Acqua Forte Parade transforms Hillarys Boat Harbour into a shimmering realm of fire, light and dreamlike wonder. Created by acclaimed French theatrical innovators Ilotopie, this spectacular water parade unfolds across a 200-metre stretch of harbour, turning the water itself into a living stage.
From one end of the harbour, two tourists appear in a small car, sputtering over the shallows as they search for their way. At the other, a dreamer glides across the surface on a giant bed, rowing toward destinations unknown. At the heart of the journey, horns blare, a collision occurs and a flurry of feathers erupts, transforming the harbour into an imaginary world.
As darkness falls, fantastical beings emerge, mysterious riders atop strange camel-horses, a magnificent dragon and its fearless tamer, fire-bearing scouts lighting the way, ethereal muses of fire and water, otherworldly elven creatures and a king accompanied by his devoted fool. A floating car with two intrepid passengers and two specially designed props created exclusively for Joondalup Festival complete the spectacle. All are brought to life through glowing, self-illuminated costumes and evocative soundscapes.
Find your place along the waterfront, feel the warmth of fire reflected on the water, hear musical chants drift across the harbour and be transported to a world where the impossible becomes gloriously real.
Acqua Forte Parade is a fully immersive theatrical experience, a fleeting realm where reality softens and imagination takes over. For four unforgettable nights, Hillarys Boat Harbour becomes a luminous, fire-lit theatre of wonder.
Venue and access:
The performance takes place in the main harbour waterway area of Hillarys Boat Harbour. The show is staged from the water, with floating pontoons and barges creating a 360-degree viewing experience around the harbour. Viewers can position themselves anywhere around the harbour, including on the beach, a grandstand on the groyne, along the breakwater bridge, or from the boardwalk dining precinct.
The harbour promenade is generally accessible with paved pathways. A dedicated accessible viewing area will be available on the groyne beside the grandstand.
Access to the water will be closed from 4.30pm – 8.30pm on performance days.
Please note that parking is extremely limited at Hillarys Boat Harbour. Car parks are typically full from 5.00pm and will be operating on a one-vehicle-in, one-vehicle-out basis. We strongly recommend using public transport or ride-sharing to avoid disappointment. Bus route 423 drops you right on the harbour doorstep. If you do decide to drive, expect car parks to be very busy and plan to arrive early to secure a spot.
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This is a Joondalup Festival event. Discover the entire wonder-filled program at joondalupfestival.com.au
Joondalup Festival 2026 is proudly supported by the WA Government through Tourism Western Australia’s Metro Events Program, the Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure, Lotterywest and Uptown Joondalup.
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