Ferry to Hillarys

Compare all available ferry crossings and secure the best deals for your journey. At Openferry, we make it easy to find and book ferry tickets to and from Hillarys in just a few clicks.

Because ferry travel can be seasonal, frequencies and departure times often change throughout the year. We recommend using our live search to see the most accurate schedules and information for your travel dates including:

Popular Connections: The port of Hillarys connects to several high-traffic destinations, including Rottnest Island - Hillarys.

Top-Tier Operators: Regular services to and from Hillarys are provided by leading carriers like Rottnest Fast Ferries, Rottnest Express.

Amenities vary depending on the specific vessel and operator, but most ferries serving Hillarys feature:

Comfortable Seating: Options ranging from standard lounges to premium airplane-style seats.

Dining & Leisure: Onboard cafés and restaurants serving food and drinks.

Travel Essentials: Restroom facilities and, on longer routes, private cabins for added privacy.

Vehicle Transport: Most sailings accommodate cars, motorbikes, and campervans, allowing you to take your own transport to Hillarys.

Hillarys is currently served by 2 ferry routes operated by 2 ferry operators including Rottnest Fast Ferries, Rottnest Express.

Hillarys is easily accessible from Perth city center via Mitchell Freeway, with the journey taking approximately 25 minutes by car. Regular bus services connect from Joondalup train station to Hillarys Boat Harbour, making public transport a convenient option. If arriving from regional areas, major coach services run to Perth, from where local connections can be made. The ferry terminal at Hillarys Boat Harbour features ample parking facilities, including free short-term and paid secure parking options. For those staying nearby, several coastal walking paths lead directly to the harbor area.

Nestled along the stunning coastline of Western Australia, Hillarys offers a perfect blend of maritime charm and modern entertainment. This bustling coastal suburb, just 21km northwest of Perth, serves as an ideal gateway for travelers exploring the region by ferry. With its iconic Hillarys Boat Harbour, pristine beaches, and relaxed atmosphere, visitors can experience the quintessential Australian coastal lifestyle while enjoying convenient access to nearby island adventures.

Hillarys enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The period from October to April offers ideal conditions for beach activities and water sports, with temperatures ranging from 25-35°C (77-95°F). February and March provide perfect weather with fewer holiday crowds than the peak December-January period. Winter months (June-August) bring cooler temperatures and occasional rainfall but offer whale-watching opportunities and more peaceful harbor experiences. Ferry services operate year-round, though summer schedules offer increased frequency to accommodate the higher visitor numbers.

Rottnest Island stands as the premier destination accessible from Hillarys, with ferry crossings taking just 45 minutes across the sparkling Indian Ocean. This car-free island paradise is famous for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear bays, and friendly quokkas. Seasonal ferry services also connect to Carnac Island, a nature reserve just 10km offshore that's renowned for its sea lion colonies and seabird populations. More adventurous travelers can book specialty cruises to the Abrolhos Islands, offering world-class fishing, diving, and wildlife viewing across 122 islands. Hillarys serves as an excellent jumping-off point for exploring Western Australia's stunning coastal environments.

The vibrant Hillarys Boat Harbour forms the heart of local attractions, with its collection of waterfront restaurants, boutique shops, and the family-friendly AQWA (Aquarium of Western Australia) showcasing the unique marine life of the region. Beach enthusiasts will appreciate the protected swimming areas at Hillarys Beach, perfect for families, while Sorrento Beach offers excellent snorkeling opportunities along its limestone reef. For culinary adventures, sample fresh seafood at the harbor restaurants, where Western Australian rock lobster and freshly-caught fish feature prominently on menus. The coastal walking trail connecting Hillarys to Mullaloo provides spectacular ocean views and dolphin-spotting opportunities for those seeking active exploration.

Hillarys Boat Harbour was named after Bertram John Hillary, a pioneering fisherman who built the first shack in the area in 1930. The harbor itself represents one of Australia's largest coastal marina developments, constructed at a cost of $30 million and officially opened in 1988 as part of Australia's bicentennial celebrations. Before becoming a popular tourist destination, the Hillarys area was primarily used by local fishermen who stored their boats in limestone caves along the coastline. The distinctive lighthouse at the harbor entrance isn't just decorative, it functions as a working navigational aid for vessels approaching from the Indian Ocean.