Managing unauthorised raves and gatherings along the Yarra River

Unauthorised raves and large-scale dance events—often referred to as “doofs”—are occurring regularly along the Yarra River corridor. These events typically take place in parks within Parks Victoria’s Melbourne Region, specifically the Lower Yarra and Dandenong Valley sub-region.

They often involve crowds of 30 or more people, amplified music, lighting equipment, and unauthorised vehicle access into parklands. Events are usually held late at night, without permits, and in areas of significant environmental and cultural value.

While these gatherings may appear informal or spontaneous, their impacts on the local community, public safety, and the river’s sensitive ecosystems are serious and far-reaching.

Most of the affected locations are on Parks Victoria-managed Crown land, where Yarra City Council does not hold enforcement powers. However, Council has been working with community, Victoria Police, and Parks Victoria to better understand the issue to promote a more coordinated response.

Community members have raised serious and ongoing concerns about the regular occurrence of unauthorised raves and the cumulative impact they are having. 

Reported impacts include:

• Noise and sleep disruption, often continuing into the early hours of the morning
• Health issues such as stress, headaches, and fatigue
• Psychological distress, including anxiety and frustration due to repeated disturbances and perceived inaction
• Safety concerns related to intoxication, antisocial behaviour, and public disorder

These events also cause significant environmental and unlawful harm, including:

• Littering, vandalism, and unauthorised vehicle access into parks and bushland
• Erosion and degradation of walking trails due to unauthorised vehicle access and foot traffic
• Damage to native vegetation, including trampling of groundcover and breaking of tree limbs
• Disturbance to wildlife habitats, particularly for nocturnal and nesting species along the riverbanks (e.g. possums, flying foxes, microbats, and owls)
• Impacts on culturally significant sites - the Yarra River (Birrarung) corridor is of immense cultural significance to the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people, who are the Traditional Owners of the land.

These gatherings are taking place on public land that is intended to be protected – for the community, for the environment, and for future generations.

The Yarra River parklands – such as Yarra Bend and Studley Park – are managed by Parks Victoria under the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978 and related regulations. Unauthorised events, such as raves, breach the Crown Land (Reserves) (Metropolitan and Regional Parks) Regulations 2023, which are intended to protect public land, cultural heritage, native ecosystems, and community safety.

Behaviours commonly observed at unauthorised raves may constitute one or more of the following enforceable offences:

• Holding or participating in recreational activities without a permit
• Organising events involving 30 or more people without authorisation
• Soliciting or collecting money without permission
• Running commercial activities (e.g. DJs, bars) without a permit
• Erecting temporary structures (e.g. stages, lights, marquees)
• Damaging or removing soil, rocks, plants, or other natural features
• Disturbing or injuring wildlife
• Driving or parking vehicles in unauthorised areas
• Depositing litter or waste in the parklands
• Damaging or interfering with park infrastructure
• Refusing to follow the direction of an authorised officer

These offences reflect the risks and impacts associated with unauthorised gatherings and form the basis for enforcement by Parks Victoria. Fines for breaches range from $198 to $988.

Parks Victoria – Land Manager and Infringement Authority

Parks Victoria is the statutory land manager responsible for enforcing regulations under the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978 and related legislation. Authorised Officers (AOs) are empowered to issue infringement notices for a range of unlawful activities on Crown land, including those associated with unauthorised events.

Subject to resources and timing, Parks Victoria can deploy Authorised Officers to attend incidents. Parks Victoria is committed to issuing fines based on evidence collected and provided by Victoria Police.

Their customer service line (13 19 63) operates from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday to Saturday. They can also be contacted by email at [email protected]. You can connect with Parks Victoria via Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

Victoria Police – Intelligence Support and Targeted Enforcement

Victoria Police plays a key role in managing unauthorised events along the Yarra River. While officers cannot issue fines under Crown land legislation, they are authorised to take direct enforcement action, including arrest, where necessary.

Under the Victoria Police Act 2013 (Vic), police may arrest individuals without a warrant if they believe an offence has been committed and arrest is needed to maintain public order, prevent reoffending, ensure court attendance, or protect safety. Arrests may be used in response to public safety risks, unlawful behaviour, or refusal to comply with directions. Police also have powers under the Summary Offences Act 1966 (Vic), which may be used in the context of unauthorised events. Relevant offences include disorderly conduct, obstructing police or authorised officers, and wilful damage.

In addition to enforcement, police support prevention and coordination by monitoring planned events through social media and drone surveillance, encouraging anonymous community reporting via Crime Stoppers, collecting evidence such as video, photos, and witness statements, and identifying offenders to support prosecutions.

Victoria Police is committed to supplying evidence to Parks Victoria, which then issues fines for relevant offences under the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978.

Victoria Police remain the appropriate authority for all criminal or safety matters:

• In an emergency, always call 000.
• For non-emergency situations, you can contact the Police Assistance Line on 131 444 or online.
• You can also make a report anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit crimestoppers.com.au. 

The community is also encouraged to stay informed via the Eyewatch Yarra Facebook page.