Hillarys Boat Harbour facts for kids
Hillarys Boat Harbour is a fun and busy marina and tourist spot. It is located in Hillarys, just north of Perth, Western Australia. This popular place sits right on the beautiful Indian Ocean.
Contents
Building the Harbour
Hillarys Boat Harbour was the first big marina built in the northern part of Perth. Work on the harbour began in September 1985. The boat launching areas were finished in October 1986. Boats started using the special parking spots, called pens, two months later. This was just before the famous 1987 America's Cup sailing race began.
Over the years, the harbour has grown and changed. In 1999, a company called the Wyllie Group bought the main shopping area, known as Sorrento Quay.
New Developments and Upgrades
In 2004, the Wyllie Group announced a big plan to make the harbour even better. They wanted to add more shops and restaurants. They also planned a new two-story building for food and drinks. This project was approved in 2005.
In May 2006, the government also helped by putting $5 million into the harbour. This money was used to add new boardwalks and improve picnic areas. They also added new barbecue spots, toilets, and better lighting. More trees, grass, and shady areas were also put in for everyone to enjoy.
The new development opened on December 13, 2008. It cost about $30 million in total. This included a new building called the Breakwater Tavern. More boat pens were also built, and a new ferry terminal for trips to Rottnest Island was added.
It's important to know that dogs are not allowed at Hillarys Boat Harbour.
Fun Things to Do
Hillarys Boat Harbour is home to many exciting attractions for visitors of all ages.
AQWA - The Aquarium of Western Australia
One of the main attractions is AQWA - The Aquarium of Western Australia. This amazing aquarium shows off the incredible sea life from Western Australia's long coastline, which is about 12,000 kilometers! You can see all sorts of fish, sharks, and other marine animals up close. AQWA is open every day from 10 AM to 5 PM.
Other Adventures
Besides the aquarium, there are many other fun things to do around the harbour. You can take a helicopter flight for an amazing view from above. If you love the ocean, you can go on fishing charters or boat cruises. A ferry also leaves from here every day to the beautiful Rottnest Island, where you can meet the famous quokkas!
The Great Escape Amusement Park
In 1995, an amusement park called The Great Escape opened at the harbour. It had three water slides, trampolines, and a mini-golf course called "Wacky Putt." It was a popular place for families.
However, the park closed in June 2016 because its lease was not renewed. It briefly reopened some of its dry attractions later that year. The park was eventually taken down in November 2017.
After The Great Escape closed, there were plans for a new fun complex. This new area was going to have two themed 18-hole golf courses, a special surfing ride called a double flowrider, a cafe, and a small bar. These plans were announced in September 2018, but the project was later cancelled.
Images for kids
-
Beach and waterslides of The Great Escape visible in the background in 2015, prior to demolition.
