Hillarys Boat Harbour is still one of Perth’s top family day‑out spots, and in recent years it’s only become more of a destination. Between the safe swimming beach, AQWA, Island Aqua Park, bowling, arcades, loads of places to eat and an ever‑growing list of events across Hillarys Boardwalk and Sorrento Quay, you can easily spend a full day – or a whole weekend – here with kids of all ages.
Swimming, Sand and Play
The sheltered marina beach remains the main drawcard for families. The shallow, calm water is ideal for toddlers and younger children, with big shade sails helping to keep everyone sun‑safe on the sand. A hard‑surface path down onto the beach means strollers and beach wheelchairs can access the water more easily, making it a good option for families needing better accessibility.
Confident swimmers love the pontoons out in the water, which usually feature slides and plenty of space for jumping, splashing and racing friends. Right on the sand there’s a shaded beach Playground for little ones, so you can set up in one spot and let the kids rotate between sand play, slides and swimming.
Just south of the southern car park you’ll find another protected stretch of ocean with a shark net, giving older or stronger swimmers a bit more room to move while still feeling safe. On busy summer days, the wide grassy areas around the harbour fill with picnic rugs, beach tents and families staying for the whole day.
Island Aqua Park
One of Hillarys Boat Harbour’s most exciting recent additions is the Island Aqua Park, a massive floating obstacle course set in the calm waters of the harbour. Operating throughout the summer season (typically December to March), this attraction is a huge hit with school-aged children and teenagers, offering 80-minute sessions packed with slides, monkey bars, climbing walls, and more. Participants aged 6 to 16 (with adults welcome as supervisors) must be confident swimmers, as the water is around 3 metres deep, but life jackets are provided and trained lifeguards are always on duty. Parents can relax and watch the high-energy fun from the jetty or nearby cafes, enjoying prime views of the course.
AQWA and Marine Adventures
AQWA – The Aquarium of Western Australia – remains a must‑do whenever you visit Hillarys with kids. It’s an easy way to spend a couple of hours out of the sun, exploring marine life from across WA’s coastline. Younger children are drawn to the touch‑pools and colourful reef tanks, while the huge walk‑through underwater tunnel, where sharks, rays and turtles glide overhead, impresses everyone.
If you’re planning a Rottnest Island adventure, Hillarys is also the departure point for Rottnest Fast Ferries. The trip takes around 40 minutes, and during whale migration season you can also book whale‑watching cruises from the harbour – a great choice for older kids and teens who love wildlife.
Breakwater Bowl – Indoor Fun for All Ages
A big new option for families, especially on hot afternoons or cooler days, is The Breakwater Bowl. Tucked inside The Breakwater, this 7‑lane ten‑pin bowling alley brings classic family fun to the marina.
The lanes are slightly shorter than traditional centres, but that doesn’t take away from the experience – if anything it helps younger players feel more successful. Bumper rails and bowling ramps are available to support little bowlers, so the whole family can join in. A single game with two kids takes roughly 30 minutes, so booking two games gives you a more satisfying outing.
Playgrounds, Parks and Open Space
Beyond the beach Playground, the large grassy areas around the marina are ideal for picnics, ball games and running off energy. Many families pick up fish and chips or pizza from nearby eateries and settle in at a picnic table or under a tree while the kids play.
A short walk north brings you to Hillarys Beach Park at Whitfords Nodes, with a newer Playground that mixes traditional play equipment and nature play elements. It’s a great add‑on if you’ve already spent time in the harbour and want a change of scene without getting back in the car.
On the boardwalk you’ll also find a small gaming arcade zone, a big hit with older kids and tweens who love a round of air hockey or a go on the latest machines between swims.
Food, Treats and Waterfront Dining
Between Sorrento Quay and Hillarys Boardwalk there’s an ever‑growing choice of food options, from quick bites to sit‑down meals with a view.
San Churro remains a go‑to for families looking for a treat. Their rich hot chocolates and churros are a winner in cooler months, and the dessert menu is ideal for sharing. Dome offers a broad, familiar menu including a kids’ section, and the relaxed café vibe is perfect for breakfasts and brunches.
3 Sheets at the harbour is still a firm family favourite. The menu is packed with crowd‑pleasers like pizzas, ribs, burgers and salads, and the waterfront location is hard to beat. Kids especially love being handed water pistols to help keep seagulls away – a fun touch that makes the meal memorable.
Scattered through the precinct, you’ll also find chain favourites like Subway, Nando’s and Grill’d alongside local fish and chip shops, gourmet hotdogs and casual takeaways. Many families prefer to grab their food to go and eat on the lawns overlooking the water.
For dessert, there are multiple spots to grab ice cream, gelato or frozen yoghurt, such as Bellissimo Gelato and Cold Rock Ice Creamery, as well as cafes offering milkshakes, smoothies and sweet slices. It’s almost impossible to leave Hillarys without a cone in hand.
Shopping at Sorrento Quay and Hillarys Boardwalk
Sorrento Quay and Hillarys Boardwalk together create a relaxed, resort‑style shopping strip along the water. You’ll find kids’ footwear, surf and swimwear, fashion for all ages, jewellery, souvenirs, homewares, lolly shops and more. It’s a great place for kids to spend their pocket money and for adults to pick up gifts or a new beach outfit.
Regular markets – such as the popular Mili Markets – pop up throughout the year, adding handmade goodies from local makers to the mix. Combined with the everyday stores, it makes Hillarys a fun place to wander even if you don’t plan on going in the water.
Events and Atmosphere
Across the year, the harbour hosts a packed calendar of events, from live music and outdoor entertainment to seasonal activations and special family days. The precinct really buzzes over summer and during school holidays, when pop‑up fairgrounds, sideshow games and other attractions appear on the waterfront.
Staycations and Overnighters
For families wanting to linger longer, Hillarys makes a brilliant base for a staycation. Hillarys Harbour Resort offers apartment‑style accommodation right opposite AQWA, with the marina, beach, restaurants and Playgrounds all just a short stroll away. Kids can mix up time at the harbour beach with the resort pool and spa, and being able to duck back to your room for naps or a break from the heat is a big plus with younger children.
An overnight stay also lets you enjoy the quieter early mornings and those beautiful sunset views over the marina, when the boardwalk is less crowded and the lights reflect off the water.
Practical Tips for Visiting with Kids
There is plenty of free parking, but it does fill quickly on warm weekends and school holidays, so aim to arrive earlier in the day if you can. Paths are mostly flat and pram‑friendly, and there are ramps between levels, though it’s worth checking individual venues for accessibility if you need step‑free entry.
For a full day out, pack swimmers, towels, hats, sunscreen, spare clothes and perhaps a change of warm clothes for evenings by the water. If you’re planning Island Aqua Park or bowling, booking ahead online is strongly recommended in busy periods.
With its combination of safe swimming, Island Aqua Park, AQWA, Breakwater Bowl, arcades, Playgrounds, shopping, dining and regular events, Hillarys Boat Harbour has evolved into a true “one stop” family destination. Whether you’re chasing an action‑packed school holiday adventure or a low‑key coffee and play morning, it continues to be one of Perth’s most kid‑friendly coastal spots.
Find more things to do with kids in Perth here.
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Amanda Carlin has her own food and travel blog. Established in 2013, “The Chef, His Wife and Their Perth-fect Life” has enjoyed an exciting name change in 2021, as “The Chef’s Ex-wife” embarks on new adventures with Simply PERTHfect. Amanda loves getting out and about in Perth and WA, as well as brunching, tapas or something a little fancy in equal measures. With her son “Little Chef” in tow, Amanda always has plenty of family friendly eating options to recommend too! Be sure to check out Simply PERTHfect.
