Hillarys Boat Harbour was the first such major marina in the north metropolitan region of
Perth. Construction of the new marina commenced in September 1985; protestors laid down in front of bulldozers in an attempt to halt early site works. Boat launching facilities were completed in October 1986 and boats started moving into pen moorings two months later, just before the start of the
1987 America's Cup Challenge Series. Developed by the Lombardo Group, Sorrento Quay commenced trading in December 1987, and the marina was officially opened in January 1988. In 1989 receivers were appointed to sell the assets of the Lombardo Group, and Sorrento Quay was sold to the Japanese group Victoria Co. In May 2006, the
Department for Planning & Infrastructure committed $5 million to expand the area they managed at the boat harbour with boardwalks, upgrades to picnic areas, new barbecue facilities, toilets, improved lightning, trees, grass and shade structures with work to begin in August of that year. The new development cost $30 million when it was opened by MLA
Rob Johnson on 13 December 2008. The new Breakwater Tavern had been fitted out at $7 million by the Reid family. On 12 September 2018, after leaseholder Wyllie Group struck a deal with local family company, Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf, plans emerged of a complex in the former Great Escape site that would include two themed 18-hole golf courses, a double
flowrider, a cafe, a small bar and a beach kiosk, with completion scheduled in March 2019. However the next month, the project was suddenly cancelled following negative publicity surrounding a shareholder of Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf and his previous business relationship with notorious child rapist
William Goad. ==Attractions==