Down the Yarra Podcast

BGM_Yarra Bend Asylum Buried Bodies

Beneath the serene fairways of Yarra Bend Park lies a haunting history that Naarm Melbourne would much rather forget. In this episode of Down the Yarra, we uncover the darkest legacy of the Yarra Bend Asylum, Victoria’s first purpose built and yet largest mental health institution. From the inhuman conditions endured by its residents to the unmarked graves that still lie beneath the greens, this episode sheds light on a past too often buried.
Join us as we explore what it means for a city to pave over its history and the growing calls to remember those who were forgotten.

BGM_Sorrento’s Penal Colony

Long before Melbourne’s bustling streets and iconic landmarks, a penal colony was established on the shores of Port Phillip Bay. In this episode of Down the Yarra, we uncover the story of Sorrento’s forgotten settlement at Sullivan Bay. Why did the British choose this sandy, inhospitable location for one of the first attempts at settlement in Victoria? And why did it fail so quickly?
Join us as we explore the harsh conditions faced by not only the convicts as well as the free settlers, the tense interactions with the Boonwurrung people of the Kulin nation, and the dramatic escapes-including the legendary tale of William Buckley. Discover how this fleeting settlement paved the way for Hobart and left an indelible mark on Victoria’s history,
Don’t miss this fascinating dive into one of Victoria’s most overlooked stories.

BGM_Battle of Yering

In this episode of Down the Yarra, we uncover the story of the Battle of Yering, a pivotal moment in the history of the Wurundjeri people and the Yarra Valley. Set against the backdrop of rising tensions between the European settlers and the Wurundjeri in the early 1840’s, this confrontation embodies resilience and resistance in the face of colonial oppression.
Discover the events that led to the battle, the courage of the Wurundjeri warriors under chief Java Jaga, and the lasting impact of this clash on the history of the region.
Join us as we explore the deeper truths behind this symbolic fight for land, culture, and justice.
Whether you’re a history buff or just curious about the stories that shaped Naarm Melbourne and South Central Victoria, this episode offers a compelling look into the past. Tune in and learn how the legacy of the Battle of Yering continues to resonate today.

BGM_the debate that shaped Melbourne-Batman vs Fawkner

“Two Men”.. One city. A rivalry that defined Naarm Melbournes early years. In this episode of Down the Yarra, we dive into the fiery debate between John Batman and John Pascoe Fawkner, two settlers with competing visions for what would become Naarm Melbourne. Batman, infamous for his controversial treaty with the Wurundjeri Wii Wurrung, sought to create a grazing empire, while Fawkner on the other hand, was a bold entrepreneur, envisioned a thriving urban hub. Their clash over leadership, land, and legacy left an indelible mark on the city’s foundation.
Join us as we unravel this dramatic tale of ambition and power, and stick around for a teaser of our next episode on Melbournes establishment”.

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.