Current visitor information
Verified summary
- This is a marina and waterfront precinct, not a conventional open-ocean surf beach.
- The precinct includes Sorrento Quay, AQWA, marina facilities, walking routes, dining and ferry departures.
- Accessibility facilities include a beach access pathway, beach wheelchairs, accessible toilets, a universal-access jetty and a swim platform.
- The timed-parking trial has ended, but free 4P, P45 and longer-stay arrangements remain while permanent changes are considered.
- The northern fishing platform and inner-harbour changerooms are closed during works expected through the end of 2026; temporary public toilets remain available.
May change: Parking limits, breakwater access, construction areas, ferry departures and individual business hours.
Official sources: Transport WA Hillarys Boat Harbour , Hillarys upgrade and parking information , Hillarys beach wheelchair information
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Sorrento Quay
Sorrento Quay is the harbour's shopping and dining boardwalk. Use it for meals, short waterfront walks and services around the main visitor precinct.
AQWA
AQWA is the main ticketed attraction at Hillarys and provides an indoor marine-life visit. It can anchor the day when outdoor conditions are poor.
Hillarys Marina
Hillarys is an operating marina with boat ramps, pens, service facilities, ferry berths and commercial departures. Visitor routes should stay clear of operational boating areas and follow harbour signs.
Protected Swimming Areas
The harbour includes protected recreation beach areas and a swim platform. Treat these separately from open-ocean surf beaches and follow current water, weather and onsite guidance.
Ferry And Cruise Departures
Ferries and cruises use the harbour. Confirm the operator, departure point, check-in time and parking arrangement directly with the operator before travel.
Parking
The timed-parking trial ended on 31 July 2026, but Transport WA says its arrangements remain while feedback and parking data are considered. Parking remains free, with 4P limits in high-demand visitor areas, a P45 zone near the southern pens, and longer-stay areas in parts of the northern and southern precincts. Follow the current signs.
Accessibility
The harbour provides accessible toilets and parking, tactile paths, a beach access pathway, a universal-access boat jetty, a swim platform and beach wheelchairs. Two beach wheelchairs are available free through the current access process. The northern fishing platform and inner-harbour changerooms are closed during the current works, with temporary public toilets available.
Current Works
Transport WA expects the northern fishing-platform replacement and inner-harbour changeroom refurbishment to continue through the end of 2026. Southern breakwater maintenance is also under way for several months, with an exclusion zone and temporary traffic changes; pedestrian access is via the car park west of AQWA. Check the official project page before visiting.
Final Verdict
Plan Hillarys as a mixed waterfront day built around AQWA, Sorrento Quay, marina walks or a booked departure. Do not treat it as interchangeable with Perth's open-ocean surf beaches.
Keep planning
Local And Similar Options
AQWA
Within the same compact local area, based on straight-line distance.
Aquarium
View AQWA guideSorrento Quay
Within the same compact local area, based on straight-line distance.
Beach precinct
View Sorrento Quay guideMettams Pool
Not nearby; shown only as a same-category alternative for a different outing.
Snorkelling spot
View Mettams Pool guideFAQ
Is Hillarys Boat Harbour a surf beach?
No. It is primarily a marina and waterfront precinct with protected recreation and swimming areas.
What is at Hillarys Boat Harbour?
The precinct includes Sorrento Quay, AQWA, dining and retail, marina facilities, walking routes, protected swimming and ferry or cruise departures.
Is parking free?
Yes. Transport WA says parking remains free, with 4P, P45 and longer-stay zones still in place after the trial ended. Follow current signs because permanent arrangements have not yet been announced.
What accessibility facilities are available?
Facilities include accessible parking and toilets, tactile paths, a beach access pathway, beach wheelchairs, a universal-access jetty and a swim platform.