Travel & Touring | WA Road Trips
Pearly white beaches, turquoise waters and that ‘holiday feel’ awaits you not too far from Perth along the Turquoise Coast.
From Perth, you'll head north along the Indian Ocean Drive, which starts at the intersection of Yanchep Beach Road (57kms north of Perth). In just one and a half hours you'll start to discover the beauty of this region.
The small towns you'll explore along the way deliver 'all things outdoors' in big doses, including four-wheel driving, fishing, windsurfing, sand duneing, surfing, snorkelling, and even wildflower spotting in season.
Ledge Point is a sleepy fishing town 118km from Perth, with it's root as a centre for the commercial rock lobster industry. The town boasts good fishing, beautiful beaches, and perfect windsurfing conditions.
Ledge Point, just 10km south of Lancelin, is also the starting point for the Lancelin Ocean Classic wind and kite surfing competition every January. Being there during the competition is a great time to soak up the atmosphere of the town.
Divers are also attracted to this part of the coastline for the Dutch Vergulde Draeck wreck. The shallow and protected waters provide great snorkelling opportunities and the chance to meet some famous locals - the sea lions.
Oozing with coastal holiday charm, Lancelin is the perfect place to stop for the night or just for lunch on your way to Cervantes.
You can’t leave Lancelin without hitting the giant, powder-white sand dunes on the outskirts of town. Hire a sand board at the local surf shop or 7/11.
The climb will test your cardio abilities but the ride downhill is fast and exhilarating. You can also hire quad bikes on location to tackle the formidable mountains of sand.
If you’re feeling hungry, the Lancelin Bakery is a must, with an amazing selection of freshly baked goodies.
If you're staying overnight, Lancelin has a good range of holiday houses for rent, a hotel, and YHA hostel (Lancelin Lodge). Head up for the Lancelin Ocean Classic (windsurfing) where the race ends, and celebrate with locals and competitors after the race.
Sitting between the iconic Pinnacles desert and turquoise-blue waters of the Indian Ocean, Cervantes has many interesting attractions just nearby.
The Lobster Shack is a family-owned seafood processing operation that allows visitors to see how one of the most prized seafood species in Australia is prepared for sale and export. You can view the sorting and packing process on a self-guided audio tour and then try some delicious lobster at the Shack's restaurant.
From the Lobster Shack you can also jump on a cruise which takes you out to meet the resident colony of Australian sea lions.
The cruise takes in the islands off the Cervantes coast where you can snorkel and swim with these playful locals.
Located close to the entrance of Cervantes, Lake Thetis is just off Hansen Bay Road. The lake is one of few places in the world with marine stromatolites, a living fossil.
A walkway takes you to the edges of the lake with informative signage. The circumference of the lake is 1.2km and is an enjoyable short walk and an insight into what life was like at the dawn of time.
While it’s a well-known tourist stomping ground, even Perth locals who've seen it would have to admit that the moon-like landscape of the Pinnacles is worth seeing.
The unique limestone formations are fascinating to wander through, with sunset providing some truly eye-catching photos.
Drop into the Pinnacles Discovery Centre to learn about how these amazing formations were formed over millions of years and see what creatures and critters lurk within the shrubby heathlands nearby. There is an entry fee of $15, payable at the entry gate.
The best beach around Cervantes by far is Hangover Bay - a lovely white sandy stretch of coast that's very popular for fishing and great for swimming.
You can cook up your catch-of-the-day on the free barbecues provided. While you're there, check out Ronsard Bay which is dotted with reefs, making the beach here relatively protected for swimming and ideal for families.
Whether you're camping, caravanning or looking for a villa, head to RAC Cervantes Holiday Park, where you'll have a range accommodation options, from self-contained villas to powered and unpowered caravan and camp sites.
Road trip further north to Jurien Bay and Green Head.
Last updated November 2022 Need a place to stay? RAC members get exclusive discounts at RAC Cervantes Holiday Park, a family friendly base to explore the Coral Coast.* *Terms and conditions apply. RAC member discount not applicable on already discounted rates. Discounts available on direct bookings only made online or via phone. Visit our Parks & Resorts website for more information.
