Hillarys Boat Harbour fishing platform closed for $1.2m upgrade

The fishing platform at Hillarys Boat Harbour’s northern breakwater is now closed until early November while a $1.2 million upgrade is carried out.

The works will see the platform extended, with wheelchair stops and fishing rod holders added to improve safety, accessibility for people of all abilities, and increase fishing space and capacity.

Part of a broader $14.1m improvement package, the project is one of several works planned for the harbour by the State Government.

Hillarys MLA Caitlin Collins said the platform’s new design was developed in consultation with local organisations.

“The fishing platform upgrades will deliver an enhanced recreational fishing experience at Hillarys Boat Harbour by improving universal access and inclusivity for users of all abilities,” Ms Collins said.

“The department collaborated closely with key stakeholder groups, Recfishwest and Fishability/fishers with disabilities, to ensure the design meets the diverse needs of the community.”

Among the other multimillion-dollar projects planned or already underway at the harbour are a Youth and Family Plaza on the former Great Escape water park site, upgrades to the inner harbour change rooms and improved pedestrian access to the precinct.

The refurbishment of the change rooms has commenced, with the works expected to be completed by the end of the year and to include new universal access toilets and a family change pavilion.

The pedestrian access improvements will see signalised crossings installed along West Coast Highway and Whitfords Avenue.

Construction on the proposed Youth and Family Plaza next to Hillarys Harbour South Beach is expected to begin in 2028.

The former site of the Hillarys Great Escape has remained largely untouched since the attraction was demolished in late 2017, following the water park’s closure in September 2016.

Ms Collins said the proposed Youth and Family Plaza could feature skating areas, sports courts and a climbing wall, but the facility is not expected to be permanent.

“The Youth and Family Plaza is an interim reactivation initiative to provide essential upgrades within the harbour and immediate benefits to the community while robust, longer-term planning is undertaken to deliver the significant transformations envisaged by the Hillarys Boat Harbour Activation Master Plan,” she said.

“Engagement activities with key stakeholders is scheduled to commence in late October 2026 and will inform possible scope functions by capturing stakeholder insights and aspirations for the Youth and Family Plaza.”