Heirisson Island Kangaroo Sanctuary is a mini island in the middle of Swan River, right in the heart of Perth, Western Australia. Situated next to the city center, Heirisson Island Kangaroo Sanctuary is easily accessible by foot, public buses, or private vehicles. The island is connected via both sides of Swan River by the Causeway Bridge (for cars, cyclists & pedestrians) and the new Boorloo Bridge (cyclists & pedestrians only).
Heirisson Island Kangaroo Sanctuary is free to visit, no ticket or booking needed.
Heirisson Island Kangaroo Sanctuary
After a short walk via the bridge and entering the fence gate, you are in the sanctuary zone. Based on your luck, you may stumble across a group of kangaroos right away, or you may need to venture around the island to look for them. Sometimes, people walked the whole island (footpaths provided) and did not see any, because the kangaroos may be sleeping in the thick bushes.
Early mornings and late evenings are kangaroos’ most active time where they move around to feed.
On a hot afternoon, they are most likely to be taking naps under the shades or hiding in the bush.
I met John, a local expert who comes here very often, so much that the kangaroos are already used to having him around. He mentioned that all the kangaroos here are female kangaroos, as the population on the sanctuary island is controlled. Also, male kangaroos are more likely to be aggressive towards clueless humans.
There are tiny islands within the island, where you may spot some local and migratory birds. I spotted some pelicans, cormorants, egrets and black swans on one of the mini islands. There were also many willie wagtails (yes they like to wag their tails) flying around the sanctuary.
Important: Respect The Kangaroos’ Space
This is not a petting zoo. While they may be used to seeing humans, the kangaroos in Heirisson Island Kangaroo Sanctuary are still wild. You may get close to them but absolutely no touching or feeding them. If they stop doing what they are doing, or get up from their resting position, you are too close for their comfort.
When visiting in groups, make sure not to surround or corner them, and always give an ‘escape opening’ to avoid distressing the kangaroos. And keep your voice down. Be chilled and they will chill with you.
On a sunny Monday morning in the summer, I decided to revisit the quiet sanctuary just to spend some hours being around the kangaroos. And, I found one group just chilling and napping under the trees.
It was a perfect spot under the tree for me to just sit there quietly and observe the kangaroos, just a few meters away from them. How: I approached very slowly and indirectly to ensure they are not frightened, and observed their body language to get into the closest distance to them without making them uncomfortable.
Reading a book while chilling with a bunch of kangaroos is probably the most ‘Disney’ thing I did in Australia.
Got some kangaroo gossip?
Kangaroo: “Draw me like one of your Aussie sheilas.”
Zzz
That look when you over-napped and woke up more tired.
And back to sleep…
Feeling snackish.
Reflecting on life.
In the end, I spent more than three hours sitting with the same bunch of kangaroos. Achievement unlocked! May I now say that I spent more time around kangaroos than 99% of Australians? Hehe.
By noon it was real hot, and I decided to take the free summer public transport and to add the heat with a bowl of curry laksa at nearby East Burg (the probably-Malaysian chef/owner reckoned I’m Malaysian and asked if I wanted the actual spicy version. I said yes, of course!)
Have this guide helped you? Tag @meowtainpeople in your hiking stories & posts!
*Captain Planet passing by* Remember, please take care of our environment, and please don’t destroy the Nature. Leave no trash behind and take back only photos and memories (and also some trash if you can). Walk on the designated path and stay in the middle as much as you can, so that the exposed soil doesn’t spread/corrode further. BE ONE WITH NATURE *flies away*
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