All visitors except New Zealand citizens need a visa (ETA or eVisitor for eligible countries). Apply online before travel.

What is the currency?

Australian Dollar (AUD). Credit cards widely accepted; ATMs available.

What language is spoken?

English. Many locals also speak European and Asian languages.

Do I need a power adapter?

Australia uses 230V, 50Hz with flat three-pin plugs (Type I) — check your devices.

Can I drink the tap water?

Yes, tap water in Hillarys is safe and high quality.

Is Hillarys good for families?

Absolutely — the harbour, beaches, AQWA aquarium, and gentle water sports make it ideal for children.

How do I get to Rottnest Island?

Ferries depart from Hillarys Boat Harbour; journey takes about 25 minutes.

Are there medical facilities nearby?

Yes, a pharmacy in the harbour and Joondalup Health Campus (10 min drive) with emergency department.

What is the local time zone?

Perth is AWST (UTC+8), no daylight saving.

Can I drive with my foreign license?

Yes, if it's in English or accompanied by an official translation; valid for up to 3 months. Carry your license at all times.

Is there a tourist information centre?

The harbour has a visitor kiosk; also visit the Joondalup Visitor Centre online.

How much is a bus ticket?

A standard adult fare within Transperth zones is about $3.90 AUD (approx $2.60 USD); cheaper with SmartRider card.

Hillarys

SuburbPerth, Western Australia

Hillarys is a SUB AREA in Perth, Western Australia.

Hillarys, a sun-drenched coastal suburb just 20 minutes north of Perth's CBD, is a quintessential slice of Australian beach life wrapped in a vibrant marina scene. The heart of the action is Hillarys Boat Harbour, a sparkling waterfront precinct where the Indian Ocean laps at boardwalks lined with seafood restaurants, gelato bars, and boutiques. Here you can watch dolphins play in the marina, hop on a ferry to nearby Rottnest Island, or try your hand at fishing, kayaking, or stand-up paddleboarding. The beaches—Sorrento, North Beach, and the protected swimming enclosures—are family favourites, with soft white sand and gentle waves ideal for kids. Beyond the coast, the suburb offers lush parks, the AQWA aquarium (great for kids), and weekend markets at the Harbour. The vibe is laid-back and sporty; locals cycle, run, and sail year-round. As the sun sets, grab a craft beer at a harbourfront bar and watch yachts bob in the twilight. Hillarys is less about historic landmarks and more about relaxed coastal living—a perfect base for exploring Perth's northern beaches or unwinding after a day in the city.

Best time to visit Hillarys

The best time to visit Hillarys is from September to November (spring) and March to May (autumn). These shoulder seasons offer warm, sunny days in the mid-20°C range, low humidity, and fewer crowds. The water is pleasant for swimming and the wildflowers are spectacular in spring. December through February (summer) is hot (30-40°C) and busy with locals and school holidays; expect higher prices. Winter (June-August) is cooler and rainier, with fewer tourists but some grey days.

October

Now

Right now

Condition: Drizzle
Temperature: 12°
Feels like: 11°
Humidity: 65%
Wind: 1 km/h
Precipitation: 0.1 mm

Typical for October

Weather: Warm 17-25°C

Travel notes

Crowds: Moderate
Prices: Shoulder

Great for hiking and outdoor dining.

Weather from Open-Meteo

Know before you go

Getting there

PER

Perth Airport

International

35 km away

Getting around

"Hillarys is best explored by car, but public transport is available. Transperth buses connect to Warwick and Joondalup train stations for access to Perth CBD (roughly 30-40 minutes by train+bus). A SmartRider card makes travel cheaper and seamless. Rideshare (Uber, Ola) and taxis are reliable. For local trips, cycling is pleasant along the coastal shared paths; many hotels offer bike hire. The free CAT buses in Perth CBD don't run to Hillarys. Parking at the harbour can be tight on weekends; arrive early or take public transport."

Stay connected

WiFi speed

35 Mbps

Mobile data

Excellent

WiFi

Widely available in cafes, malls, and harbour; hotel wifi usually free

Local SIM

Prepaid SIMs from $10 AUD at Perth Airport or local stores (Telstra, Optus, Vodafone)

Stay safe

Overall

9/10

Scams are rare but be cautious with taxi overcharges and unlicensed tour operators.

Night safety

8/10

Scams are rare but be cautious with taxi overcharges and unlicensed tour operators.

Transport

9/10

Scam risk

6/10

"Hillarys is very safe, with low crime rates. Petty theft from unlocked cars occurs occasionally near tourist spots, so lock vehicles and secure valuables. At night, the harbour area remains busy and well-lit; walking alone is generally fine but standard caution applies. Beach safety is paramount—check conditions and avoid swimming at unpatrolled beaches. Sunburn and dehydration are common; carry water, reapply sunscreen, and wear a hat. Tap water is safe to drink. The biggest risk is wildlife: keep dogs away from snakes in bushland and never approach kangaroos. Overall, a very low-risk destination for families and solo travellers."

Police

000

Ambulance

000

Fire

000

Entry and health

Health information

"Australia has excellent healthcare. For short-term visitors, reciprocal healthcare agreements (RHCA) cover UK, Ireland, New Zealand, and several other countries, giving access to Medicare for medically necessary treatment. Always carry your passport and Medicare card if eligible. For others, comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended. Sun protection is critical—use SPF50+ even on cloudy days. Beach safety: swim between the red and yellow flags and be aware of rips. Pharmacies are widely available for minor ailments. In an emergency call 000 for ambulance, fire, or police."

Culture

Local customs

"Australians are generally informal and friendly. Greeting with a handshake and 'hello' is fine. Tipping is not expected but appreciated for excellent service (10% in restaurants, leaving change for taxis). Beach etiquette: keep to designated swim areas, respect surfers, and clean up after yourself. Sunscreen and hats are normal. Swimwear is acceptable at the beach but not in shops or cafes—cover up with a t-shirt or sarong. Casual dress is the norm, even in restaurants, though smarter wear may be seen at upscale harbour eateries. Australians value personal space and queuing politely."

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