Herring Island, Thomas Oval Fenced Dog Park, Orrong Road

 Today is a lovely spring day with typical weather - part sunny, then rainy, and windy! We went to Herring Island for Birrarung Marr Festival. Herring Island is a man made island in the middle of Yarra River. It was created in 1929 as part of works on the Yarra River and can be accessed only during the summer months via a free punt service in Jan to Apr or on 'Open Days' via a bridge which is what we did today. There are 9 sculptures on the island that visitors can find and experience while they are on the island. As well, there are wildlife like skinks, snakes, dragonflies, birds to observe on the island, not to mention the flow of brown waters of the Yarra River. It can be quite soothing and relaxing amidst the background noise of car sounds on the Monash Freeway nearby. 

Enroute to Herring Island, we drove on Orrong Road, a public street lined with big, grand trees which are lushly green. These are the same trees that shed all their foliage during autumn, no doubt causing the gardeners of the big mansions along the road a lot of grief! In a regional town, the boulevard would be called Avenue of Honour.

We parked near Kanteen which is packed full with customers because of its awesome location on the banks of the Yarra River, the walking trail along the river and sports grounds. Today, we forgo the $16.50 three egg omelette because we were having picnic on Herring Island. I packed as though we were going to spend the night camping on the island (which btw, is not allowed) so there is plenty of food. 

We spent 2 hours eating, going on the sculpture trail (we found 8 of the 9 sculptures!), and enjoying nature. The little centre on the island was not open today, instead there are guides seated near the entry to the island providing information and welcoming visitors. 

On the way back, we walked to the Thomas Oval Fenced Dog Park. It is Stonnington's first dedicated dog park where dogs can roam around unleashed. There are some 'obstacle course' or activity areas for dogs in the park like hoops for them to play with. Even though I do not have a dog, I can see that it would be a very exciting place for dogs to visit. It also has the best view for a dog park - you can see part of the city skyline from the park. For the dog owners, there are also activity areas i.e. gym equipment nearby. 

Thomas Oval Fenced Dog Park - the dog park with the best city views

One of the nine sculptures on Herring Island - Fallen Fence. We have a few in our neighbourhood thanks to the extremely strong winds this spring.

We spotted a heron by the riverbank, looking as though it was going to dive into the water but 'chickened' out! We spent about 3 hours on Herring Island and walking along the trail to the dog park. It is a good outdoor activity for a nice summer day.