Down the Yarra Podcast

BGM_Naarm - Melbourne’s F1 Grand Prix: From Adelaide to Albert Park Lake & Beyond

Engines roared and crowd cheered as Naarm - Melbourne once again played host to the Australian Grand Prix. But how did this world-class event find its home at Albert Park Lake? In this special episode of Down the Yarra, we take a high-speed lap through the history of Naarm - Melbourne’s F1 race-its origins, the controversial move from Adelaid, and how former Victorian Premier Jeff Kennett helped secure the event.
We’ll explore the Grand Prix’s evolution, its impact on the city, and what the future holds for F1 in Naarm - Melbourne. With rumours of the competition from other cities and Formula 1 constantly expanding, could Melbourne one day lose its grips on the race?
Buckle up-it’s a thrilling ride through the past, present, and future of Naarm - Melbourne’s biggest motorsports event.
Follow now and don’t miss a lap.

BGM_Batman’s Swamp and the secrets of Dudley Flats

Long before Naarm (Melbourne)’s skyline stretched westward, there was Batman’s Swamp- a vast wetland teeming with life, and then later drained as well as buried beneath the city’s rapid expansion. But just beyond its former edges lay one of Naarm (Melbourne)‘’s most forgotten places: Dudley Flats, a makeshift shantytown whose residents lived off the city’s refuse during the Great Depression.
In this episode of Down the Yarra, we uncover the lost history of these two site-the environmental destruction of Batman’s Swamp, the resilience of Dudley Flats’ residents, and the secrets buried beneath Melbourne’s Docklands and West Melbourne. From scavengers like Jack Peacock the ‘King of Dudley Flats’ as well as Elise Williams who built homes out of rubbish, to the forgotten struggles of of the 1930s, we explore the stories the city tried to erase.
Plus, we tease our next episode on Docklands, its past, present and what remains of its history beneath the glass towers as well as its waterfront promenades.
Trigger warning: This episode discusses themes of displacement, poverty, and environmental destruction.

BGM_St Francis: Naarm-Melbourne’s first Catholic Church

Naarm-Melbourne’s oldest Catholic Church, St Francis, has stood the test of time-witnessing the city’s transformation from the fledgling settlement to the bustling metropolis that we all know and love today. In this episode of Down the Yarra, we explore its past, present, and future, discovering the stories behind its historic walls.
We’ll take you back to 1850, when John ‘Red’ Kelly and Ellen Quinn-the parents of Australia’s most infamous bushranger, Edward Ned Kelly-were married right here at St Francis. We’ll also dive into the church’s role as Naarm-Melbourne’s first Catholic Cathedral, its enduring presence in the heart of the CB, and what the future may hold for the heritage-listed site.
And stay tuned for the teaser on our next episode, where we plunge into the fascinating history of Melbourne’s iconic City Baths.
Whether you’re a local or just curious, this is a story you won’t want to miss,
Down the Yarra-your ultimate guide to the heart and soul of Naarm-Melbourne and South Central Victoria.

BGM_From Batman’s Hill to Southern Cross

Long before it was a chaotic transit hub, Southern Cross Station was home to Batman’s Hill-the highest natural point near the Birrarung (Yarra River), where John Batman built his family home in the 1830s. From there, he had an uninterrupted view of Mount Macedon, a sight to symbolise the vast lands he and the other settlers claimed as their own. But this land had already been home to the Wurundjeri people for tens of thousands years.
In this episode, we uncover the rise and fall of Batman’s Hill, its connection to the brutal massacres of the 1830s and 1840, and how it was ultimately flattened to make way for Melbourne’s ever expanding rail network. We’ll explore how this site transformed from a colonial outpost to its sprawling modern-day transport hub, we know it today as.
Trigger Warning: This episode discusses the massacres of First Nations People in the 19th Century. Listeners discretion is advised.
And stick around- because at the end, we’ll give you a teaser for our next episode on Flagstaff hill and Gardens, Melbournes first cemetery and an often-overlooked historical landmark.

BGM_The Shot Towers of Naarm-Melbourne

Hidden in plain sight inside Melbourne Central is one of the CBD’s most iconic industrial relics.Coop’s Shot Tower, once a vital part of Melbourne’s amusement industry. But did you know Melbourne originally had two shot towers? In this episode of Down the Yarra, we uncover the fascinating history of the Coop’s and the Clifton Hill Shot Tower, how lead was from some dizzying heights to make perfect bullets, and why does now only does one tower still remain as of today.
But that’s not all of the story-we’re diving into the secrets of Melbourne Central, from it’s hidden museum to its confusing train station layout, plus we’ll give you a sneak peek into the brand new metro tunnel station of State Library and what it means for the city’s future.
And stick around-we’ll also tease our next episode on St Francis Church, Naarm-Melbourne’s oldest Catholic Church, which has a few secrets of its own…
Follow Down the Yarra for more untold stories of Naarm-Melbourne and South Central Victoria.

BGM_The Courts of Victoria-Justice, Power, and the Past

What happens when justice and power collide? In this episode of Down the Yarra, we step inside Victoria’s Magistrates’ Court, County Court, and Supreme Court-these three institutions that have shaped Naarm (Melbourne)’s legal landscape for nearly two centuries. From the shift street-level rulings to the high-stakes murder trial, these courts have seen it all: wrongful convictions, gangland wars, and cases that changed the state’s laws forever.
We’ll uncover the stories of Naarm)Melbourne)’s most infamous trials, including Edward ‘Ned’ Kelly’s last stand in the Supreme Court, and question whether justice allows prevails.
Plus, in our next episode, we’re heading to the towering remnant of Naarm (Melbourne)’s ammunition industry-Coop’s Shot Tower at Melbourne Central and its twin in Clifton Hill. How did these sky high structures shape the city’s history? Stay tuned to find out.

BGM_Flagstaff Hill and Gardens: Naarm (Melbourne)’s first lookout

Once a vital lookout, a signalling station, and even an unofficial burial ground, Flagstaff Hill has played a key role in Naarm (Melbourne)’s history. In this episode of Down the Yarra, we explore how this small but significant hill shaped the early settlement, from guiding ships safely into Port Phillip Bay to becoming one of Melbourne’s oldest public gardens.
We’ll uncover the forgotten stories beneath the soil, the transformation of the site into a leafy retreat, and what the future holds for this historic space. Plus, stick around for a sneak peek, where we’ll explore the former Royal Min-once a hub of Australia’s gold coin production, now home to the Hellenic Museum.
Whether you’re a local or just curious, join us as we uncover the past, present, and future of Flagstaff Hill and Gardens.

BGM_Coins, Culture and Courts-The Royal Mint and Hellenic Museum

From the gold rush riches to cultural treasures, this episode of Down the Yarra takes you inside historic the Royal Mint-once the heart of Naarm (Melbourne)’s currency production-and its transformation into the Hellenic Museum, a hub of Greek history and heritage. Discover how this grand old building evolved from striking gold sovereigns to preserving ancient artefacts, and hear the stories of power, money, and art that shaped its past and present.
Plus, stay tuned for the teaser. On Naarm (Melbourne)’s halls of justice-the Victorian County Court, the Magistrates Court, and Supreme Court-where history and law collide.
New Episodes drop every Tuesday fortnight (2 weeks)-forgot follow now and explore Naarm (Melbourne)’s past, present, and future with Down the Yarra.

BGM_Docklands-From a Swamp to Skyline

Once a swampy wetland, then an industrial powerhouse, and now a glittering wasteland precinct-Docklands has undergone one of Melbourne’s most dramatic transformations. But has it lived up to its promise?
In this episode of Down the Yarra, we explore the past, present, and future of Docklands. From the early days as the Wurundjeri and Boonwurrung land to the industrial boom of the 19th century, to its modern identity as a high-rise business and entertainment hub, Docklands has always been a place in flux. Has it finally found its soul, or is it still struggling to become a true part of Naarm (Melbourne)?
And stick around-at the end of the episode, we’ll give you a teaser for our next deep dive into Batman’s Hill, the lost landmark buried beneath Southern Cross Station.
Join us as we unravel the history of Docklands-where it’s been, where it is currently, and where it’s going next.

BGM_The Secrets of Mmomba: Naarm - Melbourne’s festival of fun

Moomba - Melbourne’s beloved, bizarre and sometimes controversial festival. From the Birman Rally to the secret meaning behind the name, Moomba has a history full of surprises. In this special episode of Down the Yarr, we uncover the festival’s origins, the legends behind the Moomba Monarchs, and the wildest moments that nearly shut it all down permanently.
Did Naarm - Melbourne really name its festival “Up the Bum”? Why did Muhammad Ali refuse to be Moomba King? And what’s the deal with throwing themselves into the Birrarung (Yarra River)?
Join us as we dive into the hidden stories and scandals behind Australia’s biggest free festival. But fair warning-this episode includes a trigger warning for discussions on colonial history and the controversies surrounding Moomba’s past.
Hit Follow and listen now-because no one does Moomba like Naarm - Melbourne.