A calm, sheltered beach, AQWA, a summer aqua park and fish and chips on the boardwalk. Here's my guide to a family day out at Hillarys Boat Harbour.
One of Perth’s best family day trips
Hillarys Boat Harbour, in Perth’s northern suburbs, packs a lot into one spot. There’s a calm, sheltered beach, an aquarium, playgrounds, a summer aqua park and plenty of places to eat, all within walking distance.
It’s one of the easiest places in Perth to spend a full day with kids, and here’s my guide to making the most of it.
“Great for family outings, couples, friends, a solo walk.”
Susan D, Google review
The calm harbour beach
The sheltered beach inside the marina has shallow, calm water, which makes it perfect for toddlers and young children. There are shade sails, a beach playground and a hard-surface path that lets prams and beach wheelchairs reach the water.
Confident swimmers can head out to the pontoons, which often have slides over summer. Just south of the southern car park, there’s also a shark-netted stretch of ocean for older and stronger swimmers.
“Always our favourite spot-came here with my son when he was little to play and learn how to swim”
Solucky, Google review
AQWA, the Aquarium of Western Australia
AQWA is right on the harbour and is a highlight for kids. There are touch pools, reef tanks and a walk-through underwater tunnel with sharks, rays and turtles. It’s also a great escape on a hot afternoon.
Island Aqua Park
Over summer, usually from December to March, the floating Island Aqua Park opens in the harbour. It’s an inflatable obstacle course for ages 6 to 16, with life jackets and lifeguards provided. Kids need to be confident swimmers, as the water is around 3 metres deep. Book ahead in busy periods.
More to do on the boardwalk
- Breakwater Bowl: a seven-lane bowling alley with bumper rails and ramps for little bowlers.
- Arcade: a small games zone that’s popular with older kids.
- Shops and lolly shops: browse Sorrento Quay and the Hillarys Boardwalk.
- Playgrounds: Hillarys Beach Park at Whitfords Nodes, a short walk north, has a newer playground and lots of grass.
Where to eat
You won’t go hungry at Hillarys. There are fish and chip shops, ice cream parlours, churros and plenty of cafes and restaurants along the boardwalk.
For more ideas, see our guide to the best fish and chips by the water in Perth.
“Lovely restaurants, beautiful fresh seafood.”
Natalie P, Google review
Day trip to Rottnest
Rottnest Fast Ferries depart from Hillarys, with a trip of around 40 minutes to the island. It’s a great alternative to leaving from Fremantle if you live north of the river. See our Rottnest Island guide.
Parking and tips
- Parking is free but fills quickly on warm weekends and in the school holidays, so arrive early.
- Paths are mostly flat and pram-friendly.
- Pack swimmers, towels, hats, sunscreen and a change of clothes.
- Hold on to your chips, as the seagulls are bold.
A day out for everyone
With calm water, AQWA and great food all in one place, Hillarys Boat Harbour is one of Perth’s best family days out. For more summer ideas, check out our guide to the summer school holidays.
Featured image: Orderinchaos, CC BY 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The sheltered harbour beach has shallow, calm water, shade sails and a beach playground, which makes it perfect for toddlers and young children.
