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What is riparian land?

Riparian land is that which runs along rivers, creeks, estuaries, lakes and wetlands. They act as a transition between the aquatic environment of the waterway and surrounding landscape. They are also critical to healthy waterways. Riparian land can vary in width from a narrow strip to a wide corridor.

Riparian land offers the following benefits:

  • Provides habitat to native plants, mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and insects.
  • Assists in preventing contaminants and sediment (including bushfire ash) reaching waterways.
  • Reduces erosion, as the roots of plants anchor soil on the riverbanks.
  • Influences water temperature and limits water evaporation.
  • Holds cultural and spiritual values to First Nations people.
  • Leisure sites for recreational activities such as fishing, picnics and bushwalking.

In regional landscapes that are dominated by farmland, the riparian native vegetation provides crucial wildlife corridors. Fencing is often used to stop grazing animals from accessing these landscapes. Without fencing, these larger farm animals could destroy vegetation, cause erosion on riverbanks and contaminate water supplies. This is a significant issue in Victoria. Reducing stock access also helps maintain the biodiversity of these areas.

We need to carefully manage these spaces to ensure their future sustainability. This includes access for recreation and other human activities.

Case study

Overgrowth of invasive species such as willows can harm native species in riparian areas and create an inaccessible landscape. The removal of willow trees has been necessary in many regions, including in headwater streams in Gippsland. In this video from West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority (CMA), see how this work protects and improves the riparian ecosystem and its biodiversity.

Watch the video

Willow headwater works at North Central CMA (4 min 59 sec)

Meet the expert

Peter Vollebergh manages the Riparian River Channel Program at the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA). Here he discusses his role in protecting waterway health across Victoria as well as what he has learnt from over 30 years working in water.

Source: DEECA
View transcript

Photo essay

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Community volunteers can assist local water agencies in the planting of new vegetation in riparian landscapes alongside rivers, creeks and waterways. Image credit: Parks Victoria

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Schools can partake in planting sessions for local water agencies and farmers. This work helps them to better understand the role of riparian landscapes and to better appreciate how human activity can affect them. Image credit: DEECA and Craig Moodie

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Schools can partake in planting sessions for local water agencies and farmers. This work helps them to better understand the role of riparian landscapes and to better appreciate how human activity can affect them. Image credit: DEECA and Craig Moodie

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Schools can partake in planting sessions for local water agencies and farmers. This work helps them to better understand the role of riparian landscapes and to better appreciate how human activity can affect them. Image credit: DEECA and Craig Moodie

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Areas of riparian land line the banks of Rainbow Creek downstream of the Cowwarr Weir in Gippsland. Trees, shrubs, grasses and other greenery separate the creek from nearby farmland. Image credit: DEECA and James Lauritz

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On this stretch of Middle Creek, there is no riparian land separating the waterway from cows and other farm animals. This has led to deterioration of the land and erosion of the creek banks as well as a reduction in the quality of the water. Image credit: DEECA

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This stretch of the Gellibrand River near the Otways has been restored. Now the riverbanks are lined with trees, grasses, shrubs and other greenery to better represent a natural environment for native wildlife. Image credit: DEECA

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This illustrated graphic demonstrates the difference between managed versus unmanaged riparian land. With unmanaged land, you might see eroson, invasive species and livestock accessing waterways. Managed riparian land with fencing and off-stream watering means healthier waterways, fish and vegetation. Image credit: DEECA

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15 years after replanting and restoration works, this stretch of Wannon River is thriving. Image credit: DEECA

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The Avon River goes through Stratfield and riparian landscapes can help product waterways from human activities while also improving water quality and recreational potential. Image credit: DEECA and James Lauritz

Further resources

Below you can find a variety of resources to further research and understand riparian landscapes.

Riparian land (DEECA)

Restoring Merbein Common (DEECA)

Videos

Video: Anglers supporting the Steavenson River Marysville

Video: Local landholders looking after the Agnes River Toora North

Video: Traditional Owners looking after waterways at Tyrendarra

Videos

Video: Willows on the Mitchell River (East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority)

Video: Caring for the Campaspe (North Central Catchment Management Authority)

Video: Tullaroop Catchment Ron Cosgrave (North Central Catchment Management Authority)

Video: Integrated Catchment Management on the Powlett River (West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority)

Video: Nurturing a Rainbow, Managing the Thomson (West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority)

Return to the school water education resources home page.

Page last updated: 11/08/25