Explore
Herring Island
Herring Island is a small 3.2ha artificial island located on the Birrarung “Yarra River” in South Yarra Naarm, approximately 3kms from the city centre.
To get to the island, catch the free punt service (weekends and public holidays from January until Easter) or make your own way there in a boat, canoe, kayak, or paddleboard.
The island is best known for its unique sculpture park. The trail that weaves through these sculptures is a must-do for anyone visiting the island.
Herring Island forms an environmental corridor of wildlife and regional vegetation. The island consists of indigenous forest and grassland communities. The dominant vegetation includes River Red Gum around the perimeter, Silver Wattle, Manna Gum, Drooping Sheaoke, Southern Mahogany, Wallaby and Spear Grass, Chocolate and Bulbine Lilies, and native Everlasting Daisies.
The varieties of birds that occupy this vegetation commonly seen include Honeyeaters, Willie Wagtails, Cormorants, Darters, Kookaburras, Magpies, Wattlebirds and Herons. Waterbirds such as the Pacific Black Duck, Maned Ducks and Dusky Moorhens shelter and forage within the reeds. Possums, lizards, and snakes are also found on the island.
Herring Island history
Herring Island is the only substantial island on the Yarra River. Originally a basalt quarry in the 1800s, the island was formed by excavating the tip of Richmond, changing the natural course of the river.
During the 1950s and 1960s, the Australian Scout Association leased the island then known as Como Island, which was renamed after the then President, Sir Edmund Herring. In the 1990s the island became managed by government and, 1996, Parks Victoria in association with Maudie Palmer developed the concept for an Environmental Sculpture Park. Unique sculptures were added to the island's landscape to provide a retreat from the urban environment of the city. In 1997, Maudie Palmer repurposed the Scout Hall into a gallery, which was transformed by architect Gregory Burgess.
Things To Do
Herring Island Environmental Sculpture Park
Barbecuing and picnicking at Herring Island
Herring Island flora and fauna
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 all the 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, canoe, kayak, and stand-up paddleboard. Licensed Tour Operators also provide transport options to the island.
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).
When you're there
Download the Herring Island visitor guide for more information and a map of the island.
Site hire
The old Scout Hall was renovated to form the Herring Island Gallery. Open for the Summer Arts Festival, the building and some areas of the island are available to hire for events and exhibitions.
Volunteer
There is an area set aside on Herring Island called the Conservation Area where the Friends of Herring Island have undertaken an intense programme of native revegetation which creates a 'special sense of place'. The friends group meet once a month to help protect, maintain, and restore the islands unique environment through activities including invasive plant management and supporting indigenous flora and fauna through planting. The group encourages new volunteers to get involved, to become a volunteer, register with ParkConnect, create your volunteer profile and explore many diverse and exciting activities.
Need to know
Herring Island
Accessibility
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. Parks Victoria provides a range of a equipment, including all-terrain and beach wheelchairs, facilities, accommodation and accessibility information and programs to help you plan and enjoy your visit to Victoria's parks.
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.
Safety in nature
You can benefit both mind and body when you get outdoors to explore and experience Victoria's natural places. Before you go, take a look at our safety tips and check our changed conditions and closures information for a great visit.
Please stick to paths on the island to avoid snakes and rough terrain.
Swimming is not permitted in the Yarra River and is not permissible for accessing Herring Island due to safety risks posed by the area being dedicated as a boating channel with subsequent high levels of vessel activity.
Restrictions
Please note that no dogs, cats or pets are allowed on the island. Bicycles are not permitted. Camping is also not permitted on the island.
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 September 19 (343KB)
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 September 19 (343KB)
How we keep it special
Help us look after your park by following these guidelines: Please take rubbish away with you for recycling & disposal. All native plants and animals are protected by law. Please do not disturb them in any way.
Parks Victoria is proud to be a key partner in the implementation of the Yarra Strategic Plan, Burndap Birrarung burndap umarkoo. Delivering the plan is a Victorian Government commitment to protect our treasured Yarra River, Birrarung, and its parklands for future generations.
