This prelapsarian river island is a sanctuary for the Yarra's original trees, grasses and indigenous animals. Within is an impressive collection of environmental sculpture, including work by Brit Andy Goldsworthy and numerous Australian artists, among them Julie Collins, Robert Jacks, Robert Bridgewater, John Davis and Ellen José. There are designated picnic and BBQ areas. On summer weekends, a Parks Victoria punt operates from Como Landing on Alexandra Ave in South Yarra; at other times you'll need a kayak to get here.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Melbourne attractions

1. Como House & Garden

0.33 MILES

A wedding cake of Australian Regency and Italianate architecture, this elegant colonial residence is Melbourne heritage royalty. Dating from 1847, it…

2. Charles Nodrum Gallery

0.95 MILES

Situated in a lovely old house, this quality commercial gallery specialises in the Australian abstract and alternative art movements from the 1950s to the…

3. Prahran Market

1.08 MILES

Prahran Market is a Melbourne institution and foodie paradise. The facade – designed by Charles D'Ebro in Queen Anne revival style – dates back to 1891…

4. Royal Botanic Gardens

1.24 MILES

Considered one of the finest examples of Victorian-era landscaping in the world, Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens draw over two million visitors a year…

5. Mountain Goat Brewery

1.26 MILES

This local microbrewery occupies a lofty warehouse in Richmond's backstreets. Sample its range of beers with more than a dozen on tap while nibbling pizza…

6. Scar Tree

1.29 MILES

This fenced-off stump of a river red gum is a rare reminder of pre-colonial Melbourne. The bark was removed by the local Wurundjeri people with a stone…

7. Melbourne Cricket Ground

1.41 MILES

With a capacity of 100,000 people, the "G" is one of the world’s great sporting venues, hosting cricket in summer and AFL (Australian Football League,…

8. Australian Sports Museum

1.42 MILES

Hidden away in the bowels of the Melbourne Cricket Ground, this sports museum features exhibits focusing on Australia’s favourite sports and historic…