There is potential for the public to learn more about this relatively well-kept secret.
Parks Victoria is currently seeking public feedback on the future use and management of Herring Island.
A draft concept for the island suggests upgrading its two landings, as well as exploring options for improved frequency and accessibility for the punt.
Friends of Herring Island volunteers Stanley Barker and Damian Curtain.Credit: Justin McManus
“It’s such a great space, and it’s probably under utilised. It’s not very easy to access,” says Parks Victoria ranger team leader Ross Polke during a tour of the island with The Sunday Age.
While he wants more people to visit, Polke acknowledges that much of the appeal of Herring Island lies in how little used it is.
“It’s a tricky balance between providing more opportunity for people to use the space, while also maintaining the kind of secret nature of it,” he says.
That could mean increasing the amount of time that the punt is in operation or allowing larger vessels to dock and bring visitors. There’s only one idea that’s off the table.
The wattle is out on Herring Island.Credit: Justin McManus
“The suggestion gets thrown in every now and then to build a bridge directly across,” says Polke.
“That would completely change the island and invite a whole lot of new issues. ”
For long-time Friends of Herring Island volunteers Stanley Barker and Damian Curtain, the beauty of it is in its solitude.
A group of up to 20 people come across every month or so to help with weeding or planting.
Much of the vegetation was planted by the group, which involved finding varieties that would grow well in the silty soil that was dredged up to create the island in the first place.
There is a sense of solitude on Herring Island.Credit: Justin McManus
Back then, it was like a barren moonscape. Now, you can almost get lost among the plant life.
“It’s just a little bit of recreated nature for the animals to come back,” says Curtain, the group’s “president for life”.
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“It’s a nice little secluded spot in the middle of the city.”
But Curtain is happy for more people to come and see it.
“I like it being a quiet place, but I don’t want it to be a secret,” he says. “Come and quietly enjoy it, look at the art, enjoy the nature.”
Barker’s affinity for the place may stretch beyond his lifetime.
“My family have talked about scattering my ashes here,” the 78-year-old laughs.
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Source Agencies
