Hillarys: Marina, Marine Life and Kayak Trail

Hillarys offers several ways to enjoy a stay by the water: you can discover Western Australia’s marine life at AQWA, enjoy the facilities at Hillarys Boat Harbour or plan a paddle along the route to Little Island. A beach within the marina and walking paths around the harbour add to the options.

AQWA and Western Australia’s marine life

More than 45 unique exhibits at AQWA showcase only the marine life of Western Australia. This regional focus makes a visit an encounter with the wildlife of this coast. Guided talks, feeding sessions and interactive experiences take place daily and are included in the admission price. So, alongside the exhibits, you can also take the daily program into account when planning your visit.

Supervised interactions are available at the AQWA touch pool during the day. Children must be closely supervised at all times. The Shipwreck Coast area, including the underwater tunnel, is accessible by lift.

Marina, beach and walking paths

A variety of harbour facilities come together at Hillarys Boat Harbour: there are shops, dining and entertainment, as well as family-friendly activities. Walking paths run throughout the harbour area. The marina offers recreational and commercial vessels boat-launching facilities, as well as mooring and anchoring options. This means the area caters both to visitors on foot and to those using the harbour facilities.

Facilities throughout Hillarys Boat Harbour include parking, shelters and repair stations. This is useful information when planning a visit to the harbour.

Hillarys Marina Beach is located within Hillarys Boat Harbour. The marina shields the beach from waves, creating calm waters for small children. This beach area therefore offers a different focus from AQWA’s exhibits or the harbour facilities: its appeal lies in the sheltered waters for small children.

Paddling to Little Island and diving nearby

The Little Island Kayak Trail is an easy, two-kilometre paddle from Hillarys to Little Island. There, you can swim and snorkel. An accessible kayak launch platform is located near the boat ramps within Hillarys Boat Harbour. The waters around Little Island are designated as a marine reserve.

Another aquatic experience nearby is Boyinaboat Reef: the reef lies in a protected, or no-take, zone and is one of Perth’s most popular dive sites because of its easy access and beauty. The two options are clearly distinct: the Kayak Trail takes you by paddle to Little Island, while Boyinaboat Reef is a dive site. You can choose between paddling, with opportunities to swim and snorkel, and a diving destination.

Tailor your stay to your interests

When planning your trip, it helps to first decide what you would like to focus on. AQWA combines exhibits with a daily program; the harbour offers walking paths, dining and other leisure activities; and the Kayak Trail provides a paddling route to Little Island. Nearby Boyinaboat Reef adds a well-known dive site to the area’s attractions.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Point Samson, Woodbridge, Manjimup, Jurien Bay, Redmond, Stratham, North Beach, Leeman.

For the broader travel overview: Western Australia.