Located just 25 minutes from the centre of Perth, Hillarys was built around fishing. Now a suburb of Perth, its origins lie in a settler’s love for angling, and it has built upon that legacy to become one of the most attractive places for tourists to learn about the Western Australian ocean.

Hillarys Boat Harbour is one of the centrepieces of boating and fishing in Perth. Here, you can fish for King George Whiting, Tailor, Snapper, and Skippy from the iconic rock walls, although the numbers of fish caught from the Harbour can be hit and miss. The Harbour is also home to marine attractions such as The Aquarium of Western Australia, making it a very attractive destination for holidaymakers and families. As far as fishing is concerned, your best option is to charter a boat and head off the coast. Anchoring just a kilometre or two offshore can get some great results with Herring, Whiting, Skippy, Garfish, and Tailor all being potential catches. Head further offshore to water depths of about 25-100 metres, and species like Breaksea Cod, Jewfish, Red Snapper, Leatherjackets, Pink Snapper, and Flathead could be on the menu. Offshore game fishing sees good catches all year round. During the Summer months (between December and May) six artificial Fish Attracting Devices (FADs) are placed offshore in waters from 100 - 200 metres deep. These attract large numbers of Dolphinfish (Mahi Mahi) - great for a fight as well as a tasty meal. Tuna can be found offshore all year round, with Southern Bluefin, Bigeye, and Yellowfin varieties visiting these waters every year. Pro tip - don’t miss taking a daytrip to Rottnest Island during your stay in Hillarys. Not only is it a beautiful natural paradise, it also has an underwater trench 20 km from shore, where catches of Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, and Marlin are common.

Anglers need to purchase a recreational fishing license in Western Australia. Please note that there are a number of seasonal fishing closures in the area, including one on demersal scalefish, which runs from October to December (subject to change).

Anchoring and bottom fishing for the Western Australian Dhufish, berleying for Whiting and Tailor closer to shore, trolling lures or bait for Mahi Mahi offshore, jigging for Samson fish, as well as Pink Snapper, Dhufish, Leatherjackets, and Tuna, trolling skirted lures offshore for Marlin.