Hillarys Master Plan
The Hillarys Boat Harbour Master Plan (the Master Plan) encompasses a series of initiatives and aspirations to ensure the continued success of Hillarys as a unique destination and visitor focal point north of Perth.
Importantly, the Master Plan aims to deliver opportunities to increase the activities and attractions available to improve the competitiveness of Hillarys as an Activity Centre. The Master Plan introduces physical, infrastructure and operational improvements to the landscape, built form, activities and surrounding environment that will see the Hillarys Boat Harbour remain as one of the most visited tourist and family destinations in Western Australia.
Hillarys traffic changes
Hillarys timed parking trial
The Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure (DTMI) is trialling changes to parking at Hillarys Boat Harbour to improve access and manage increasing visitor demand.
From 27 February 2026, time restricted parking will be introduced in the busiest areas of the harbour for up to two months. The trial is designed to increase parking turnover close to key destinations and ensure longer stay parking options are available for penholders, ferry users, staff and those staying longer at the harbour.
During the trial:
- car parking will remain free across the harbour;
- new pick up and drop off zones and 4P (four-hour) parking limits will apply in high demand visitor areas in the southern and northern precincts;
- a short stay P45 (45 minutes) parking zone will be created adjacent to the southern boat pens (Jetties A-F) and harbour management office; and
- longer term parking bays will be available in the northern precinct and a section of the southern precinct for employees, all day and longer stay penholders and visitors.
Information about the changes has been shared ahead of the trial, with signage in place on site.
The initial trial phase will focus on informing all harbour visitors and users about the parking trial. DTMI is working with the City of Joondalup to monitor adherence to the new time restrictions, consistent with existing measures for the trailer parking area.
Feedback from businesses, employees and harbour users will be invited during the trial and considered as part of the evaluation.
Contact Harbour Management
Email: hillarys@transport.wa.gov.au
Hillarys Activation and Access Upgrades
A series of improvements are underway to enhance how visitors and locals use and access Hillarys Boat Harbour.
Short term works will deliver a refurbishment of the beach toilets, incorporating additional accessible toilets and changing spaces, and replacement of the fishing platform to provide universal access.
DTMI is also planning for a Youth and Family Plaza to reactivate the former Great Escape Water Park site.
Engagement with stakeholders and young people will guide the facilities within the space; it’s envisaged it will offer a mix of recreational, fitness and casual hangout spaces, as well as a new changing pavilion for families near the beach.
This interim reactivation will provide immediate benefits to young people and families while robust, longer-term planning is undertaken to deliver the significant transformations envisaged by the Hillarys Boat Harbour Activation Masterplan.
Alongside the activation initiatives, DTMI is working with the City of Joondalup and Main Roads WA to enhance pedestrian access across Whitfords Avenue into the harbour.
Project background
The Great Escape Water Park closed in 2016, and since then attempts to secure a world class attraction for the site have been unsuccessful. Local demographic patterns show Hillarys attracts a higher proportion of families with children over ten years, creating significant demand for free, positive, and engaging recreational activities for young people.
The State Government has committed $14 million to improve activation and access for Hillarys Boat Harbour.
Project timeline
2026
- Stakeholder engagement
- Planning and design
2027
- Contract award
- Detailed design
- Commence works
2028
- Project completion
Project status
Beach toilet refurbishment and fishing platform works will be delivered by the end of 2026.
Bike parking for visitors
Did you know around 170,000 people ride along West Coast Drive, many visiting Hillarys each year? The new facilities make it easier to choose two wheels over four.
The new facilities which increase the number of bike parking places at Hillarys from 44 to 116, are in 12 new locations at major entrance points to the harbour and also closer to the retail and entertainment precinct. Hillarys now hosts:
- 32 new bike racks
- 12 family friendly rails
- 2 bike repair stations
- 2 bike parking shelters
Bike parking at Hillarys for staff
More and more people are choosing to use bicycles as transport. Interest is generally focused on short trips and in areas where competing modes of transport are expensive, congested, inefficient and/or unreliable.
With at least 100 staff in the harbour providing end of trip cycle infrastructure at Hillarys will provide a number of benefits for both workers and visitors. As bicycle parking is more efficient, an increased number of people are able to access the Harbour, which will take pressure off parking and improve access to the Harbour.
The cage is located between the Harbour Management Office and AQWA on the southern side of the Harbour.
Public art mural
The Master Plan will take some time to come to fruition, and the DTMI are investing in a number of short-term revitalisation projects, including providing the opportunity to create a large-scale mural to add a splash of colour and fun to the area. As part of the process, the artist and DTMI engaged local students from Hillarys Primary School, Duncraig Senior High School and Prendiville Catholic College. The artist, Peter Ryan Art has incorporated their designs into the final product as well as helping design an amazing selfie wall for all to enjoy.
Improved wayfinding
Works on the new directional signage has now been completed at Hillarys Boat Harbour. Hillarys Boat Harbour is a unique destination in Perth’s north combining a working harbour and marina with retail, dining and entertainment options along with family friendly recreation opportunities. This project was to design and install signs including maps, directions, and symbols to help guide visitors to their destination.