Heirisson Island - a group of houses on a hill by the water
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Heirisson Island

4.4
·193 reviews·East Perth, Australia

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early Morning & Late Afternoon

Kangaroos are most active

CrowdLow
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Heirisson Island - a group of houses on a hill by the water

Heirisson Island

Best Time

Early Morning & Late Afternoon

Kangaroos are most active

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.4
(193 reviews)

"A beautiful walk with great city views, and a chance to see kangaroos right in Perth!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 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:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Western Grey Kangaroos

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

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

Nature Trails and Picnic Spots

Throughout the Island

Wander scenic paths, enjoy a picnic, or simply relax amidst the island's natural beauty.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Key for Kangaroo Sightings

While Heirisson Island is a free and accessible nature escape, spotting kangaroos requires strategic timing. They are most active during dawn and dusk, so aim for these times to increase your chances of seeing them hopping around. Visiting mid-day might mean they're resting in the shade.

Accessibility and What to Bring

Heirisson Island is easily walkable from Perth CBD, making it a convenient outing. Remember to wear comfortable shoes for exploring the trails and bring sun protection. While it's a sanctuary, the kangaroos are wild, so maintain a respectful distance and never feed them.

Best Times

When
Early Morning & Late Afternoon
Why
Kangaroos are most active
Crowd
Low
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

FREE place you must visit when in perth to pet kangaroos, see the city skyline and watch the sunset 🦘 📍heirisson island East Perth walking distance from the CBD follow for more perth free activities and travel advice 🤍 #perth #perthactivities #perthcbd #heirissonisland #kangaroo #perthcity #fyp
@felicityw
1.3K likes • 65.9K views

🎯 Best Time for Roos

Visit at dawn or dusk for the highest chance of seeing kangaroos active! :sunriseovermountains: Instagram+1

👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes

Explore the island's trails with ease. Sunscreen and a hat are also recommended. :athletic_shoe: Reddit


This easy 5km walking route around Heirisson Island is perfect for a weekend wander, jog or nature fix - and yep, you might just spot a roo or five hopping through the bush! Right in the heart of Perth, this riverside loop gives you city skyline views, native busland, wetlands and a peaceful little island sanctuary hiding some of WA’s cutest locals - a family of Western Grey Kangaroos. Start at M...
@perth.local
724 likes • 31.7K views
Hidden Gem in Perth! 😍⬇️ Don’t know what to do this weekend? I got you! 📍Heirisson Island, East Perth Admission is FREE. See how many 🦘 you spot! I think there’s about 6 on the island. We spotted 4 in total! Kangaroos are still wild life, remember to give them some space and protect the area when you visit!
skyearthy
2.2K likes • 98K views

📏 Respect the Wildlife

Keep a safe distance from kangaroos and never feed them. They are wild animals! :deer: Instagram+1

🚶‍♀️ Walkable from CBD

Easily accessible on foot from Perth CBD, making it a convenient free activity. :walking: TikTok+1

1. HEIRISSON ISLAND - *Free entry *Located in between suburbs of East Perth and Victoria Park (around 10min drive from Perth city) *Meet Kangaroo🦘 *Best place for nature experience close to city 2. BLACK DIAMOND LAKE * Free Entry * Located in Allanson (around 2hr drive from Perth city) * great place for boat paddling * vibrant blue waters 3. SWAN VALLEY * Around 30min drive from Perth City *...
travel__checklist
249 likes • 4K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Best Time for Roos

Visit at dawn or dusk for the highest chance of seeing kangaroos active! :sunriseovermountains: Instagram+1

👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes

Explore the island's trails with ease. Sunscreen and a hat are also recommended. :athletic_shoe: Reddit

📏 Respect the Wildlife

Keep a safe distance from kangaroos and never feed them. They are wild animals! :deer: Instagram+1

🚶‍♀️ Walkable from CBD

Easily accessible on foot from Perth CBD, making it a convenient free activity. :walking: TikTok+1

📸 Great Photo Ops

Capture stunning city skyline views and wildlife moments. :camerawithflash: Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.4
(193 reviews)

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

Beautiful city views
Free entry and accessible
Peaceful nature walks

What People Dislike

Kangaroos not always visible

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. TikTok+1 Some suggest getting off the bus at Adelaide Terrace Westend Causeway for a 20-minute walk. Instagram

Yes, there is a free car park available at Heirisson Island, typically for up to 3 hours. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Instagram

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. TikTok+1

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Heirisson Island offers free entry for all visitors, making it a fantastic budget-friendly activity in Perth. TikTokInstagram+1

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. Instagram+1

There's no need to book tickets as Heirisson Island is a public park and sanctuary with free admission. Instagram+1

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. Instagram+1

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. TikTok

🎫 🏞️ 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. InstagramReddit+1

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. TikTokReddit

Yes, Heirisson Island offers excellent photography opportunities with its city skyline views and the chance to capture wildlife. InstagramReddit

The island is equipped with picnic shelters and BBQs, making it ideal for a leisurely outing. Restroom facilities are also available. Reddit

There is ongoing construction for new pedestrian and cyclist bridges connecting to the island, aimed at improving access and connectivity. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ 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. Reddit

Yes, Heirisson Island is a perfect spot for picnics and BBQs, with shelters and facilities provided. It's recommended to bring your own supplies. Reddit

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. TikTok

📸 📸 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. InstagramReddit

Golden hour, around sunrise and sunset, provides the most beautiful light for photographing the skyline and the kangaroos. Instagram+1

While personal photography is encouraged, professional photoshoots might require permits. It's best to check with local authorities if you plan a commercial shoot. Instagram

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. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Heirisson Island is a fantastic, free outing for families. The accessible walking trails are great for little legs, and the playground offers a dedicated space for kids to play. The main draw, of course, is the chance to see kangaroos up close, which is always a hit with children. Remember to pack snacks and drinks, as there are no food facilities on the island, and ensure kids understand the importance of respecting the wildlife by keeping a safe distance. Reddit

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. TikTok

🚶 Budget Travelers

Heirisson Island is a dream for budget travelers, offering a completely free nature experience right in the city. You can walk or cycle there, saving on transport costs. The main activity – spotting kangaroos and enjoying the scenery – costs nothing. TikTokInstagram+1

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. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, Heirisson Island presents a unique urban-wildlife photography opportunity. The juxtaposition of the city skyline against the natural landscape and kangaroos is a compelling subject. Aim for the golden hours of sunrise and sunset for dramatic lighting on the cityscapes and softer light for wildlife shots. Instagram+1

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. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Heirisson Island Kangaroo Sanctuary

Heirisson Island is home to a small population of Western Grey Kangaroos, making it a unique urban wildlife sanctuary. These kangaroos are descendants of those introduced to the island in the 1970s. While they are wild animals, they have become accustomed to human presence due to regular visitor traffic. It's crucial to remember they are not pets and should be treated with respect. Visitors are advised to keep a safe distance, avoid direct eye contact, and never attempt to feed them, as this can disrupt their natural diet and behavior. Instagram+1

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. Instagram+1

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. Reddit

Exploring Heirisson Island: Trails and Views

Heirisson Island offers a network of walking and cycling trails that wind through its natural landscape. The island is relatively compact, making it easy to explore on foot. As you wander, you'll encounter diverse flora and fauna, providing a peaceful escape from the city bustle. The perimeter paths offer particularly stunning views of the Swan River and the iconic Perth city skyline. TikTokReddit

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. Reddit

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. TikTok+1

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