Pinnaroo Point, Hillarys

Statement of Significance

Pinnaroo Point has historic significance for its association with recreation and fishing, and holiday making at the beach shacks formerly present in the area. It has aesthetic and social significance to the community who appreciate its setting and location as a recreational space, and for the beach access it provides to recreational sea sports and small boat users.

Physical Description

Pinnaroo Point is comprised of a well-maintained park area in a coastal setting which is set within the Bush Forever Area 325. The park features an ablution block and wide grassed areas with shelters and picnic tables. A multi-use pedestrian pathway provides a buffer between the park and the beach. The park is bordered on the eastern side by a car park. John Wilkie Tarn provides vehicle access from Whitfords Avenue to the Pinnaroo Point car park and terminates in a launching site for small sea craft. A vehicle turning and rigging area is also provided off John Wilkie Tarn, with signposting provided to restrict parking around this area. At the time of assessment in July 2023, a two-storey tavern was under construction and the boat launching site was closed to public access.

History

The coastal beaches of Mullaloo, Hillarys and Whitfords have been popular with holiday makers since the 1920s. Pre-World War II, fisherman lived permanently on the nearby sand dunes in shacks made from tin and hessian. A line of shacks ran right along the shoreline, north and south of Pinnaroo Point. It was a colourful sight, even though it ultimately contributed to damage of the frontal dune system. An extension to the West Coast Highway linking Sorrento to Mullaloo was opened in 1971, providing public access to new beaches. Prior to the extension, the only access to the beaches in this stretch of coast was by boat or four-wheel drive. The beach shacks were demolished in 1972 when the surrounding area was developed for housing. In 1973 the Whitfords Sea Sports Club was formed and held its first fishing competition at Pinnaroo Point (Mullaloo Point) as well as the fi rst club surf cat sailing event with 60-70 boats taking part. In 1974 regular club events off the beach at Pinnaroo Point included monthly power boating and fishing events and weekly sailing holding events. The Whitfords Volunteer Sea Rescue Group was formed by the club in 1975. In 1979 the new Ocean Reef Boat Harbour was opened and the following year the Whitfords Sea Sports Club was established there with a new clubrooms. Pinnaroo Point continued to be used by beach-craft, but it was not until the early 1990s that the City of Wanneroo developed carparking and vehicle turnaround facilities. In 1988 a windsurfing school was established north of Mullalloo Point. In 2001 the first kitesurfing commenced at Pinnaroo Point. The reserve was gazetted on 5 September 1986 for ‘Parks and Recreation.’ On 29 February 2000 the vesting was changed from the City of Wanneroo to the City of Joondalup. In 2023, Pinnaroo Point is a public open space popular with families and the boat launch facilities provide access for small sea craft and recreational sports such as kiteboarding and windsurfing. On 13 December 2023 a new two-storey Hillarys Beach Club opened at 20 John Wilkie Tarn on Pinnaroo Point.

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