Heirisson Island Sculpture Park

In the middle of the Swan River, at the eastern gateway to the City of Perth, sits one of the little known jewels of Western Australia - Heirisson Island.

The history of Heirisson Island is a microcosm of the history of Western Australia. An important Aboriginal hunting ground and river crossing that was named by French explorers, the Island became a vital part of the transport routes for a growing British colony and then developed further with the vibrant, growing city around it.

Through its history, Heirisson Island presents a very special opportunity to create a contemporary, high quality, custom designed setting to reflect and inform the community of the indigenous history of our city and our state.

Stone Forest, Kimio Tsuchiya
Grizedale

The 2008 Master Plan containing the sculpture park concepts supports the objectives of the earlier 2001 Heirisson Island Management Plan (Draft). These are:

To protect and conserve Heirisson Island's cultural heritage
To interpret and highlight the Aboriginal and European history
To reinforce the island's role as a traditional crossing through time and culture, and as one of the last remaining islands on the Swan River
To increase the community's awareness and understanding of the island's historic and cultural values.

The 2008 Master Plan includes formal and informal gathering places for story telling and events. There are opportunities in the plant selection to reflect the Indigenous and European heritage. The curvilinear wall to the visitor centre presents an opportunity for the inclusion of artworks to reflect the heritage of the site.