Heirisson Island
A free urban sanctuary on the Swan River, offering kangaroo encounters and stunning Perth city skyline views.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Kangaroos are most active
Heirisson Island
Best Time
Kangaroos are most active

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A free urban sanctuary on the Swan River, offering kangaroo encounters and stunning Perth city skyline views.
"A beautiful walk with great city views, and a chance to see kangaroos right in Perth!"
🎯 Best Time for Roos
Visit at dawn or dusk for the highest chance of seeing kangaroos active! :sunriseovermountains:
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
Explore the island's trails with ease. Sunscreen and a hat are also recommended. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Western Grey Kangaroos
Kangaroo Sanctuary Enclosure
Encounter Australia's iconic marsupials in their natural habitat, right in the heart of the city.

Swan River City Views
Island Perimeter
Enjoy panoramic vistas of the Perth skyline and the tranquil Swan River, perfect for photos.

Nature Trails and Picnic Spots
Throughout the Island
Wander scenic paths, enjoy a picnic, or simply relax amidst the island's natural beauty.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Kangaroo Sightings
Accessibility and What to Bring
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Best Time for Roos
Visit at dawn or dusk for the highest chance of seeing kangaroos active! :sunriseovermountains:
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
Explore the island's trails with ease. Sunscreen and a hat are also recommended. :athletic_shoe:
📏 Respect the Wildlife
Keep a safe distance from kangaroos and never feed them. They are wild animals! :deer:
🚶♀️ Walkable from CBD
Easily accessible on foot from Perth CBD, making it a convenient free activity. :walking:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Best Time for Roos
Visit at dawn or dusk for the highest chance of seeing kangaroos active! :sunriseovermountains:
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
Explore the island's trails with ease. Sunscreen and a hat are also recommended. :athletic_shoe:
📏 Respect the Wildlife
Keep a safe distance from kangaroos and never feed them. They are wild animals! :deer:
🚶♀️ Walkable from CBD
Easily accessible on foot from Perth CBD, making it a convenient free activity. :walking:
📸 Great Photo Ops
Capture stunning city skyline views and wildlife moments. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Heirisson Island is praised as a beautiful and easily accessible natural escape near Perth CBD, offering lovely city views and a chance to see kangaroos. While many enjoy the walks and picnic spots, some visitors are disappointed by not seeing kangaroos, especially if visiting mid-day.
"Very pretty walk. Very large area. Short distance from the cbd. We didn’t see any Kangaroos though. Disappointing. Read that Kangaroos are nocturnal so may have been sleeping in the day. Pretty views of the city."
Katy Johnson
"Pretty nice a small island to walk around and have some beautiful pictures, but no kangaroos were seen the day I was there. Btw, a new bridge for pedestrians and cyclists is under construction in that area."
Teresa
"Heirisson Island is a small island located in the Swan River, near the Perth CBD in Western Australia. It serves as a scenic recreational area featuring walking and cycling trails, picnic spots, and views of the city skyline. The island is best known for its population of Western Grey Kangaroos, which roam freely in a designated enclosure, making it a popular spot for locals and tourists to observe these iconic Australian animals up close."
Raka
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Heirisson Island is conveniently located a short walk from Perth CBD. You can cross the Causeway pedestrian bridge from Adelaide Terrace. It's about a 10-15 minute walk from the city center.
Some suggest getting off the bus at Adelaide Terrace Westend Causeway for a 20-minute walk.Yes, there is a free car park available at Heirisson Island, typically for up to 3 hours.
Absolutely! Heirisson Island is accessible by bicycle, and there are walking and cycling trails throughout the island. A new pedestrian and cyclist bridge is also under construction.
You can take a bus towards East Perth and alight near the Causeway, then walk across to the island. Check local transport schedules for the most convenient routes.
No, Heirisson Island is very close to Perth city. It's often described as being right in the heart of Perth or a stone's throw from the CBD, making it an easy excursion.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Heirisson Island offers free entry for all visitors, making it a fantastic budget-friendly activity in Perth.
Heirisson Island is generally accessible at all times as it's an open park area. However, for the best chance of seeing kangaroos, aim for dawn or dusk.
There's no need to book tickets as Heirisson Island is a public park and sanctuary with free admission.
The main restriction is to respect the wildlife. Do not feed the kangaroos and maintain a safe distance. Ensure you close the sanctuary gates behind you if you enter.
Yes, it's a great spot for a quick visit, especially if you're short on time. A walk around the island and a chance to see kangaroos can be done in an hour or two.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
While Heirisson Island is known for its kangaroos, sightings are not guaranteed. They are wild animals and can be elusive, especially during the heat of the day. Visiting early morning or late afternoon significantly increases your chances.
You can enjoy scenic walks and cycling trails, have a picnic with BBQ facilities available, and take in beautiful views of the Perth city skyline. There's also a children's playground.
Yes, Heirisson Island offers excellent photography opportunities with its city skyline views and the chance to capture wildlife.
The island is equipped with picnic shelters and BBQs, making it ideal for a leisurely outing. Restroom facilities are also available.
There is ongoing construction for new pedestrian and cyclist bridges connecting to the island, aimed at improving access and connectivity.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Heirisson Island itself does not have cafes or restaurants. It's primarily a nature reserve with picnic facilities. You'll need to bring your own food or dine in nearby Perth CBD.
Yes, Heirisson Island is a perfect spot for picnics and BBQs, with shelters and facilities provided. It's recommended to bring your own supplies.
The closest dining options are in the Perth CBD, just a short walk across the Causeway bridge. You'll find a wide variety of cafes and restaurants there.
📸 📸 Photography
The western side of the island offers fantastic views of the Perth city skyline, especially during sunset. The kangaroo sanctuary also provides unique wildlife photography opportunities.
Golden hour, around sunrise and sunset, provides the most beautiful light for photographing the skyline and the kangaroos.
While personal photography is encouraged, professional photoshoots might require permits. It's best to check with local authorities if you plan a commercial shoot.
A versatile lens for landscape and wildlife shots would be ideal. A wide-angle lens is great for the skyline, and a telephoto lens can help capture kangaroos from a distance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Visiting during the cooler parts of the day, like early morning or late afternoon, will make the experience more comfortable for everyone. The island's proximity to the CBD also means you can easily combine a visit with other family-friendly activities in Perth.
🚶 Budget Travelers
To keep costs down, pack your own picnic and utilize the free BBQ facilities. This allows you to enjoy a full day out without spending a penny on food or entry fees. It's a perfect example of how to experience Perth's natural beauty affordably.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Bring a versatile lens setup to capture both the expansive city views and the details of the kangaroos. Remember to be patient, as wildlife photography often requires waiting for the perfect moment. The island's accessibility means you can visit multiple times to try and capture different shots and lighting conditions.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Heirisson Island Kangaroo Sanctuary
The sanctuary area is fenced to help manage the kangaroo population and protect them from potential hazards. When visiting, you might spot them grazing, resting under trees, or even interacting with each other. The best times to see them are typically early morning and late afternoon when they are most active and the weather is cooler.
Recent discussions mention ongoing construction for new pedestrian and cyclist bridges, which aim to enhance access to the island. While this might cause some temporary disruptions, the long-term goal is to improve the visitor experience and connectivity to this urban oasis.
Exploring Heirisson Island: Trails and Views
These trails are perfect for a leisurely stroll, a morning jog, or a family bike ride. The island is also equipped with picnic shelters and BBQ facilities, making it an ideal spot for an outdoor lunch or an afternoon gathering. The presence of a children's playground adds to its appeal for families.
Many visitors highlight the convenience of Heirisson Island's location. It's easily accessible from Perth CBD, often described as being just a short walk away. This proximity makes it a popular choice for a quick nature break during a busy day in the city.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit