Fire-affected parks remain closed as others reopen.

Before you leave home, check for park closures and download the VicEmergency app.

Banksia Park Picnic Area (Yarra River, Yarra Valley Parklands)

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Banksia Park Picnic Area (Yarra River, Yarra Valley Parklands)

Enjoy a day out with the family and friends in this large picnic area, with a broad expanse of mown lawns with numerous large trees and surrounded by native vegetation. The park can be accessed from Templestowe Road, Bulleen. The Banksia Park Picnic Area is a popular location with visitors of all ages. The park is perfect for cyclists, joggers, walkers and those who enjoy a breath of fresh air.

The area has a picnic shelter and tables, playground, accessible toilets and drinking water. BYO bbqs can be set up on the specially marked areas adjacent to the picnic tables. There are no litter bins on site, however coal bins are available for the disposal of cold coals only. Please take all other rubbish away for recycling or disposal.

In the case of an emergency dial 000 for police, fire, and ambulance. If your network has no signal dial 112 to access any available network.

How to get there

Banksia Park Picnic Area (Yarra River, Yarra Valley Parklands)

Banksia Park Picnic Area (Yarra River, Yarra Valley Parklands)

Need to know

Banksia Park Picnic Area (Yarra River, Yarra Valley Parklands)

Safety in nature

You can benefit both mind and body when you get outdoors to explore and experience Victoria's natural places. Before you go, take a look at our safety tips and check our changed conditions and closures information for a great visit.

Accessibility

Visiting a park can be more of a challenge for people with disabilities, however, in Victoria there are a wide range of facilities to help people of all abilities enjoy our wonderful parks around the state. Parks Victoria provides a range of a equipment, including all-terrain and beach wheelchairs, facilities, accommodation and accessibility information and programs to help you plan and enjoy your visit to Victoria's parks.

Assistance dogs are welcome in Parks Victoria parks and reserves. Entry requirements apply for parks and reserves that are usually dog prohibited, such as national parks.

Warnings & Restrictions

Dogs

Dogs are allowed but must be on a leash

Restrictions

  • No drones without a permit
  • No camping

Warnings

  • Terrain hazards
    • Slippery surface
  • Other warnings
    • Limbs may fall take care

Be Prepared

Stay safe and get the most out of your park visit by preparing for natural hazards and other outdoor risks in Victoria’s parks. You are responsible for your own safety and the safety of those in your care. Find out more.

Change of Conditions

Nature being nature, sometimes conditions can change at short notice. It’s a good idea to check this page ahead of your visit for any updates.

Herring Island free punt service 2026

The free public Punt service to Herring Island Environmental Sculpture Park will begin on Saturday 3 January 2026 and will end on Easter Monday 6 April 2026.  Parks Victoria only operates this service on weekends and public holidays ( Australia Day, Labour Day, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday) and any midweek access to the island needs to be organised via other vessel providers.
 
Operating times will be: 11am to 5pm sharp. (No service from 12:30 - 1:00pm). Running  approximately every 15 minutes.
 
- Please note the first Punt at 11am will be from Como Landing and last Punt service leaving the Island will be at 5pm.
- Please be patient as delays getting to and from the island may occur
- Maximum of 12 passengers per trip 
 
Como Landing can be accessed from a path that runs down to the river from the Main Yarra Trail, Alexander Avenue, South Yarra (just down from café Kanteen).
 
In the event of extreme weather conditions, Parks Victoria may cancel the punt operation and stop access to Herring Island.

Other conditions to watch for:
 
  • Snakes are present on the island, please keep a watch out.
  • The paths are uneven gravel surfaces, some with swale drains which can make it difficult to traverse.
  • Please take your rubbish home with you.
 
Things to see and do:
 
  • Environmental sculptures
  • Birdwatching
  • Picnic and BBQ

Attachments: Herring Island Punt Information signage 2026 (330KB)

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