Hillarys Ferries

Unlock your adventure to Australia at the incredible port of Hillarys! It's your essential gateway to the stunning nearby islands. Imagine seamless connections and breath-taking scenic journeys – that's what awaits you.

As a bustling hub for both passengers and freight, Hillarys boasts an impressive 2 ferry routes operated by 1 top-tier ferry companies. Get ready for a convenient sailing experience from Hillarys, with schedules perfectly tailored to the seasons, ensuring you always find your ideal departure, no matter the demand, weather, or tourism buzz. Your unforgettable escape begins here!

Hillarys offers wonderful connections to popular routes like Rottnest Island - Hillarys. You can customize your trip by choosing between a swift high-speed ferry to get there in a flash or a classic vessel for a more scenic, relaxing journey. From quick local hops to leisurely overnight voyages, your island adventure starts here.

Getting to your destination is a breeze with several excellent ferry operators departing regularly from Hillarys. You'll find companies like Rottnest Fast Ferries ready to whisk you away.

Each offers a variety of onboard amenities to make your journey pleasant, from comfortable seating and delicious food and drink options to private cabins and even vehicle transport.

With a range of ticket options available depending on the company and vessel, there's something to suit everyone, whether you're traveling solo, with family, or on a business trip.

Whether you're dreaming of an exhilarating island-hopping escape, making your way back to the comfort of home, or embarking on a brand-new journey, your perfect voyage begins right here with Hillarys.

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.