Heirisson Island: Where can I see kangaroos in Perth?

Heirisson Island in Perth acts as a crossing of the Swan River. But if you visit, you can enjoy barbecues, a playground, the Yagan statue and the much-love Heirisson Island kangaroos. It’s the easiest place to see kangaroos in Perth.

Why visit Heirisson Island?

If there’s one thing Australia is not short of, it’s islands. And some of them are utterly fantastic for visitors. Car-free Rottnest Island makes a great day trip from Perth on the ferry – it’s Australia’s quokka island and the cute marsupials can be seen all over the place. Sydney Harbour is sprinkled with islands, such as historic Cockatoo Island. And the Queensland coast has a greedy collection of islands to explore. Start with shipwreck snorkelling on Moreton Island, work your way up to 4WD tagalong tours on Fraser Island. Then take a ferry to Hamilton Island, cruise the Whitsundays, fly over Heart Reef and indulge in watersports on Magnetic Island.

With such a selection of coastal islands to choose from, it’s perhaps no surprise that some of Australia’s inland islands are overlooked. But there are several in lakes and rivers to choose from, like Hindmarsh Island in South Australia or Aspen Island in Canberra. Heirisson Island in Perth is one of these.

5 great day trips from Perth – make your visit special

Rottnest Island ferry transfer – with bike hire and snorkelling gear. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Pinnacles desert – with koalas 🐨 and sandboarding.
Wave Rock day tour – with wildflowers & Aboriginal culture.
Margaret River wineries experience 🍷 – with tastings, caves & Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse.
Full day Swan Valley wine tour 🍷– with lunch.

Swan River islands in Perth: Heirisson Island

Weighing in at 28.5 hectares, Heirisson Island lies in the Swan River. It acts as a link between the two banks, with a causeway bridge crossing the island from East Perth to the suburb of Victoria Park. The Little Ferry Company’s Swan River cruises pass by the island.

Heirisson Island got its name in 1801 from French sailor François-Antoine Boniface Heirisson, who was part of Nicolas Baudin’s scientific expedition aboard the Naturaliste.

Historically, Heirisson Island has always been an important crossing point for the Indigenous Noongar people. The area, once surrounded by mud flats, allowed the Noongar to cross the Swan River in leg-deep water. A statue of Noongar warrior Yagan, who led resistance to European settlement in Perth’s early years, stands on the island. This is the same Yagan that Yagan Square in central Perth is named after.

DON’T MISS OUT! 9 fabulous Perth experiences to book today ✅

✅ See the Rottnest Island quokkas the smart way – with a ferry and bike package.
✅ Be amazed by the abundant wildlife – on a dolphin, penguin and sealion cruise.
✅ See clear night skies in a moon-like desert – on a Pinnacles stargazing experience.
✅ Indulge in chocolate, cheese & premium wines – on a Swan Valley food and wine tour.
✅ See the city sunset from the water – on a Swan River dinner cruise.
✅ Watch gold being melted and poured – on a Perth Mint gold tour.
✅ Combine nature with imperious city views – on Kings Park Segway tour.
✅ Face your fears and get the thrill of your life on a – on a 15,000ft skydive.
✅ Find all the best hidden hangouts – on a small bar and street art tour.

What to do on Heirisson Island: Kangaroos in Perth, WA

These days, Heirisson Island’s main role is to act as a place of relaxation. It’s somewhere to get a breath of fresh air amid nature, close to the centre of the city. There are public barbecues and a children’s playground to help make an afternoon of it, but the main attraction for overseas visitors will be the handful of kangaroos that live on the island.

The Heirisson Island kangaroos are generally rather sleepy during the day, but good luck finding kangaroos closer to a major city centre anywhere else in the country.