Hillarys Coastal Path Guide: Walk And Ride To Mullaloo And Burns Beach
The coastal path running north and south from Hillarys Boat Harbour has just finished a three-stage upgrade, and spring is the season to use it. You can walk to a dune-top lookout before breakfast, ride to Mullaloo for coffee, push on to the newly upgraded stretch between Ocean Reef Marina and Burns Beach, or head south past Sorrento towards Trigg. This guide breaks the path into easy sections, with distances, stops, toilets, playgrounds, path rules and the best times to go, so a family or group can choose the part that suits them.
Key Takeaway
The WA Government announced in September 2026 that the $6.9 million Hillarys cycle network expansion is complete, with more than 10 kilometres of new and upgraded shared path. For visitors that means a smooth, signposted coastal route from Hillarys Boat Harbour north to Mullaloo, a newly upgraded 2.6 kilometre stretch from Ocean Reef Marina to Burns Beach, and the long-running West Coast Drive path heading south towards Trigg.
Before You Set Out
A coastal path is easy to underestimate. Three quick checks make the day far more comfortable.
1Check the wind: Average 3pm winds in Perth sit around 18 to 19 km/h in spring, so plan the longer outings for the morning.
2Know the rules: Keep left, give way to people walking and use a bell or call out before passing.
3Plan the turnaround: Decide where you will stop for food and toilets, then come back the same way.
Choose One Of Three Sections
Each section works as a half-day outing on its own. Save the longer combinations for keen riders.
1Harbour to Mullaloo: About five kilometres past Whitfords Nodes and Pinnaroo Point, with playgrounds and toilets along the way.
2Ocean Reef to Burns Beach: The newly upgraded 2.6 kilometre northern stretch, with a marina at one end and a beach at the other.
3Sorrento towards Trigg: The West Coast Drive path, about 12 kilometres return, with plenty of places to shorten it.
Why The Hillarys Coastal Path Is Worth Planning A Spring Weekend Around
Perth's northern beaches have had a shared path along the coast for years, but the section through Hillarys has just been upgraded. On 24 September 2026 the WA Government announced that the Hillarys cycle network expansion, a $6.9 million project delivered in three stages over five years, had been completed. The work added more than 10 kilometres of new and upgraded walking and riding paths, with off-road links to the coast and recreation areas.
The numbers show how popular the path already is. According to the same announcement, monthly averages around Whitfords Nodes Park in Hillarys show more than 9,600 people riding and over 17,000 walking. That is a good sign for visitors: it is a well-used, well-maintained route rather than an isolated track, with car parks, toilets, playgrounds and food stops spaced along it.
For a holiday, the appeal is simple. You can walk out of the beach and harbour area in the morning, see a different beach every kilometre or so, and be back for lunch without loading anyone into a car. Families can treat it as a series of playground stops. Couples can turn it into a long sunset walk. Keen riders can link several sections into a proper morning ride.
Hillarys is in the middle of the coastal path, so every outing can start close to home and finish wherever the group runs out of energy.
How The Path Is Laid Out: The Sections At A Glance
It helps to think of the coast as three separate outings rather than one long ride. The official Building for Tomorrow project page describes the Hillarys cycle network as 10.2 kilometres of shared path in three sections, and the older West Coast Drive path continues south of the harbour.
Coastal Section South
About 5 kilometres from Hillarys Boat Harbour to North Mullaloo, via Whitfords Avenue and Northshore Drive. Upgraded with new wayfinding, pavement markings, bike parking and safer intersections.
Coastal Section North
2.6 kilometres from Ocean Reef Marina to Burns Beach, linking Ocean Reef Boat Harbour, Iluka Beach and Burns Beach. The final stage, announced complete in September 2026.
Hepburn Avenue
A 2.6 kilometre inland shared path along Hepburn Avenue between Whitfords Avenue and Gibson Avenue.
West Coast Drive, Southbound
Hello Perth's coastal walks guide describes the Trigg to Sorrento shared path as about 12 kilometres return, past Marmion, Watermans Bay and North Beach, with many entry and exit points.
Between North Mullaloo and Ocean Reef Marina the route continues along the coast, but it is worth checking a map before you go so you know where the newer upgraded sections start and finish. If you are riding with children, the southern coastal section from the harbour to Mullaloo is the simplest place to begin.
Hillarys Boat Harbour To Whitfords Nodes: The Easy First Kilometre
The northern side of Hillarys Boat Harbour is the natural starting point. A local walking guide from Out and About Perth puts Whitfords Nodes about one kilometre, or roughly 15 minutes on foot, from the harbour along the shared path.
On the way you pass Hillarys Marina Lake Park, which has a small playground. It is a handy first stop for younger children who need a reason to keep walking, and it means the very first part of the outing has a reward built in.
The harbour itself is worth a wander before or after. The same guide mentions three Hillarys Boat Harbour Discovery Trails around the marina, which suit a slower morning when not everyone wants to walk far. The harbour's marina dining and shops make it a good meeting point if the group splits up, with walkers heading north and others staying behind.
Short on time? Do the harbour loopHarbour to Whitfords Nodes and back is about two kilometres on the path, with a playground at each end and a lookout in the middle. It suits toddlers, grandparents and anyone recovering from a long drive.
Whitfords Nodes Park: Playground, Stairs And A 22-Metre Lookout
Whitfords Nodes Park on Whitfords Avenue, near Angove Drive in Hillarys, is the busiest stop on the southern section and for good reason. It combines a large playground, barbecues, picnic tables, lawns and direct beach access with one of the best free lookouts on this part of the coast.
The playground guide from Buggybuddys describes a large mixed traditional and nature play space on sand and rubber softfall, with a ramped main structure that lets children in wheelchairs reach the middle of the action, a pulley sand table, several swings including an inclusive swing, a climbing frame with rope nets and a nature play zone with balance logs and timber cubbies. There are drink fountains with a bottle-refill spout and plenty of shaded, free parking.
The exercise stairway is the part older children and adults remember. Sources count it at around 145 to 146 steps up the dune to a lookout about 22 metres high, with 360-degree views along the coast. At the base there is an outdoor gym and a ninja warrior obstacle course aimed at ages 12 and over. Three marked exercise paths wind around the dunes: Blue at 680 metres, Yellow at 720 metres and Red at 1.2 kilometres.
Two practical notes. The public toilets are a fair walk from the main playground, which matters with toddlers. And Whitfords Nodes often hosts markets and a parkrun, so early weekend mornings can be busy. A weekday visit, or arriving after the morning rush, is calmer.
For coffee, Lot One Kitchen is listed just up the road at the corner of Whitfords Avenue and Angove Drive. Check its current trading hours before building breakfast around it.
Pinnaroo Point And The Animal Exercise Beach
North of Whitfords Nodes the path runs behind a long stretch of beach that changes character every few hundred metres. Out and About Perth puts Pinnaroo Point about 1.7 kilometres, or around 25 minutes on foot, beyond Whitfords Nodes.
The first thing you notice is the Animal Exercise Beach, where dogs are common on the sand. The same guide notes that horses may exercise on the beach between daybreak and midday, Monday to Saturday, in the area immediately north of the dog beach. Seeing horses swimming on a weekday morning is one of those small, unexpected moments that children talk about for the rest of the trip. Give them plenty of space and check the City of Joondalup's current animal exercise rules if you are bringing a dog.
Pinnaroo Point itself has parking set back from the sand, two covered picnic shelters on the grass, a children's playground with swings, a toilet block and a water fountain, according to ExplorOz's listing. It is a popular kite surfing spot for intermediate and expert riders when the wind suits, which makes it a good place to stop and watch on a breezy afternoon.
Out and About Perth also lists Hillarys Beach Club at Pinnaroo Point as a food and drink stop. Confirm current hours directly if you plan to eat there, especially on weekdays.
On To Mullaloo: Surf Club, Foreshore And A Coffee Stop
From Pinnaroo Point it is roughly two kilometres, or about 35 minutes on foot, to Mullaloo Beach. Along the way you pass Whitfords Beach access points and the Northshore Drive car park, where a coffee van is sometimes parked.
Mullaloo is a good turnaround point. Out and About Perth notes two playgrounds, large green spaces and a variety of food options at the beach. ExplorOz lists the Mullaloo Beach Hotel and a Dome café nearby. Surf Life Saving WA describes the Mullaloo Surf Life Saving Club, established in 1960, sitting in a large grassy foreshore reserve between the road and the beach, with a big car park beside the clubhouse and three more car parks to the north.
If you plan to swim at the end of the walk, choose your spot carefully. Surf Life Saving WA describes Mullaloo as one of the higher-energy Perth beaches, with waves usually breaking across an attached bar and rips forming during and after bigger wave periods. The club patrols the central-northern section on weekends and public holidays from October to April. Swim between the red and yellow flags when they are up and check Beachsafe for current patrol times before you go.
The upgraded path continues north to Westview Boulevard in North Mullaloo. Keen walkers can add that extra stretch, but for most families Mullaloo Beach is the right place for lunch, a play and the trip back.
Ocean Reef Marina To Burns Beach: The Newly Upgraded Northern Stretch
The final stage of the Hillarys cycle network, announced complete on 24 September 2026, is a 2.6 kilometre upgraded coastal path from Ocean Reef Marina to Burns Beach. The government says it connects Mullaloo Beach, Ocean Reef Boat Harbour, Iluka Beach and Burns Beach, so it is the freshest part of the whole route and a good choice if you have already done the Hillarys section.
Ocean Reef Marina is still being developed, so it is worth knowing what is there now. RAC's March 2026 update describes eight new boat ramps, a 108-metre holding jetty with a kayak launch landing, and the new Marine Rescue Whitfords facility and upgraded Ocean Reef Sea Sports Club clubhouse, both opened in late 2025. A beach playground, public open space and a bike pump track were described as on track to open later in 2026, while the planned ocean pool and protected family beach had no opening date yet. Check DevelopmentWA's project updates for what has opened by the time you visit.
At the northern end, Burns Beach makes a good turnaround. If the group still has energy, Hello Perth's coastal walks guide describes the Burns Beach to Mindarie coastal path as about 3.57 kilometres one way, flat and well kept, on a quieter part of the coast, and suggests breakfast at Mindarie marina afterwards.
Heading South: Sorrento Beach And The West Coast Drive Path To Trigg
South of the harbour, the coast changes again. Sorrento Beach sits right beside Hillarys Boat Harbour, and Surf Life Saving WA describes it as a 600-metre stretch of soft white sand where the water is usually calm, helped by a reef about three kilometres offshore. The Sorrento Surf Life Saving Club patrols on weekends and public holidays from October to April.
It is an easy place to start or finish a southbound walk. North of the surf club a grassed area runs towards Hillarys Boat Harbour with undercover picnic tables and free barbecues. Free change rooms, toilets and showers are south of the club building, and the Sorrento SLSC café sells food and drinks. Parking is split between two large areas either side of the club plus roadside parking, which fills quickly in peak summer.
From Sorrento, the West Coast Drive shared path heads south past Marmion, Watermans Bay and North Beach towards Trigg. Hello Perth puts the Trigg to Sorrento route at about 12 kilometres return, with ocean views most of the way and many entry and exit points if you want a shorter outing. Its tip is to go on a weekday morning, because weekends are busy.
Rough seas? Stay on the pathSurf Life Saving WA lists slippery rocks, submerged objects, strong currents and heavy shorebreak as ongoing hazards at Sorrento. On a big swell day, enjoy the views from the path and leave the rocks and groynes alone.
Spring Weather: When To Walk, When To Ride, When To Swim
Spring is the most comfortable time of year for this coast. The Bureau of Meteorology's Perth Metro averages, recorded since the 1990s, show a mean maximum of 23.5 degrees and minimum of 11.7 degrees in October, rising to 26.8 and 14.4 degrees in November and 29.6 and 16.6 degrees in December.
Rain falls away quickly too. October averages 40 millimetres over about six rain days, November 24 millimetres over about four, and December under 10 millimetres over about two. A wet day in October is possible, but most weekends from now until summer will be dry.
Wind is the bigger factor on an exposed coastal path. The same Bureau table shows a mean 3pm wind speed of around 18 to 19.5 kilometres per hour from October to December, and open stretches of coast can feel breezier. That makes an early start the smart choice. A morning outing gives you calmer air, softer light and quieter paths, while the afternoon is better for a swim at a patrolled beach, a nap at home or watching the kite surfers at Pinnaroo Point.
Much of the route runs along open foreshore, so plan for sun. Even on a mild spring day, the sun reflecting off the water and the white sand can be strong, so plan hats, sunscreen and water for everyone, including the person who says they will only be out for half an hour.
Path Rules For Bikes, E-Scooters, Walkers And Dogs
The coastal path is shared by people walking, running, riding, scooting and pushing prams, so a few rules keep it pleasant for everyone. The WA Road Safety Commission's eRideables page sets out the rules for e-scooters and similar devices, and the Department of Transport adds guidance for walkers.
E-scooters And eRideables
Riders must be 16 or over and wear an approved helmet. The limit is 25 km/h on shared and bicycle paths where safe, and 10 km/h on footpaths and pedestrian crossings. One person per device, no passengers or animals.
Passing People
Keep left unless overtaking, give way to pedestrians, and use a bell or call out before passing. Slow down near people walking, before corners and when the path is busy.
Walkers
Where a line separates riders from people on foot, keep to your side. Wear something reflective if you are out early or late, and be patient with others sharing the path.
Dogs
The Department of Transport asks walkers to keep dogs on a short lead on paths shared with others. Check City of Joondalup rules before letting a dog off lead on any beach.
Bike riders should wear helmets, use lights and reflectors when riding in the dark, and follow the same keep-left and give-way courtesy. The rules can change, so check the Road Safety Commission and Department of Transport pages before you ride, particularly if anyone in the group is using an e-bike or e-scooter for the first time.
Making It Work For Kids, Prams And Mixed Groups
The beauty of this path for families is how often it gives you a reason to stop. Between Hillarys Boat Harbour and Mullaloo you pass Hillarys Marina Lake Park, Whitfords Nodes Park, Pinnaroo Point and two playgrounds at Mullaloo, so younger children can move from one play stop to the next without anyone needing to carry them far.
The main path is wide and sealed, which suits prams, scooters and children on balance bikes. The exceptions are the dune trails and lookout paths around Whitfords Nodes, which include steps and steep sections. If you have a pram, let one adult take older children up the stairs while the rest of the group waits in the playground below.
Add A Spring Evening: Bloom Joondalup Until 25 October
If you are staying in Hillarys over the next fortnight, there is one evening event worth adding to a coastal path weekend. Bloom Joondalup, a ticketed night-time light show in Central Park, Boas Avenue, Joondalup, runs nightly until 25 October 2026.
The official site describes a timed, self-paced outdoor walk of about 45 to 90 minutes through four themed realms, with holographic wildlife, lasers, projections and interactive installations. Gates open at 6.30pm, last entry is 9.15pm and the event closes at 10pm, with entry via Grand Boulevard. The path is wheelchair and pram accessible.
Listed ticket prices are $17.40 for adults, $12.13 for children aged 3 to 17 and $49.04 for a family of two adults and two children or one adult and three children, plus a service fee at checkout. Children aged two and under are free but still need an infant ticket. Check the Bloom Joondalup website for session times and availability before you go.
Why Sant's Beach Retreat Suits A Coastal Path Weekend
Sant's Beach Retreat is a five-bedroom, three-bathroom house in Hillarys that sleeps up to 10 guests. The listing describes it as close to beaches and Hillarys Boat Harbour, which puts the southern section of the coastal path and Sorrento Beach within easy reach for a morning walk or ride.
What makes it work for this kind of trip is what happens after the outing. The house has a private fenced swimming pool, covered outdoor dining, and an outdoor entertainment area with lounge seating, a BBQ and an outdoor fireplace, plus a separate fire pit zone. After a windy morning on the coast, the group can come home, swim, and cook outside without needing to book anywhere.
There is also plenty of indoor space for the afternoons when the breeze is up. The listing shows several living areas, a movie theatre room, a full kitchen, a dining table for eight and a dedicated workspace with fast Wi-Fi. A backyard play space with an in-ground trampoline, climbing frame and slide keeps younger children busy while adults plan the next day's route.
One guest review mentions a sunset sea view and a park behind the house, and another notes some stairs, with three bedrooms and the main facilities on the middle level. Families travelling with toddlers or older guests should check the live listing for the full layout before booking. You can see the photos, bedding and current availability on the Sant's Beach Retreat listing.
About this stay
Where Sant's Beach Retreat fits a coastal path weekend
Sant's Beach Retreat sleeps up to 10 guests across five bedrooms in Hillarys, close to the beaches and Hillarys Boat Harbour where the coastal path begins. Walkers and riders can head out early and be home in time for a long afternoon by the pool.
After the outing there is a private fenced pool, covered outdoor dining, a BBQ, an outdoor fireplace and a fire pit, plus a movie theatre room and several living areas for slower afternoons.
How A Group Of Ten Can Use The House Around The Path
A coastal path weekend suits groups well because not everyone has to do the same thing. A house that sleeps 10 across five bedrooms lets two families, or a group of friends, share a base while choosing their own outings each morning.
The ground-floor queen bedroom with an ensuite suits an older guest who would prefer fewer stairs, while the twin single room upstairs works for children. Three bathrooms make the post-beach shower rush much easier than a typical holiday house with one.
Evenings are where a group house earns its keep. The four-burner gas BBQ and large oven, both mentioned by a recent guest, make it simple to feed everyone at home, and the fire pit gives the group somewhere to gather once the spring air cools. The listing shows the property under House Pets, so if you are thinking of bringing a dog for the beach walks, confirm approval, conditions and any fees before booking, and separately check the City of Joondalup's beach and path rules.
A Relaxed Two-Day Hillarys Coastal Path Itinerary
Day One: Harbour, Whitfords Nodes And Pinnaroo Point
Start early from Hillarys Boat Harbour and walk north along the path past Hillarys Marina Lake Park to Whitfords Nodes. Climb the stairs to the lookout, let the children loose in the playground and grab a coffee nearby.
Continue to Pinnaroo Point if everyone is keen, watch for horses on the beach on a weekday morning, then walk back the way you came. Spend the afternoon at home by the pool or at Sorrento Beach when the club is patrolling, and finish with a barbecue and the fire pit.
Day Two: Choose Your Direction
Riders can head south from Sorrento on the West Coast Drive path towards Marmion, Watermans Bay and Trigg, or drive to Ocean Reef Marina and ride the newly upgraded stretch to Burns Beach and back. Walkers with young children can drive to Mullaloo Beach, enjoy the playgrounds and foreshore, and walk a short section towards Pinnaroo Point.
Meet back at the harbour for lunch. If you are visiting before 25 October, finish the weekend with an evening at Bloom Joondalup.
Before You Set Out: Your Hillarys Coastal Path Check
1Weather and wind: Check the forecast and plan to walk or ride into the wind early in the day.
2Route: Choose one section, check where the upgraded path starts and ends, and agree on a turnaround point.
3Rules: Review the current eRideable and shared path rules if anyone is riding an e-scooter or e-bike.
4Beach safety: Check Beachsafe for patrol times at Sorrento and Mullaloo before planning a swim.
5Food stops: Confirm trading hours for any café or club you plan to rely on.
6Dogs: Check City of Joondalup rules for dog beaches, horse beach hours and leads on shared paths.
How long is the coastal path from Hillarys Boat Harbour to Mullaloo?
The WA Government describes the upgraded section between Hillarys Boat Harbour and North Mullaloo as about five kilometres, running via Whitfords Avenue and Northshore Drive. A local walking guide puts Mullaloo Beach roughly 4.7 kilometres from the harbour, via Whitfords Nodes and Pinnaroo Point. Allow around an hour and a quarter each way on foot at an easy pace.
Is the Hillarys coastal path suitable for prams and young children?
Yes. The main shared path is sealed and wide enough for prams, scooters and balance bikes, and there are playgrounds at Hillarys Marina Lake Park, Whitfords Nodes Park, Pinnaroo Point and Mullaloo Beach. The dune trails and lookout paths at Whitfords Nodes include steps and steep sections, so they are better without a pram.
What is new on the Hillarys coastal path in 2026?
On 24 September 2026 the WA Government announced the final stage of the $6.9 million Hillarys cycle network expansion was complete: 2.6 kilometres of upgraded coastal path from Ocean Reef Marina to Burns Beach. It follows the upgraded Hillarys to North Mullaloo section and the Hepburn Avenue shared path, for more than 10 kilometres of new and upgraded path in total.
How many steps are at the Whitfords Nodes lookout?
Local guides count around 145 to 146 steps up the dune to a lookout about 22 metres high, with views along the coast. There is an outdoor gym and an obstacle course for ages 12 and over at the base, and three marked exercise paths of 680 metres, 720 metres and 1.2 kilometres.
When are Sorrento and Mullaloo beaches patrolled?
Surf Life Saving WA lists both Sorrento and Mullaloo surf life saving clubs as patrolling on weekends and public holidays from October to April. Check Beachsafe for current patrol dates and times, and swim between the red and yellow flags.
What is the best time of day to walk or ride the Perth northern coast in spring?
Early morning is usually best. The Bureau of Meteorology's Perth Metro averages show a mean 3pm wind speed of around 18 to 19.5 km/h from October to December, and open stretches of coast can feel breezier. Mornings are also quieter, cooler and easier for children.
How many guests does Sant's Beach Retreat sleep?
The current listing shows Sant's Beach Retreat with five bedrooms and three bathrooms for up to 10 guests, plus a private fenced pool, outdoor entertaining areas, a fire pit and a movie theatre room. Check the live listing for the latest bedding, layout and availability.
Is Bloom Joondalup still on in October 2026?
Yes. The official site lists show dates from 26 September to 25 October 2026 at Central Park in Joondalup, with gates opening at 6.30pm and last entry at 9.15pm. Book tickets online and check session availability before you go.
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