Information
Landmark: Heirisson IslandCity: Perth
Country: Australia
Continent: Australia
Heirisson Island, Perth, Australia, Australia
Overview
Heirisson Island, a peaceful pocket of green in the Swan River, sits quietly between Perth’s CBD and Victoria Park, where the water laps gently at its edges.Just minutes from the city, it feels like stumbling onto a secret patch of wilderness, with quiet trails, wide-open views, and-if you’re lucky-a few wild kangaroos grazing in the distance.Tucked away from the crowds, this island’s ideal for unwinding in the fresh air, watching native birds flit through the trees, or sharing a quiet picnic while the city skyline glimmers in the distance.The Swan River sits in East Perth, just about 2 km (1.2 miles) from the city centre.The easiest way to get there is by car, with free parking near the Causeway Bridge on the Victoria Park side, where you might catch the scent of eucalyptus drifting off the water.By bus, you can hop off just a few minutes from the Causeway-close enough to hear the gulls over the water.By bike or on foot, you can reach the island easily along winding paths that follow the Swan River’s edge.So, why should you visit Heirisson Island?Get close enough to watch wild kangaroos graze in their own open, sunlit field.Slip away from the city to quiet trails where leaves crunch underfoot and shaded picnic spots wait.The Swan River glitters below, with the Perth skyline rising sharp against the blue.A rich Aboriginal history runs deep here, tied closely to the Noongar people and their stories carried on the wind.It’s a great place to watch birds-pelicans gliding low over the water, swans drifting past, and plenty of other waterbirds in view.Heirisson Island Highlights: Start with a sunrise walk as pelicans skim the water.On Heirisson Island, the real draw is a small mob of western grey kangaroos, often seen grazing quietly in the sun.Here, the kangaroos roam semi-wild, grazing in a sheltered enclosure on the island’s quiet southern edge.Kangaroos burst into action at dawn and again as the sun dips low, their feet thudding softly across the grass.They’re used to people, yet they go about their day-grazing in the tall grass or dozing in the shade of a broad oak.Please don’t feed them or try to get their attention-just watch quietly as they move through the grass, calm and unbothered.In Perth, you can watch kangaroos grazing while the city skyline glitters behind them - it’s an experience you won’t find anywhere else.Number two stood alone, sharp as a pencil mark on a clean page.Take a leisurely walk or pedal your bike around Heirisson Island’s smooth loop trail, where the river glints through the trees.The path winds through native bushland, crosses sunny stretches of open grass, and follows the river where the water glints in the light.Watch for black swans gliding past, pelicans skimming the surface, cormorants drying their wings, and other birds gathering along the water’s edge.You’ll find quiet spots to sit and take in the view, with wooden benches tucked under cool patches of shade along the path.The path is gentle enough for kids and grandparents alike, perfect for families, joggers, or anyone who loves the rustle of leaves underfoot.Three.Discover Noongar Aboriginal heritage-Heirisson Island holds deep meaning for the Noongar people, the land’s traditional custodians, where the river breeze carries stories passed down for generations.Long ago, the island served as a vital gathering spot where Noongar groups met and crossed the water, their voices carrying on the wind.On the island stands a statue of Yagan, the Noongar warrior and resistance leader, gazing toward the shore in tribute to Aboriginal history.The island’s rugged cliffs, sandy shores, and native wildlife sustained the Noongar people, offering fresh fish, game, and shelter from the wind.A trip to Heirisson Island lets you pause and think about Perth’s Indigenous heritage, where the quiet rustle of river reeds hints at the deep bond between land, water, and people.Number four.Spread a blanket by the river, where soft grass invites you to linger and the water glints in the afternoon sun-an ideal spot for a peaceful picnic with stunning views.Pack a picnic blanket, then settle in for lunch as the Swan River glitters and curves around you.Tucked away from blaring horns and rumbling engines, it’s one of the city’s quietest corners.At sunset, golden light spills over the river and catches on the city skyline, making the whole scene glow.The island stays calm and still, making it perfect for relaxing, meditating, or curling up with a good book as the waves lap softly against the shore.Head to Heirisson Island in the early morning or late afternoon, when kangaroos graze in the cool light and the harsh midday sun hasn’t chased them into the shade.As the sun dips low, the river catches streaks of gold and the city skyline glows against the fading light.From September to November, spring colours the island with wildflowers, and the air rings with birdsong.Fun fact about Heirisson Island: it used to be a scattered chain of little islands, until the 1900s reshaped it into the single stretch of land you see today.It takes its name from François-Antoine Boniface Heirisson, the French explorer who charted the Swan River’s winding banks in 1801.The Noongar people knew the area as Matagarup, “a place where the river’s only knee-deep,” where you could wade across without getting your clothes wet.Even though it’s right there in the city, most tourists walk past without noticing, which makes it one of Perth’s best-kept secrets.Final thoughts – Heirisson Island might be Perth’s best-kept secret, with quiet paths by the water, sweeping river views, and kangaroos grazing so close you can hear them tear at the grass.Unlike the bustling city parks, it stays calm and nearly empty, a spot where you might hear only the wind in the trees-perfect for nature lovers, photographers, or anyone craving a break from the city.You can stroll along shaded paths, pedal past the river’s edge, spot kangaroos grazing, or just stretch out in the grass-Heirisson Island offers a peaceful, hidden escape in the very heart of Perth.
