Explore
Herring Island
Herring Island Environmental Sculpture Park is a small 3.2ha artificial island located in Melbourne's Yarra River at South Yarra, approximately 3kms from the city centre.
Accessible by a punt service on weekends and public holidays from January to Easter, you can catch the punt across from Como Landing and enjoy a day out at the quaint picnic area and take a stroll around the Herring Island Environmental Sculptures.
The punt usually operates from the first weekend of January until the Easter long weekend (Easter Monday included). This is also a great time to attend the Summer Arts Festival on the island.
Alternatively, you can also make your own way there in a boat, canoe, kayak or paddleboard and explore the island. Private charter vessels also provide transport options to the island.
The old scout hall was renovated to form the Herring Island Hall and Gallery. Open for the summer arts festival, the building is also available for functions, exhibitions and meetings.
The island is a modified landscape created when the Yarra River was straightened in the 1920s to reduce flood damage from the surrounding suburbs. It is now a nature and art lovers paradise alike.
Things To Do
Environmental Sculpture Park
Barbecuing and picnicking at Herring Island
Herring Island Sculpture Trail
Tours and adventure experiences in parks
One of the best ways you can get into nature is with a Licensed Tour Operator.
There are more than 400 Licensed Tour Operators across Victoria who are ready and waiting to help you experience and connect with Victoria’s spectacular parks and waterways.
Discover more than 60 different types of nature-based experiences including hiking, mountain biking, boating, four-wheel driving, indigenous culture tours, birdwatching, surfing, diving and so much more.
Licensed Tour Operators know the all best places to go and will plan and prepare your visit to ensure you are safe and can enjoy your nature-based adventure to the fullest.
How to get there
Herring Island
Herring Island Environmental Sculpture Park is accessible by boat, kayak, canoe and stand-up paddleboard.
On weekends and public holidays in the summertime, catch the punt across from Como Landing from the first weekend of January until the Easter long weekend (Easter Monday included).
Need to know
Herring Island
Accessibility
The paths on Herring Island are gravel and undulating with inclines so are not easily accessible for people in wheelchairs or with prams.
Visiting a park can be more of a challenge for people with disabilities, however in Victoria there are a wide range of facilities to help people of all abilities enjoy our wonderful parks around the state.
Assistance dogs are welcome in Parks Victoria parks and reserves. Entry requirements apply for parks and reserves that are usually dog prohibited, such as national parks.
Change of Conditions
Nature being nature, sometimes conditions can change at short notice. It’s a good idea to check this page ahead of your visit for any updates.
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Notices Affecting Multiple Sites
Shallow waters - Herring Island Environmental Sculpture Park
The Herring Island meander on the Yarra River has reduced water depth as a result of built up sediments. Please ensure that you navigate this area with caution as certain sections have encroached into the main section of the river (near Como and Wesley Rowing landing).Further updates and changes to conditions will be provided as needed.Notice to river users - river closures, works, and events
As Waterway Manager under the Marine Safety Act 2010 Parks Victoria wishes to advise these waterway closures and activities (PDF) on the Yarra River, Maribyrnong River and Victoria Harbour.Attachments: NTRU October 20 (337KB)
Notice to river users - river closures, works, and events
As Waterway Manager under the Marine Safety Act 2010 Parks Victoria wishes to advise these waterway closures and activities (PDF) on the Yarra River, Maribyrnong River and Victoria Harbour.Attachments: NTRU October 20 (337KB)
Notice to river users - river closures, works, and events
As Waterway Manager under the Marine Safety Act 2010 Parks Victoria wishes to advise these waterway closures and activities (PDF) on the Yarra River, Maribyrnong River and Victoria Harbour.Attachments: NTRU October 20 (337KB)
