Lancelin

Lancelin, a sleepy fishing town on the Turquoise Coast, is a surprise package for travellers on the Coral Coast Highway. Its claim to fame is an otherworldly landscape of pure white sand dunes that roll inland for kilometres, offering a desert-like playground just a short drive from Perth. The town itself is low-key, with a handful of cafes and a protected lagoon perfect for swimming, but the dunes are the undisputed star.

Highlights & What to See

• Lancelin Sand Dunes – A vast expanse of blindingly white, fine sand that feels like a Saharan outpost on the Indian Ocean. Hire a sandboard or a quad bike and carve down the slopes; the sensation of flying over the soft powder is unforgettable.
• Lancelin Lagoon – Sheltered by a reef, this calm, shallow stretch of turquoise water is ideal for families, paddleboarding, and a gentle swim away from the surf.
• Lancelin Island – A short boat trip or kayak paddle away, this small nature reserve offers excellent snorkelling among seagrass beds and the chance to spot sea lions basking on the shore.
• Wreck of the Cervantes – Accessible via a 4WD track, this historic shipwreck lies just offshore and is a popular spot for snorkelling and photography, especially at low tide.
• Lobster Fishing – Join a local charter or try your luck off the jetty – the area is famous for western rock lobster, and many cafes serve up fresh crayfish during the season.

Suggested Time to Spend

Half a day is enough to experience the dunes and have a swim, but a full day allows you to add a sandboarding session, explore the lagoon, and enjoy a seafood lunch. If you're a 4WD enthusiast or keen on snorkelling the island, consider staying overnight – there are a couple of holiday parks and a caravan site. Most travellers pass through on a self-drive from Perth to Cervantes or the Pinnacles, making Lancelin a perfect 2–3 hour stop.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Nambung National Park & The Pinnacles – Just 30 minutes north, these ancient limestone formations rise from the desert like petrified trees, creating a surreal landscape best seen at sunset.
• Cervantes – A laid-back fishing village 20 minutes north, famous for its lobster fleet, the Lobster Shack, and the nearby Lake Thetis with its living stromatolites.
• Jurien Bay – A further 30 minutes north, this coastal town offers superb snorkelling with sea lions at Jurien Bay Marine Park and the chance to spot dolphins.
• Yanchep National Park – An hour south, this bushland park is home to koalas, kangaroos, and the crystal-clear Yanchep Lagoon, plus cave tours and Aboriginal heritage walks.
• Perth – The state capital is a 90-minute drive south, making Lancelin an easy day trip or a quick detour on a longer Coral Coast itinerary.

Please check official sources for current details.