[1] Levee banks were constructed up on the island, and trees and shrubs were planted; but they were swept away by a major flood in November 1934.

[2] After the flood waters receded, new trees and shrubs were planted, and the levees were built up with more river silt.

The Island contains indigenous vegetation, and provides important habitat for native fauna, particularly birds and insect eating bats.

Grey headed flying foxes (megabats) visit at night in search of flowering and fruiting native trees.

For years, the Island had been used as a depository for silt dredged from the Yarra River and has experienced periods of neglect.

The island is inhabited by several species of birds, including honeyeaters, willie wagtails, cormorants, kookaburras, magpies, wattlebirds and white-faced herons.

[5] Cairn by British sculptor Andy Goldsworthy is made from Castlemaine slate, and is located in the only valley on the island.

[5] A Hill, a River, Two Rocks and a Presence is a work in timber and stone by Melbourne sculptor John Davis.

[5] Tanderum by Torres Strait Islander artist Ellen Jose is constructed of Mt William greenstone, Castlemaine slate and redbox.