Reconnect with nature Uptown. The City of Joondalup is a nature lovers paradise. Stunning white sandy beaches, unique flora and fauna at Yellagonga Regional Park and lively marine life at Marmion Marine Park – it’s all here waiting to be explored.
Yellagonga Regional Park
The jewel of the City’s natural attractions, Yellagonga Regional Park is Joondalup’s best hidden secret where you could encounter kangaroos, long-necked turtles, frogs and a diverse range of birds.
Yellagonga Regional Park is a 13-kilometre-long chain of interconnected natural wetlands with many bush and wetland areas to discover. Explore the park by foot or bike using the 16km trail that loops around Lake Joondalup and stop for a rest at one of the many picnic spots along the way.
Coastline
The City is home to 17km of stunning coastline and some of Perth’s best beaches with Mullaloo and Sorrento providing visitors with stunning white sand and turquoise water.
Marmion Marine Park also stretches along the coast providing visitors with a number of great snorkelling and diving trails to explore Western Australia’s exciting marine life. Visitors can also explore the marine wildlife close up at the Aquarium of Western Australia located at Hillarys Boat Harbour.
Bushland
There are a number of bushland areas throughout the City that are home to diverse wildlife and unique plant species. Discover banksia, zamia palms and mature eucalyptus trees as well as quenda and Black Carnaby Cockatoos that feed in the natural areas.
The Plants and People in Mooro Country publication provides detailed information on the history of the City’s natural areas and is a perfect starting point for visitors keen to explore nature.
Take that hunger Uptown to the City of Joondalup – home to some of Perth’s most popular bars and restaurants as well as some hidden gems which locals are keen to keep to themselves. Whilst the exploring will be left up to you, there are a few locations which offer a variety of venues to ensure they fulfil the cravings.
Hillarys Boat Harbour
There are so many options when it comes to where to dine at Hillarys Boat Harbour. Whether you are looking for an Italian feast, delicious Thai or a gastropub. The Breakwater provides waterfront views over the harbour and is perfect for sunset drinks and dinner on the deck. Little C’s Pizzeria and Bar offers award winning pizza in over 70 different combinations which is sure to be a crowd pleaser. Mia Cucina and Rustica Canteen serve up some of the best Italian cuisine north of Perth and are numerous ice cream and gelato spots to keep the kids happy. Check out the full dining options at Hillarys Boat Harbour website.
Joondalup City Centre
There are many boutique restaurants and cafes to discover in the Joondalup City Centre. As well as popular dining attractions such as Varsity, there are small family owned restaurants offering diners authentic cuisine straight from the heart. Be sure to book ahead if you’re thinking of visiting Scents of Siam and whilst it is a small restaurant, the food will transport you to Thailand. There are over 30 options to choose from. Once your done you can make your way down the road to experience a true Irish pub at Paddy Malone’s. or a cocktail at Risq Small Bar and Lounge on Central Walk.
Westfield Whitford City Perth shopping centres have become an all-day destination offering visitors a range of attractions including unique dining options. Westfield Whitford City’s alfresco dining and entertainment area provides a range of food and beverage options as well as an outdoor play area and live music. Try the family friendly pub grub at Whitfords Brewing Company and TGI Fridays, visit Bangkok Brothers for delicious modern Asian cuisine or grab a Pretzel, find a deck chair and enjoy the atmosphere.
Coast Joondalup is lucky enough to be home to 17km of beautiful coastline and visitors are even luckier as the coast is lined with amazing dining options. Sistas Burns Beach is a popular weekend brunch spot the for the locals whilst Swell Mullaloo and Mullaloo Beach Hotel offer amazing views of the Indian Ocean – perfect for sunset dinner and drinks. Travel further south to Hillarys and Sorrento and you will find even more great eateries at Lot One, Voyage Kitchen and White Salt.
Head Uptown to the City of Joondalup which is home to over 300 parks and reserves and has some spectacular parks which are great for catch ups, picnics and exercising. Some of the best parks in Perth are located on the coast giving you the chance to enjoy the City’s best parks and beaches.
Whitford Nodes Health and Wellbeing Hub, Hillarys (Hillarys Beach Park) This park is a fitness fanatics dream. Park goers can record their time on Australia’s largest outdoor park warrior course, utilise the outdoor exercise equipment, complete the running tracks or climb the exercise staircase and be spoilt with beautiful views of the Indian Ocean at the top. Hillarys Beach is just over the dunes for those needing to cool down with a swim post workout.
Whitford Nodes is also a great place to enjoy a picnic while they kids play on the playground or wear themselves out running around on the grass. Toilet facilities and public parking are also available.
Tom Simpson Park, Mullaloo A favourite picnic spot for the locals and a must visit for visitors to the region, Tom Simpson Park sits perfectly alongside Mullaloo Beach and is the perfect place to take in the stunning sunsets over the Indian Ocean. The park offers picnic shelters, BBQs, abundant grassed areas and two playgrounds – one designed for younger kids and the other for the big kid explorers.
Shepherds Bush Park and Reserve, Kingsley This is one for the kids. With a playground and bike skills trail for the younger kids and a pump and jump track for the more experienced bike riders, Shepherds Bush Park and Reserve will keep the adrenaline running.
Shepherds Bush Reserve is also a top biodiversity spot for nature lovers to explore the unique flora and fauna of Western Australia. Wander the nature paths and see what you can discover.
Neil Hawkins Park, Joondalup If you’re visiting the Joondalup City Centre and have some extra time on your hands, head to Neil Hawkins Park. Situated on the edge of Lake Joondalup within Yellagonga Regional Park, Neil Hawkins Park provides a shaded sanctuary away from the bustle of the City Centre. Relax by the jetty or the playground and take in the surrounds or for those who have planned a visit, use the park as the departure/return point for a bike ride around Lake Joondalup dual use path trail.
Come and take a dip Uptown. Visitors are spoilt for choice when it comes to beaches in the City of Joondalup whether its for watersports, relaxation or a day out with the family – there are so many things to do by the water in the City.
Best beaches for families A day out at the beach is an iconic Australian tradition and the City is home to some of the best family friendly beaches in Perth. Hillarys Marina Beach (situated within Hillarys Boat Harbour) is a great spot for toddlers and young children. The beach is sheltered from waves by the marina providing calm waters for young ones plus toilets and cafes close by.
Best beaches for swimming
Whilst most beaches are great for swimming, Sorrento and Mullaloo are the local favourites and it’s easy to see why. Beautiful white sand, turquoise waters and surf lifesaving patrols make these two beaches some of Perth’s best. Both beaches have convenient parking, toilet facilities and food and beverage options. Mullaloo Beach was also included in the top 50 WA beaches as ranked by Perth is Ok in 2022.
Best beaches for snorkelling
Marmion Marine Park runs the length of the City’s coastline providing a number of great dive and snorkel locations. Marmion Beach is a great spot for avid snorkellers to discover the marine life and underwater plinths which are part of the Marmion Angling and Aquatic Club Dive and Snorkel Trail. Boyinaboat Reef is located approx. 75m from the Hillarys Boat Harbour groyne and is another great snorkel site. For a full list of great dive and snorkel locations visit the Department of Parks and Wildlife website.
Best beaches for water activities For those looking for a more exciting beach visit, the City has popular kite surfing spots at North Mullaloo and Pinnaroo Point. Windy afternoons on the coast make for great kite surfing conditions.
Calm early morning waters along the coast are also ideal for stand up paddle (SUP) boarding and fishing. Popular fishing areas include Burns Beach, Ocean Reef Boat Harbour, Pinnaroo Point and Mullaloo Beach (north of the main car park) and Hillarys Boat Harbour (on any of the moles). There are also a number of fishing charters that depart from Hillarys Boat Harbour for the keenest anglers.
Looking to take a break Uptown and escape the hustle and bustle of the Perth CBD but still stay somewhere close enough to all of Joondalup’s (and Perth’s) attractions? Then this is for you.
Quality Resort Sorrento Beach is a stones throw from Sorrento Beach and one of Perth’s most visited attractions, Hillarys Boat Harbour. With hotel and self contained apartments available plus an outdoor pool, spa, sauna and BBQ area and a great location, Quality Resort has everything you need to relax or just rest your head after busy days exploring the region.
One of the most spectacular things about Perth is its coastline. So why not make the most of it and stay right on the coast at Hillarys Harbour Resort Apartments. Located within Hillarys Boat Harbour, the resort offers one, two and three bedroom self-serviced apartments and has a range of restaurants and local attractions right on its doorstep. It’s the perfect place to explore the sunset coast by boat, car or even helicopter!
Relax and unwind at one of Joondalup Resort’s 70 spacious guest rooms. Surrounded by lush gardens and an award-winning championship golf course, guests can enjoy a round of golf or unwind at Endota spa, by the pool or onsite restaurant. The state-of-the-art conference facilities also make Joondalup Resort a great destination for business events and private functions.
Quest Joondalup is the region’s newest apartment hotel and is situated right in the heart of the Joondalup City Centre. Offering 90 rooms including studio, one and two bedroom apartments, Quest Joondalup has an abundance of shopping, cafes and restaurants close by. It is also conveniently located close to Edith Cowan University and Joondalup Health Campus – perfect for visiting family and friends.
If you’re looking for something to do Uptown, check out the City’s annual calendar of events which is packed full of exciting family-friendly events. So, whatever you are looking for, whether it’s art, music, festivals or just an Instagrammable backdrop, the City of Joondalup has something to delight.
Music
The Music in the Park Concert Series brings some of the best Australian and West Australian musicians to Joondalup each summer. Held in January and March each year and set in picturesque local parks, visitors can picnic with friends enjoy laid-back live music as the sun goes down. Music in the Park is the epitome of Australian summer.
Set on the pristine fairways of Joondalup Resort, the prestigious Valentine’s Concert has seen some of Australia’s best performers take the stage and enchant the audience. From The Whitlams and Human Nature to performances of the music of The Beatles and We Will Rock You musical, the Valentine’s Concert is the premier music event of the summer. Tickets go on sale in November and the concert is held February.
City of Joondalup parks also play host to some of Perth’s best music events including Castaway and By the C.
Culture
It’s hard to find low cost kids events that will keep the littlest creative minds engaged, but one to add to the annual calendar is the Little Feet Festival. Held each year in October, Little Feet Festival is one of the most popular free kids events in Perth. It provides an afternoon of fun activities for children under 12 and is themed each year to create excitement and magic for everyone.
For those with bigger kids to entertain or looking for something a little more cultural, the Joondalup Festival is for you – the jewel of the crown when it comes to events held within the City of Joondalup. The festival, held around March each year, brings together street and cultural performers from around the world and celebrates music, performing arts, art installations and food providing entertainment for everyone.
Art Public art and murals don’t just make a great backdrop for photos, they also brighten up the streets and invite people to explore the region all year round. The City of Joondalup is filled with public artworks and stunning murals by the likes of Anya Brock, Amok Island and Brandon Ballengée so start exploring and see what you can find.
Immerse yourself in the best of community and Western Australian artworks at one of the City’s two annual art exhibitions. The Community Art Exhibition showcases some of Joondalup’s most talented local artists to the local community and invites those interested to peruse and purchase artworks. The Invitation Art Prize, held in October, is an exhibition of professional artists who are invited to present their artworks to the community with the winner’s piece being acquired by the City. Both shows are worth a wander through and you never know, you may find a unique piece of art perfect for your home or office.
Markets
Markets are a food lovers’ delight. Whether it be fresh produce at a local farmers market or a food truck fiesta with friends, you will find it within the City of Joondalup.
Poynter Farmers’ Market is a popular fresh produce market run fortnightly at Poynter Primary School in Duncraig. Here you can find fresh bread, aromatic coffee and locally produced goods such as honey, oil and chocolate. You may find a new local favourite here.
Burns Beach Twilight Markets are all about the #nocookwednesday and entice locals to skip the kitchen and dine by the ocean at one of their delicious food trucks. They even have an artisan gift lane plus live music for a truly chilled out vibe.
Big Kid Events like to share their Food Truck Fiesta love across a number of City parks. Each weekend you’ll find them at a different local park creating a buzz and feeding the locals with their relaxed food truck events. With activities for the kids plus live music it is a great family evening out.
Venture Uptown and discover some of Perth’s most popular visitor attractions. Whether you are looking for an outdoor adventure or some indoor fun, you will find a range of attractions and things to do just north of the Perth CBD.
Hillarys Boat Harbour
Hillarys Boat Harbour is one of Perth’s most visited tourist attractions and it’s easy to see why. Hillarys Boat Harbour offers family friendly activities all year round. It is home to WA’s only underwater aquarium – AQWA, and the launching pad for a range of adventure activities including coastal motorcycle tours, scenic helicopter flights, fishing and dive charters plus it is the departure point for Rottnest Fast Ferries.
If you are looking for a more relaxed visit, Hillarys Marina Beach offers calm waters making it the perfect beach for families with young kids. Hillarys Boat Harbour also offers an abundance of casual and gastro pub dining options.
AQWA (The Aquarium of WA)
Discover WA’s spectacular marine life at AQWA’s unique exhibits. Travel through Australia’s largest single aquarium and underwater moving conveyor belt tunnel as sharks, turtles, stingrays and fish swim above, explore marine life from WA’s different coastal zones or if you’re feeling brave, dive or snorkel with the sharks in the shipwreck coast aquarium.
Marmion Marine Park
Marmion Marine Park covers the City’s coastline from Burns Beach in the north to Marmion in the south. The Marine Park is not only home to some of Perth’s best beaches at Mullaloo and Sorrento, but also to some incredible snorkel and dive reefs just offshore.
The Marmion Angling and Aquatic Club (MAAC) dive and snorkel trail provides 20 underwater plinths for enthusiastic snorkellers and divers to explore and learn about the local marine life.
For the more advanced divers, there are a number of exciting spots to explore by boat including Boyinaboat Reef, Wreck Rock, Cow Rock, North Lump and Three Mile Reef. Visit the Department of Parks and Wildlife website for information on sanctuary zones and GPS coordinates.
Golf at Joondalup Country Club
This award winning 27-hole championship golf course is unlike any other. Sweeping through serene bushland, past lakes and rolling limestone quarries, the Joondalup Country Club is a challenging course for the even the most dedicated golfer.
It’s location within Joondalup Resort provides convenient amenities including accommodation, restaurant and conference facilities making it the ideal destination for a corporate or social golf weekend.
