Pronunciation: [jˈaɹə] (IPA) 
The word "yarra" is a bit tricky to spell correctly as its pronunciation follows a non-standard pattern. In IPA phonetic transcription, "yarra" is written as /jærə/. The initial "y" sound is a voiced palatal approximant, followed by the sound /æ/ as in "cat", and then the reduced vowel sound /ə/. This word may be spelled with one "r" or two, but the pronunciation remains the same. "Yarra" is also the name of a river in Victoria, Australia.
Yarra, derived from the Australian Aboriginal language, specifically the Woiwurrung language of the Wurundjeri people, is a word native to the region of Melbourne, Australia. It has gained popularity as a term used locally to refer to the Yarra River and its surrounding areas.
As a noun, Yarra is primarily used to describe the river itself. The Yarra River is a major waterway that flows through the heart of Melbourne, extending for approximately 242 kilometers. It serves as a significant feature of the landscape, providing a source of drinking water, transportation, and recreational activities for locals and visitors alike.
In a broader sense, Yarra can also be used to refer to the region and the diverse ecosystems it encompasses. This includes the riverbanks, parklands, wetlands, and other natural and built environments that are connected to the Yarra River system. With its rich history and cultural significance to the Wurundjeri people, Yarra has become an emblematic term representing the unique geographical, ecological, and social aspects of Melbourne and its surrounds.
The term Yarra may also be used more informally by the locals to refer to the lifestyle, identity, or sense of place associated with living in or around the Yarra River area.
