the Kulin Nation. Discover the deep connection the DjaDjawurrung have with their land, from the ancient traditions and sustainable land management to their resilience in the face of colonisation. We also dive into the revitalisation efforts that are keeping the DjaDjawurrung culture alive today. Join us as we uncover the stories of the people who have called Central Victoria home for tens of thousands of years. Whether you’re a local or just simply curious, this episode will give you a see appreciation of the land and its First Nations custodians.

BGM_the Boonwurrung: Guardians of the Bays and the Southern Plsins

In this episode of Down the Yarra, we journey into the world of the Boonwurrung people, the traditional custodians of Naarm Melbournes southern coastal regions. Learn about their deep connection to the land and sea, the significance of Bunjil (the creator), and their sustainable practices that nurtured these landscapes for millennia. We also explore the impact of British colonisation, the resilience led by the Boonwurrung leaders, and their enduring resilience of the Boonwurrung community today.

BGM_Guardians of the Great Dividing Range: The Taungurung People

In this episode of Down the Yarra, we delve into the history, culture and the resilience of the Taungurung people, the traditional custodians spanning the Victorian Alps and the Great Dividing Range. Join us as we explore their deep connection to the land, their sustainable practices like fire-stick farming, as well as their vital within the wider Kulin Nation.Despite the devastation of colonisation, the Taungurung have preserved, reclaimed their culture and land in recent years. Discover the stories of their strength, their struggles, and their ongoing fight for justice and self determination.
Plus, a look ahead at our next episode on the DjaDjawurrung people. Don’t forget, due to Melbourne Cup on Tuesday, November 5, our DjaDjawurrung episode will be released on Tuesday, November 1, instead. Thanks for your support and patience!