Acqua Forte Parade
EVENT NOW OVER
Imagine a waterway transformed into a realm of fire, light and dreamlike wonder – that’s the magic we’re bringing to Hillarys Boat Harbour with Acqua Forte Parade.
On one side of the water stage, two tourists appear in a small car, sputtering over the shallows, looking for their way. On the other side, a dreamer on his giant bed glides across its surface, rowing to destinations unknown. At the centre of the journey, despite the honking of horns, a collision occurs, and a flurry of feathers escapes from the bed, transforming the harbour into an imaginary world.
This isn’t your typical parade that simply passes by. We’re staging a spectacular sensory immersion, where 12 mesmerising moving figures glide across the water like mirages born from the elements themselves. Picture this: 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, a dreamer floating in her giant bed, otherworldly elven creatures, and a king accompanied by his devoted fool – plus a floating car with two intrepid passengers, along with 2 exclusively designed props created especially for Joondalup Festival. All brought to life with stunning self-illuminated costumes and amplified by evocative soundscapes.
From both ends of the 200-metre route, fantastical beings emerge, lighting 20 floating fire pots anchored along the harbour’s edge. As darkness falls, watch the water come alive with these larger-than-life characters straight out of legendary tales, interacting with each other and the elements in this kingdom of water, fire and music carried on the evening breeze.
Created by French theatrical innovators Ilotopie, Acqua Forte Parade invites you into a world where the boundaries between reality and fantasy blur beautifully. This isn’t just a show that arrives, passes and leaves – it’s a complete transformation of the harbour into a theatrical wonderland.
Find your spot along the waterfront, feel the warmth of the fire reflected on the water, hear the musical chants drift across the harbour, and let yourself be transported into a realm where the impossible becomes gloriously, unforgettably real.
For four magical nights, Hillarys Boat Harbour becomes a stage for dreams, a canvas for imagination, and a reminder that wonder still exists in the world – you just need to know where to look.
Sessions & Times
There are no upcoming events for this program.
Extra things to know
Ilotopie is a renowned French theatrical company that has spent years pioneering the dialogue between humans, elements, landscapes and community through performative, visual and theatrical language. Their work transforms public spaces into immersive storytelling experiences, using fire, water, wind and light as active participants in their narratives rather than mere backdrops.
With Aqua Forte Parade and Crystal People, Ilotopie brings their signature blend of spectacle and substance to Perth’s northern shores, creating theatrical experiences that unite communities through shared wonder.
The performance takes place in the main harbour waterway area of Hillarys Boat Harbour at 86 Southside Drive, Hillarys.
We strongly recommend ridesharing or catching public transport as parking will fill up quickly. If you do decide to drive, expect car parks to be very busy and plan to arrive early to secure a spot.
Bus route 423 services Hillarys Boat Harbour from Warwick Train Station, however this service does not operate on Sunday nights. We encourage you to use the Transperth Journey Planner to plan out your route to and from the event in advance.
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 temporary grandstand on the groyne, along the breakwater bridge, or from the boardwalk dining precinct.
Viewing tips: The show is designed to be experienced from multiple locations across the harbour – each vantage point offers a different perspective. The 360-degree nature of the performance means you can choose your ideal viewing position.
Weather note: This is an outdoor waterside performance. While March in Perth typically offers beautiful evening weather, bring layers as harbourside locations can be cooler.
Please note that the show may have to be postponed or cancelled in the event of strong winds.
The harbour precinct is generally accessible with paved pathways throughout and accessible toilet facilities.
A dedicated accessible viewing area will be available on the paved groyne between the north and south beaches, beside the temporary grandstand.
Audio described show: The performance of Acqua Forte Parade on Saturday 14 March will feature Audio Description for people who are blind or vision impaired, provided through DADAA’s Access All Arts program.
Bookings for this service are essential. Email: jacqueline@dadaa.org.au
This performance features pyrotechnic effects, including smoke, and flashing lights. Guests with respiratory sensitivities or conditions that may be affected by smoke are advised to choose a viewing position upwind of the performance area.
For safety reasons, the swimming area at Hillarys Boat Harbour will be CLOSED to the public from 4:30pm – 10:30pm for tech rehearsals on 11 March and all four nights of the performance (12–15 March).
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
Parking is limited at Hillarys Boat Harbour. Car parks are generally full by 5pm on hot days with locals, workers, ferry users and tourists, operating on a one-vehicle-in, one-vehicle-out basis.
We strongly recommend ridesharing or catching public transport as parking will fill up quickly. If you do decide to drive, expect car parks to be very busy and plan to arrive early to secure a spot.
Bus route 423 services Hillarys Boat Harbour from Warwick Train Station, however this service does not operate on Sunday nights. We encourage you to use the Transperth Journey Planner to plan out your route to and from the event in advance.
Multiple cafés, restaurants and bars are available throughout Hillarys Boat Harbour precinct. Come early for dinner before or after the show.
Families seeking magical outdoor entertainment, couples on date nights, tourists wanting spectacular Perth experiences, photography enthusiasts, anyone who loves theatrical spectacle and waterfront atmospheres.
Cover photo by BGS Oradea.
Program details
12 March 2026 - 15 March 2026
Free
All ages