Ancient Life at Lake Thetis, Cervantes: What You Need to Know

It’s not often you get the chance to see a prehistoric living life form.  So when the opportunity presents itself whilst we are visiting Cervantes and the Pinnacles we jump at the chance to say we have seen living life dating back to the Bronze Age. This ancient living life comes in the form of grey cauliflower-shaped Stromatolites at Lake Thetis.

As we explore these fascinating life forms we learn all about the facilities and accessibility at Lake Thetis plus other attractions in the area.

In this Article on Lake Thetis You Will Learn:

• The facilities and sites at Lake Thetis
• The facilities and sites at Hansen Bay Lookout
• Travel tips for visiting Lake Thetis
  • Websites
  • Location
  • Entrance fees and opening hours
  • Accessibility
  • More things to see near Lake Thetis
  • Places to stay

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Lake Thetis

It is an easy 2.2 km drive from the Cervantes townsite down an ochre gravel road to Lake Thetis, where the ancient life forms of stromatolites and thrombolites are located.  Pulling into the car park the lake is quite unassuming at the boardwalk entrance.

Signs at the entrance to Lake Thetis remind us to stay on the 1.5 km boardwalk that loops the lake to help preserve the natural surroundings.  The sign also informs us that the main examples of the stromatolites are located a mere 300 metres from the car park.

We pass over water, reeds and a few of the stromatolites as we stroll along the raised silvered wooden deck.

Reaching a wide section of the decking, large grey stone cushions dot the water’s edge and limestone sandy banks of Lake Thetis.  Whilst the stromatolites and thrombolites look like stepping stones – they are not, and signage reminds us that they are clusters of minute living organisms.

As Lake Thetis is a self-guided tour there are metal signs to inform you of all sorts of facts and figures about these microbial communities, including how the stromatolites were created.

We also learn the difference between stromatolites and thrombolites.  The stromatolites are a build-up of layers of microbes.

Whereas the thrombolites are clusters of cyanobacteria, that look almost like a large overgrown grey cauliflower.

It is quite awe-inspiring to think these fossils at Lake Thetis are 3500 years old.  Yet they are some of the younger stromatolites found in Western Australia.  There are another four sites to find examples of the prehistoric life form – the oldest (3.5 million years old) is further up the Coral Coast at Hamelin Pool.

Top Trip Tip: The boardwalk is wheelchair and pram friendly

Hansen Bay Lookout

We drive a few minutes up the gravel road from Lake Thetis to discover another breathtaking view.  It is a steep climb up the 70 wooden steps to Hansen Bay Lookout.  But it is well worth it to see the view from the peak of the white sand dune, held in place by the low lying coastal scrub.

The turquoise blue water gleams against the white caps of the ocean as it crashes against the coral reef.

Hansen Bay Lookout offers a great vantage point to take in the reefs and islands located off the Coral Coast at Cervantes.

There are also great views inland to the town of Cervantes, in the distance to large white sand dunes and at the horizon the yellow glint of the Pinnacles Desert.

Gripping the railing I make my way carefully back down the steep rickety steps of Hansen Bay Lookout, I gaze out and see Lake Thetis.  It looks just like a simple little lake and had we not just visited, you would be unaware of the ancient secrets it holds.

Top Trip Tip: Take it easy climbing the stairs and wear sensible shoes – the stairs aren’t in the best condition

Plan Your Visit to Lake Thetis and Hansen Bay Lookout

Website

These are the Australian Coral Coast official tourism websites.

• Australia’s Coral Coast
• Lake Thetis
• Hamelin Pool

Location

Lake Thetis is located 2.2 km from the town of Cervantes.  The road is gravel but easily accessible for a two-wheel drive car or a walk.  Hansen Bay Lookout is a further 2 km down the road.

Entrance fee and opening hours

Visiting Lake Thetis is free and open all day.  As is Hansen Bay Lookout.

Access

The boardwalk around Lake Thetis is wheelchair friendly (though do be careful when turning).

The steps up to Hansen Bay Lookout are steep with sand blown over parts of the wooden steps.  Do make use of the rail for safety and take your time going up if you feel puffed.  There is no wheelchair access.

More things to do near Cervantes

• What to do near Cervantes
• The Pinnacles Desert
• Thirsty Point Lookout
• The Lobster Shack (restaurant and lobster factory)

Places to stay in Cervantes

There are three accommodations available in Cervantes.

• We stayed at the RAC Cervantes Holiday Park * (read my review Cervantes Caravan Park HERE).  
• There is also the Cervantes Motel* and
• The Cervantes Edge Resort*.

Discover more of Western Australia

Find more information on exploring Western Australia

• All our Western Australia travel blog inspirations

Or read one of these West Australian travel guides*.

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