Heirisson Island really does feel like one of Perth’s best-kept secrets. Tucked into the Swan River between East Perth and Victoria Park, it’s just minutes from the CBD yet feels worlds away from city traffic. As you drive or bus over the Causeway you’d barely guess that beneath you is a calm little island with kangaroos, river views and plenty of room for kids to explore.
Getting there is straightforward. Heirisson Island sits directly under the Causeway Bridge, with a small City of Perth car park on the island itself. Parking is currently free with a three‑hour limit and the car park is open 24 hours a day, making it easy to pop in for a spontaneous visit before or after other city plans. You can also walk or cycle in along the foreshore paths from East Perth or Victoria Park, or hop on a bus that travels over the Causeway and walk down from the stop.
For most families, the big drawcard is the kangaroos. Part of the island is fenced off as a kangaroo sanctuary, home to a small group of female western grey kangaroos. Entry to the enclosure is free, but dogs are not allowed inside and it’s important not to feed the kangaroos.
The best times to spot them are early in the morning or later in the afternoon when it’s cooler. As you wander quietly along the paths you’ll often see them grazing among the shrubs. You can usually get quite close, which is magical for kids, but it’s worth reminding little ones to move slowly, keep voices low and let the kangaroos decide how close they’re comfortable with.
Beyond the kangaroo sanctuary, Heirisson Island is lovely for a gentle walk. A loop around the island is roughly 2km and takes around 20–30 minutes at toddler pace. The path is mostly flat and easy, with a few sandy or slightly rougher sections where you might slow down a pram but can still get through. There are benches scattered along the way if you want to stop and soak up the river views or watch the boats glide past. Kids tend to be fascinated by people fishing near the Causeway, and if you’re lucky you might even spot dolphins cruising through the river.
The island has more facilities than you might expect from such a quiet spot. There are toilets near the carpark and a small Playground, as well as barbecues, picnic shelters and picnic tables overlooking the water. It’s a great set‑up for an easy family picnic – you can bring bikes or scooters for the path, throw in a ball for the open grassed areas and settle in for an hour or two.
From parts of the island you’ll catch glimpses of Optus Stadium and the city skyline, which makes it feel like a little green pocket tucked inside the middle of Perth.
Heirisson Island is also a place of deep cultural significance. Long before it became a landscaped reserve, this part of the river was known to Whadjuk Nyoongar people as Matagarup, meaning “leg deep” – a description of the shallows where people could cross the Swan River. The island is recognised as an Aboriginal heritage site and remains an important place for Nyoongar culture. On the western side of the island you’ll find the striking statue of Yagan, a Whadjuk Nyoongar leader and resistance fighter from the early years of the Swan River Colony. It’s a powerful spot to pause with older kids and talk about the history of the river and the Traditional Owners of the land.
For families, a visit to Heirisson Island is best treated as a relaxed, low‑key outing rather than a full‑day adventure. Pack hats, sunscreen and plenty of water – there are some shady sections but much of the island is open and can get hot in the middle of the day. Closed‑in shoes are handy for sandy paths, and a light jumper is useful if you’re visiting near sunset when it can cool down quickly. Remind kids to stay away from the roadways that cut through the Causeway area, and to respect any signage about where to walk and where dogs can and can’t go.
One of the nicest ways to enjoy Heirisson Island is to combine it with nearby attractions. You might park on the island for a loop walk and kangaroo spotting, then head into East Perth for a coffee or an early dinner, or pair it with a wander along the river towards Optus Stadium. However you structure your visit, it’s a surprisingly peaceful pocket of nature in the middle of the city – a chance for children to see kangaroos in a more natural setting, learn a little about Nyoongar culture and enjoy an easy riverside walk without leaving Perth.
Heirisson Island
Address: Heirisson Island, Swan River (between East Perth and Victoria Park), Perth WA
Opening hours: Island and car park open 24 hours; free entry (three‑hour parking limit applies)
Official website: Heirisson Island | Visit Perth
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Kellie Elliott is an adventurous mum of four who’s turning Perth into her playground! When she’s not busy wrangling her little ones, you can find her on Instagram at Perth Mum Adventures, where she shares all her exciting adventures. From exploring new playgrounds to discovering off-the-beaten-path treasures, Kellie’s knack for turning everyday outings into thrilling adventures will leave you inspired and ready to explore the best that Perth has to offer!
[…] Heirisson Island, located in the middle of the Swan River, is an excellent spot to spot kangaroos up close. The island features a short loop trail that is easy for kids to navigate, with plenty of opportunities to see wildlife and enjoy the river views. The area is peaceful and offers a great escape from the city bustle. See more in the Buggybuddys review. […]