Hillarys fishing platform closes for $1.2 million accessibility upgrade
Hillarys Boat Harbour’s northern breakwater fishing platform is closed until early November for a $1.2 million upgrade to improve access, safety and fishing capacity.
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The fishing platform at Hillarys Boat Harbour’s northern breakwater has closed until early November while a $1.2 million upgrade is completed.
The works will extend the platform and add wheelchair stops and fishing rod holders, creating more space while improving safety and access for people of all abilities.
The project forms part of the Western Australian Government’s broader $14.1 million investment in activation and access improvements at Hillarys Boat Harbour. The package includes upgrades to the inner harbour changerooms, improved pedestrian access and planning for a new Youth and Family Plaza on the former Hillarys Great Escape water park site.transport.wa.gov+1
Hillarys MLA Caitlin Collins said the upgraded platform had been designed after consultation with local organisations, including Recfishwest and Fishability, which represents fishers with disabilities.
“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.”
The inner harbour changeroom refurbishment has also begun and is expected to be finished by the end of 2026. The works will include new universal access toilets and a family change pavilion, while temporary public toilets will remain available during the closure.
Pedestrian access to the precinct is also set to improve, with signalised crossings planned along West Coast Highway and Whitfords Avenue.
Further changes are planned for the former Great Escape site, which has remained largely unused since the attraction was demolished in late 2017 after closing in September 2016.
The proposed Youth and Family Plaza could include skating areas, sports courts, a climbing wall, fitness facilities, casual relaxation spaces and a new family changing pavilion near the beach. Construction is expected to begin in 2028.
Ms Collins said the plaza would be an interim reactivation initiative rather than a permanent facility.
“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.”
The Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure said the fishing platform and inner harbour changerooms would remain closed while construction continued. Both projects are expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
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