Riverfest
20–28 September 2025
Riverfest is the Parramatta River Catchment Group’s flagship community event, celebrating the Parramatta River, its surrounding creeks, and local environment!
This year’s festival runs from Saturday 20 September (World Clean Up Day) to Sunday 28 September (World Rivers Day), with a diverse 2025 program full of events and activities that offer fun and engaging ways to connect with our beautiful river.
Check out the details below to see what’s on and how to get involved.
Event Program
This year’s Riverfest program offers a wide range of events and activities for you to connect with the Parramatta River and its surrounding creeks and environment and help make a difference. More events will be added in coming weeks, so check back regularly to see what’s on!
DURING RIVERFEST
National Biodiversity Month
This annual event promotes the importance of protecting and conserving biodiversity, which faces threats like habitat loss, invasive species, poor fire management, and climate change. You can help by getting involved in activities such as National Wattle Day and National Threatened Species Day. Find out more.
SATURDAY, 20 SEPTEMBER 2025
World Clean Up Day
World Clean Up Day brings together volunteers, governments, and organisations from 191 countries to tackle global waste and promote a more sustainable future. Check this page for clean-up events happening across the catchment – local groups will be out in every area, working to protect and restore natural habitats. Find out more.
Wetlands Guided Walk at Mason Park Wetlands
Date: 8:00am – 9:00am
Location: Mason Park Wetlands, Homebush, NSW 2140
Join Friends of Mason Park Wetland for a guided wetland walk to learn about the wetland’s history, bird species, habitat and so much more. Find out more.
Wistaria Gardens at Parramatta Park
Date: 20 & 21 September
Time: 10:00am – 3:00pm
Location: Wistaria Gardens, Parramatta Park
This year we are partnering with Parramatta Park’s annual celebration at Wistaria Gardens. Join us over the weekend to celebrate spring flowers in bloom and learn about the environment. Find out more.
SUNDAY, 21 SEPTEMBER 2025
Spring Clean for the Godwits at Halliday Park
Time: 9:00am – 12:00pm
Location: Halliday Park, McGrath Ave, Five Dock NSW 2046
Help clean up the Parramatta River foreshore at Halliday Park in Five Dock, a vital feeding ground for migratory shorebirds like the beloved Bar-tailed Godwit. Volunteers will enjoy a free sausage sizzle, and cleaning supplies will be provided. Find out more.
MONDAY, 22 SEPTEMBER 2025
Water and the Environment Trivia
Time: 1:00pm – 1:45pm
Location: Online
Join fellow students online for a fun lunchtime trivia session and test your knowledge about water and the environment. Find out more.
Where the river meets the sea
Time: 2:00pm – 2:45pm
Location: Online
Join us for this fascinating and informative session where students will explore how waste moves through our catchments and affects estuaries, wetlands, and coastal areas – where the river meets the sea. Find out more.
TUESDAY, 23 SEPTEMBER 2025
Small Bird Habitat Walk and Talk at Bedlam Bay
Time: 10:00am – 11:30am
Location: Parramatta River Regional Park, Punt Road, Gladesville NSW 2111
Join Bev Debrincat from Habitat Network for a walk and talk along the Parramatta River, exploring local small bird populations, the small bird corridor, and how to create habitat through the right plantings.
Find out more.
FRIDAY, 26 SEPTEMBER 2025
Mangrove Forest Clean Up at Mason Park Wetlands
Time: 11:00am – 1:00pm
Location: Powells Creek Reserve (meet at the Bressington Park carpark), Concord West NSW 2138
Clean up our mangroves around Mason Park Wetlands and help protect critically important habitat for biodiversity and ecological health of the Parramatta River. Find out more.
Bike Care and Maintenance Course at The Connection, Rhodes
Time: 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Location: Rhodes Amphitheatre, 30 Shoreline Dr, Rhodes NSW 2138
Gain the skills and confidence to troubleshoot and fix common bike issues while you’re out riding. Find out more.
SUNDAY, 28 SEPTEMBER 2025
World Rivers Day
World Rivers Day celebrates the world’s waterways, highlighting the many values of our rivers and encouraging greater public awareness and improved management and protection. It started in Canada, where community action has restored rivers to help the salmon run free. Find out more.
Riverwalk and BBQ at Wentworth Point
Time: 9:00am – 1:00pm
Location: Wentworth Point Town Centre, Wentworth Place Wentworth Point, NSW 2127
Join the Wentworth Point Community Group and Persian Bushwalking Group for a relaxing riverside walk at Wentworth Point Town Centre, followed by a fundraising BBQ at Marina Square Pop-up Park. Enjoy the fresh air, scenic views, and great company! Find out more.
The Painted River Project at Bedlam Bay
Time: 9:30am to 12:30pm
Location: Bedlam Bay, Parramatta River Regional Park, Campbell Dr, Gladesville NSW 2111
Celebrate World Rivers Day at beautiful Bedlam Bay with ‘The Painted River Project’ by Western Sydney University. No painting experience needed – just come along, get creative, and share your vision for a healthier river while learning about the science of water. All materials provided! Find out more.
Volunteer for Riverfest
A key aim of Riverfest is to create opportunities for the community to connect with their local waterways, environment, and each other – and volunteers are essential to making this happen.
Volunteering is a great way to meet like-minded people, have fun, and support a cause you care about while learning more about your local area.
If you would like to learn more about ways you can volunteer for Riverfest, please contact the PRCG Coordinator Alexi Gilchrist at: alexi.gilchrist@innerwest.nsw.gov.au.
Hosting an Event
Riverfest is an opportunity for councils, community groups, government agencies, and other organisations to highlight their efforts to improve the health of the Parramatta River catchment. It also provides ways for the community to connect with and support their local environment.
Expressions of Interest
