Heirisson Island, Perth

Heirisson Island is a unique and historically significant island located in the Swan River at the eastern end of Perth Water. This island, named after French midshipman François-Antoine Boniface Heirisson from the scientific expedition led by Nicolas Baudin between 1801 and 1804, has a rich history that dates back to its initial mapping. Heirisson was part of the crew aboard Le Naturaliste, and the island was named in his honor in June 1801 following their comprehensive exploration and mapping of the Swan River from Fremantle.

The area also drew the attention of Captain James Stirling in 1827, shortly before the establishment of the Swan River Colony in 1829, marking it as a place of interest during the early European exploration of Australia's western coast. Originally, the site comprised several small islands surrounded by mudflats. Its indigenous Noongar name, Matagarup, meaning "leg deep," is a testament to the area's natural state before significant human alteration through dredging and reclamation, which eventually merged these fragments into the present-day Heirisson Island.

Today, Heirisson Island has been transformed into a landscaped nature reserve that offers a serene escape within the city's bustling environment. A 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) walking path invites visitors to explore its beauty and tranquility. In a bid to reintroduce wildlife to the island, five female western grey kangaroos were introduced in 1998, with an additional pair (a female with a male joey) brought in 2000, enhancing its natural appeal.

The island also serves as a memorial space, with a statue erected in September 1984 to honor the Aboriginal warrior Yagan, symbolizing the rich Aboriginal heritage and the complex history of European-Aboriginal relations in the region.