If you’re looking for a free family adventure that feels like a mini escape from the city, Herring Island Environmental Sculpture Park is one of Melbourne’s best-kept secrets.
Located just 4 kilometres from the CBD, this peaceful island sits on the Birrarung (Yarra River) in South Yarra. Despite being so close to the city, it feels wonderfully removed – surrounded by water, trees and open space. Best of all, it’s completely free to visit, making it perfect for families wanting a low-cost day out.
What is Herring Island?
Herring Island is a small 3.2-hectare artificial island that can be reached by a free punt (little ferry) operating on weekends and public holidays from January through to Easter. Visitors can also arrive by kayak, canoe, paddleboard or private boat.
The island is best known for its Environmental Sculpture Park, where large-scale sculptures are thoughtfully placed throughout the natural landscape. A walking trail winds its way around the island, offering a relaxed and scenic walk that works well for families who want to explore at their own pace.
Why Families Love Visiting
Herring Island offers the kind of outing that feels simple, calm and unrushed. The short punt ride across the river instantly feels like an adventure for kids, while the island itself provides plenty of space to wander, explore and picnic.
Families love that there are shaded walking tracks, outdoor sculptures to discover along the way, and grassy areas perfect for spreading out a picnic rug.
There are also BBQ facilities and toilets on the island, which makes planning the day much easier. With no entry fees or attractions to rush through, it’s a place where kids can slow down and adults can actually relax.
Things to Do on the Island
One of the highlights of visiting Herring Island is following the sculpture trail, where artworks are scattered through bushland and open spaces. The sculptures are spaced out enough to keep kids engaged without feeling overwhelming, and the walk itself is just as enjoyable as the art.
Herring Island is also a lovely spot for a picnic or BBQ. There is no café on the island, so bringing food, water and snacks is essential, especially on warmer days. Many families choose to pack lunch and spend a few hours enjoying the peaceful surroundings.
Nature lovers will also enjoy wildlife spotting. The island forms part of an environmental corridor and is home to a wide variety of birdlife including kookaburras, honeyeaters, herons and ducks. Possums, lizards and snakes are also present, so it’s important to stick to the paths and keep a close eye on children.
A Brief History of Herring Island
Herring Island is the only substantial island on the Yarra River and has a fascinating past. Originally a basalt quarry in the 1800s, the island was formed in 1928 when a channel was cut through the river to help reduce flooding. Natural basalt outcrops can still be seen today, offering a glimpse into its industrial history.
The island was once known as Como Island and was leased by the Scout Association of Australia in the mid-1900s. It was renamed Herring Island in 1952 in honour of Sir Edmund Herring. In the 1990s, management of the island shifted to the state government, and in 1996 it was developed into an Environmental Sculpture Park, blending art with nature to create a peaceful retreat from urban life.
Herring Island also sits on the traditional Country of the Wurundjeri People, and Parks Victoria acknowledges the deep and continuing connection Traditional Owners have to these lands and waters.
How to Get There
The easiest way to visit Herring Island is by catching the free punt from Como Landing on Alexandra Avenue in South Yarra. The punt operates on weekends and public holidays from the first weekend of January through to Easter. It runs between 11am and 5pm, departing approximately every 10–15 minutes, with a short break between 12:30pm and 1pm.
The punt ride takes just a couple of minutes but is often a highlight for kids. Prams are generally fine on the punt, though during busy periods you may be asked to fold them briefly.
Accessibility and Prams
The paths on Herring Island are gravel and gently undulating, with some inclines. While the island isn’t fully wheelchair accessible, visitors with prams can still enjoy many areas, particularly around the picnic space, gallery and part of the sculpture trail. Some sections of the island are more uneven, so taking it slow and planning your route helps.
Important Things to Know Before You Go
Dogs and pets are not permitted on the island, except for registered assistance dogs. Bicycles, scooters and camping are also not allowed. Swimming in the Yarra River is prohibited due to boating traffic and safety risks.
Snakes do live on the island, so it’s important to stay on marked paths, supervise children closely and wear enclosed shoes. As with all natural spaces, visitors are asked to take their rubbish home and respect the environment.
Best Time to Visit
Herring Island is lovely year-round, but spring and summer are especially beautiful, with wildflowers, warm weather and plenty of shade. Visiting earlier in the day is a good idea during peak summer weekends, as the punt can get busier later on.
Herring Island is one of those places that proves you don’t need to leave Melbourne – or spend money – to enjoy a memorable family day out. It’s peaceful, unique and wonderfully simple, offering a mix of nature, art and fresh air just minutes from the CBD.
If you’re looking for a free, family-friendly outing that feels like a proper escape, Herring Island is well worth adding to your list.
Melbourne with Kidz (MWK) 
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