Aquatic and semi-aquatic instream vegetation supports a wide range of stream organisms and processes. Despite its importance, we lack knowledge and tools for enhancing instream revegetation success to support stream biodiversity, processes and functions. To help fill this knowledge gap, we developed an instream revegetation monitoring program in collaboration with Melbourne Water and developed instream revegetation guidance based on past instream revegetation attempts, research into the drivers of instream plants, and the scientific literature. We also developed Habitat Suitability Models (HSMs) to quantify relationships between plant species occurrence and environmental characteristics. I will: 1) present findings from the instream revegetation monitoring program; 2) highlight site conditions suitable for instream revegetation including slope thresholds, bank gradients, degree of urbanisation and substrate type, and plant selection to promote establishment; and 3) demonstrate how HSMs can help select sites suitable for instream revegetation. This empirical evidence, guidance and modelling provides a suite of practical tools for managers to more confidently include instream plants into revegetation projects, filling a key knowledge gap in the restoration of stream ecosystems.