Island Aqua Park, Hillarys: Review from our Family

Quick overview: our 80-minute family session at Island Aqua Park Hillarys

We visited Island Aqua Park in December 2025 with our three boys (ages 16, 14, and 11), and all five of us got in the water together. It was cold at first, but that was just temporary as the sun was warm at Hillarys Boat Harbour that day.

We booked an 80-minute session, which was the perfect amount of time for our active kids who wanted to explore every obstacle – we were all exhausted when the whistle blew to finish our visit.

The aqua park itself is a floating playground of interconnected inflatables moored inside the marina at Hillarys Boat Harbour. You access it by ladders at a boardwalk entry point (or just jump right into the water), and then splash your way through the course.

By the end of our session, the whole family was physically exhausted in the best way possible. There wasn’t a single dull moment during those 80 minutes. Our boys kept moving the entire time, and so did we.

We would recommend booking ahead at IslandAquaPark.com.au for the time slot you’re hoping for.

 

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Where is Island Aqua Park Hillarys and when does it run?

Island Aqua Park is located at Hillarys Boat Harbour, with check-in on the boardwalk. It’s easy to find once you’re in the harbour. Look for this yellow booth:

This is a seasonal attraction. The park typically operates during the Perth summer school holidays, roughly from early December to March. Exact dates vary by year, so always check before planning your visit.

Typical daily operating hours run across the day, with sessions generally available from morning to early evening. Session times can change based on demand and weather conditions.

Before you arrive, check the official website at islandaquapark.com.au or the park’s social channels for up-to-date info on:

• Session times and availability
• Weather closures
• Age and height restrictions
• Any seasonal changes to pricing

Hillarys Boat Harbour has plenty to explore beyond the aqua park. You’ll find restaurants along the boardwalk (our snack favourite was Nautical Bowls, and don’t miss Turkuaz Mediterranean food), a public beach, AQWA (the Aquarium of Western Australia), and Breakwater bowling. This makes it easy to turn your visit into a full day out.

Session length, prices & booking tips

The pricing model is straightforward: you purchase per-person tickets for a single timed session. Prices may change each season. Confirm current rates on the website before booking.

Sessions start at set times with a fixed number of spots per session. Weekend and school holiday sessions can sell out, especially during peak hours.

Island Aqua Park, Hillarys Booking tips:

• Book online in advance, particularly for mid-morning and mid-afternoon slots when families tend to visit
• Compare back-to-back session costs if your kids want more time, but consider fatigue first (if you’re planning two sessions, we’d recommend spacing them out with some beach time or even on separate days.
• Our three active boys found 80 minutes more than enough
• Arrive at least 20 minutes early for check-in, waiver signing, safety briefing, and fitting life jackets

That early arrival matters. If you show up right at session time, you’ll lose active minutes on the water while sorting out paperwork and gear.

What to expect on the inflatables: obstacles & activities our boys loved

Island Aqua Park is a network of large inflatables connected into a circuit. Think slides, climbs, jumps, and balance challenges, all floating inside a netted-off area of the harbour. The whole setup is designed to keep kids moving and challenged.

Obstacles and activities that stood out for our family:

Obstacle Highlights at Island Aqua Park

• Inflatable cliff
  Jumping repeatedly off the edge into the water
  Loved by all three boys
• Spinning log
  Sprinting across while it rotates under your feet
  Favorite of our 14-year-old
• Over water swing (trapeze-style)
  Swinging between obstacles before dropping into the water
  Preferred by our 16-year-old
• Climbing wall sections
  Pulling yourself up wet inflatable surfaces
  Enjoyed by everyone
• Balance beams
  Walking across narrow inflatable paths
  Great for playing tag games
• Monkey bars
  Upper body traversal over water
  Favored by our youngest son – our oldest’s legs were too long and dragged in the water

Our boys (16, 14, and 11) quickly found other kids on the course and organised a game of tag. They used different obstacles as “safe zones” and “tag zones,” which kept them entertained for most of the session.

The obstacles require moderate upper-body strength and coordination. This is especially true when you’re wet and tired from pulling yourself back onto the inflatables after falling in. That climb-out motion is the real workout.

Different sections have varying difficulty. Some low, wide pads work well for younger or less confident children. Taller towers, jumps, and monkey bars suit confident swimmers and teens who want more adventure.

The layout is roughly a looped course where you can move clockwise or counter-clockwise, with side branches leading to slides or jumps. You’re never stuck doing the same thing twice.

Age, swimming ability & who this park suits best

Island Aqua Park markets itself to kids and teens, but adults are welcome too. We both joined our boys on the inflatables and had fun doing it.

Typical rules based on industry standards:

• Minimum age around 6 years
• Participants need to be confident swimmers
• Younger children typically require adult supervision
• Anyone who can’t comfortably swim in open water may struggle (although, everyone is required to wear a lifejacket).

From our perspective, the sweet spot is probably pre-teens to teenagers, roughly ages 9+. The obstacles demand upper-body strength, coordination, and stamina that younger kids often haven’t developed yet.

We saw families there with younger children who still enjoyed it. Those kids tended to stay on the lower, easier elements and needed more help pulling back onto the inflatables after falling in the water.

Adults can participate and have fun. Many parents may prefer to supervise from the water’s edge or do shorter, less intense circuits than their kids. That’s perfectly fine. The sessions are suitable for mixed participation.

Life jackets are compulsory for all participants. Island Aqua Park provides them on-site. They help with flotation but don’t replace the need for basic swimming ability. Your kids should be comfortable in open water before you book.

The water in that area of the harbour is too deep to stand in.

Safety, water conditions & what the netted area is like

We pay close attention to safety when recommending activities to other families. Island Aqua Park takes this seriously.

Safety measures in place:

• Mandatory life jackets supplied on-site and worn by all participants
• Pre-session safety briefing before entering the water
• Staff and lifeguards supervising from platforms
• Netted-off swimming area around the inflatables

That netted area is worth mentioning. The net reduces the chance of “unexpected underwater visitors” in the marina. This made us more relaxed about being in the water, especially with younger visitors who might worry about what’s swimming below.

The water at Hillarys Boat Harbour is ocean water from the Indian Ocean. Typical summer conditions mean it’s clear enough to see your feet most days, though occasional chop or swell can occur depending on wind.

The water felt cold when we first jumped in during our December visit (even though it was high 30’s Celsius). But it quickly became refreshing once we were moving around in the sun. Give yourself a few minutes to adjust.

Talk with your kids ahead of time about:

• How to fall safely (arms in, feet first when possible)
• Avoid jumping on other visitors
• Signalling to staff if they’re tired or need a break
• Looking before diving or jumping off obstacles, and watch that you’re not swimming under a jumping obstacle

What to wear & what to bring (Practical packing list)

The right clothing can make or break your experience, especially with life jackets rubbing on wet skin.

What to wear:

• Rashie (rash vest) or snug t-shirt under the provided life jacket to prevent chafing on shoulders, neck, and underarms
• Snug swim shorts or one-piece swimmers that won’t ride up or shift when climbing, sliding, or falling
• Bare feet (no shoes on the inflatables – Island Aqua Park does offer non-slip socks for purchase on arrival)

What to apply before arriving:

• Reef-safe, waterproof sunscreen at home or in the car
• Focus on neck, ears, back of legs, and backs of hands
• Reapply once you’re done if staying in the sun afterward

What to leave behind:

• Jewellery and watches (can be lost in the water or puncture inflatables)
• Hats and sunglasses (same issue, plus potential for injury)
• Anything valuable that can’t get wet

We left valuables locked in the car. Much simpler that way.

Packing list for the day:

• Towel for each person
• Change of dry clothes: For restaurants or AQWA afterward
• Water bottle: Staying hydrated in Perth summer
• Small dry bag: For phones and car keys left onshore
• Extra sunscreen: For reapplication if spending the day

Weather, water temperature & best time of day to go

Island Aqua Park is exposed to the sun and weather in Hillarys Boat Harbour. Timing matters for both comfort and crowds.

Typical Perth summer conditions at Hillarys:

• Hot, dry, and sunny from December to March
• Midday UV levels often very high
• Afternoon sea breeze (the “Fremantle Doctor”) that can create a bit more chop on the water

Earlier morning sessions tend to be less crowded. This can be better for nervous or younger kids who want more space on the obstacles without feeling rushed by other visitors. We went for a 10am session.

Our family found the water initially cold in December. But it felt refreshing once we’d been moving for a few minutes. A sunny mid-morning or midday session was comfortable for us.

High winds or storms can lead to cancellations or less pleasant conditions on the inflatables. The park will update its social media channels if sessions are cancelled due to weather – check ahead if the weather seems questionable.

Choosing your session time:

• Early morning: Best for families who burn easily, younger kids, and calmer water.
• Late morning: Offers a balance of warmth and manageable crowds.
• Early afternoon: Suitable for those who want warmer water and don’t mind more people.
• Late afternoon: Features cooler temperatures and potentially less crowded conditions.

Combining Island Aqua Park with a full day at Hillarys Boat Harbour

Island Aqua Park is just one part of a full family day at Hillarys Boat Harbour. The location makes it easy to extend your visit.

Things to do after your session:

• Stay at the Hillarys beach for a swim in calmer water
• Grab snacks or dinner at a restaurant on the boardwalk – we recommend Nautical Bowls for snacks and Turkuaz Mediterranean for dinner
• Go bowling at Breakwater for an indoor, air-conditioned break
• Explore AQWA (the Aquarium of Western Australia) to see local marine life
• Browse the small shops and souvenir stalls around the harbour

Sample itinerary for a full day:

• Morning: Arrive and check in for morning aqua park session (Grab coffee from Blue Hand Coffee)
• Noon: Rinse off, change clothes, grab a snack at Nautical Bowls
• Afternoon: Beach time, Bowling, AQWA visit
• Evening: Dinner at Turkuaz Mediterranean
• After Dinner: Watch the sunset at Hillarys Boat Harbour (enjoy the sunset from your balcony if you’re staying at Nautica Residences, Hillarys)

This makes the aqua park good value as part of a whole-day outing rather than a stand-alone drive just for the session.

Plan showers or at least a change of clothes before heading into restaurants or indoor attractions. There are public showers at the beach section. You’ll be salty and wet after the aqua park, and most cafes appreciate dry customers, unless you’re grabbing food to picnic at the beach.

Who we’d recommend Island Aqua Park Hillarys to (and who might skip it)

Island Aqua Park is an excellent fit for:

• Families with confident swimmers aged roughly 9–16
• Active kids who enjoy physical challenges and water sports
• Parents who don’t mind getting wet and joining in
• Visitors looking for screen-free, high-energy family fun
• Anyone spending a day exploring Hillarys Boat Harbour in summer

It’s less ideal for:

• Very young children who tire quickly or aren’t strong swimmers
• Anyone with significant mobility issues
• Families who prefer calmer, less physical water play
• Those looking for one of the largest aqua parks with slides and lazy rivers (this is an obstacle course, not a traditional water park)

On value for money, the 80-minute session left our three boys happily exhausted. Compared to other Perth attractions, the cost is reasonable for the amount of activity and laughter you get.

The bottom line: If your kids are asking for a high-energy water activity near Perth and you’ll be at Hillarys in summer, Island Aqua Park is worth adding to the itinerary.

For more info, visit the official Island Aqua Park website, check session availability, and book in advance to save your spot. Your kids will thank you, and we promise they’ll sleep well that night.

Here are some of our favorite pics from our visit to Island Aqua Park, Hillarys: