Heirisson Island

Heirisson Island is an artificial island in the Swan River between East Perth and Victoria Park in Perth, Western Australia. Created from reclaimed mudflats and linked by the Causeway, it is managed as a public reserve by the City of Perth. The island is notable for its resident western grey kangaroos, open parkland, walking paths, and the memorial statue of Noongar warrior Yagan, offering city and river views close to central Perth.

Visitors can expect an open, landscaped river island reserve with grassed parkland, paved walking and cycling paths, and views of the Swan River, Perth city skyline and Matagarup Bridge. The island is known for a small mob of western grey kangaroos that can often be seen grazing, particularly at dawn and dusk. There is a prominent bronze statue of Yagan, picnic and barbecue areas, and interpretive signage. The setting is tranquil and natural despite its central urban location.

The island is named after French midshipman François-Antoine Heirisson of the Baudin expedition which explored the Swan River in 1801. Originally a series of mudflats and small islets in the Swan River, the present island was formed through reclamation works in the 1920s associated with construction of the Causeway. It has since been developed and managed as a public recreation reserve.

The island holds significance for the Whadjuk Noongar people as part of the Swan River (Derbarl Yerrigan) area. A prominent bronze statue of Yagan, a Noongar warrior of the early colonial period, was erected on the island in 1984 and is a focal point for visitors learning about local Aboriginal heritage.