Head to Hillarys
Wandering the luxury boats for sale, it feels like a small European harbour. Watching sunset over the Indian Ocean over the marina feels like West Coast USA. Strolling around the boardwalks feels a little bit Brighton UK.
Most Perth people have been the half an hour north of Perth to Hillarys Boat Harbour, home of Hillarys Yacht Club; AQWA – The Aquarium of Western Australia; Sorrento Quay & Sorrento Quay Boardwalk and Hillarys Harbour Resort. They have been to Hillarys Boat Harbour for a day visit but as a weekend away staycation it is an awesome location.
Friday…
Check into your staycation accommodation. You can stay on site at Hillarys Boat Harbour or across the road at Sorrento Beach Resort The joy of a weekend away staycation is heading out for a sunset, enjoy a drink or two and meal, knowing you can just head back to your room afterwards.
So, head to the Sorrento Quay Boardwalk for some drinks and dinner. There are so many to choose from, it’s hard to suggest something. The Breakwater is famous in the area for its bars, entertainment and stunning location. It has evolved a lot since its original incarnation in the late 80s.
Saturday…
Go for a morning swim in the shark protected Sorrento Beach or the tranquil waters of the Stillwater Beach. If a walk is more your scene, walk north to Whitfords Nodes. There is a brand new playground and a lookout as part of the bush trails. Exercise junkies will find the steep sections satisfyingly challenging.
Hit the boardwalk for some retail therapy. There are a multitude of unique shops and weekend stalls. In the warmer months, December to April there is Sideshow Amusements.
There are many options for lunch and dinner on the Sorrento Quay Boardwalk and you can add the Sorrento Beach hub with Voyage (great for breakfast), Salt and Madam Queenie’s Asian fusion on West Coast Drive.
Sunday…
In summer the Markets by the Sea are held at Whitfords Nodes. There are few funky vintage caravans and kombis creating some good food.
After a leisurely breakfast, head to AQWA Aquarium and act like a tourist in your own town. AQWA has the largest walk through aquarium in Australia. If the adventure takes you, have a scuba dive with the sharks or just settle with the Leafy Sea Dragons.
AQWA used to have the dolphins that were released from the 1970s Atlantis Marine Park in Yanchep. Those dolphins are memorialised in a beautiful sculpture across from the marina bridge.
So go back and explore Hillarys Boat Harbour in a new light.
