Herring Island

Herring Island sits in the Yarra River near South Yarra, about 3 kilometres from Melbourne’s city centre. Follow its bushland paths to outdoor sculptures by artists including Andy Goldsworthy, then visit the small art exhibition or settle in at a picnic shelter. Parks Victoria runs a free punt from Como Landing on selected weekends and public holidays from January to April; outside those times, you can reach the island by kayak or canoe. Bring food and take your rubbish with you.

An island formed from a quarry

Herring Island is an artificial island in the Yarra River near South Yarra, about 3 kilometres from Melbourne’s city centre. It was created in 1928 when a channel was cut through an old basalt quarry. The island covers 3.2 hectares and lies opposite Como Park.

Native trees and grasses grow among the paths, including manna gums and silver wattles. Wildlife recorded on the island includes cormorants, kookaburras, magpies, honeyeaters, flying foxes, lizards and bats.

Sculptures among the trees

The outdoor sculpture collection brings together work by international and Australian artists. Artists represented include Andy Goldsworthy, Ellen José, Robert Jacks, John Davis, Julie Collins and Robert Bridgewater. The works sit along walking routes through the island’s bushland.

There is also a small building used for art exhibitions and events. The picnic area has shelters and barbecue facilities. Volunteers help maintain the parkland, so keep to the paths and take your rubbish away.