15 Celebrated Cervantes Attractions in WA: Things to Do in 2024
Nestled along the stunning Coral Coast of Western Australia, where tales of shipwrecks and lobsters intertwine, lies a hidden gem called Cervantes. With a population of around 500, this charming town is not just a destination; it’s an adventure waiting to unfold.
We came to Cervantes, Western Australia one long weekend to explore the golden fingers reaching out of the sand known as the Pinnacles Desert. But also discovered there are many more fascinating Cervantes attractions including ancient life forms that date back thousands of years, gorgeous lookouts, beautiful beaches, fun and free things for the kids, adventure activities at nearby Jurien Bay and delicious local seafood.
Yes, there are lots of things to do in Cervantes and nearby to keep you occupied for several days.
In this article on What to do in Cervantes You Will Learn About:
- Cervantes WA attractions and activities
- Pinnacles Desert
- Lake Thetis
- 3 Lookouts
- 3 Beaches
- The Lobster Shack
- Playgrounds and Ovals
- Jurien Bay activities
- Eating out in Cervantes
- Plan your Trip to Cervantes
- Location
- About the Cervantes accommodation options
- Where to find more information
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15 Things to Do in Cervantes Western Australia
Cervantes town was named after an American Whaling Vessel called “Cervantes” that shipwrecked here in 1844. Â Today roughly 500 people reside in the town whose main industry is Lobster fishing and its second industry is tourism which promotes all the sensational attractions near Cervantes.
1. Pinnacles Desert in Numbung National Park
The Pinnacles Desert, WA 4km loop drive through the desert is only a 10-minute drive from Cervantes.Â
The Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park is one of Western Australia’s top ten Natural Wonders.
It only takes 15 minutes to drive from Cervantes to the Pinnacles Desert. Once you have paid your national park entrance fee you are free to explore the 4.5 kilometre one-way marked loop through the golden sands and the mystical natural formations.
As you drive the loop, there are plenty of places to stop and park the car so that you can get out and explore this unique desert. Â
Once you have completed the loop don’t forget to stop in at the visitor centre within the Nambung National Park so that you learn all about the history of the area.
Join us as we learn about…
Info:
- Website
- Discovery Centre Opening hours
- Mon-Sat 9am-5:30pm
- Sun 9am-5pm
- Cost
- $17/car
2. Lake Thetis
The next day we explore more of the natural wonders near Cervantes.
We take a stroll along the boardwalk to see 3500-year-old living organisms called thrombolites (similar to stromatolites) at Lake Thetis – they look a bit like a cauliflower.  There are not many places in the world to see these so it’s worth a visit.
Stroll along the boardwalk with us at…
Info:
- Website
- Cost
- Free
3. Hansons Bay Lookout
Just near Lake Thetis and a steep climb up the dunes on the rickety wooden staircase is Hansens Bay Lookout offering a lovely vista of the waves crashing out on the reef that runs along this part of the West Australian coastline.
Top Trip Tip: Remember pets are NOT allowed in many of the national parks of Western Australia
4. Thirst Point Lookout
Follow the signs along the boardwalk along the coast to reach the point. This region is very windy so expect to be blown away by the stunning beaches.
5. Lookout Point
And for a lovely spot to sit and watch the sunset just a stroll from the caravan park is a quaint little lookout.
Top Trip Tip: Pack good quality walking shoes to explore all these lookouts
6. Cervantes Beach
We are in Cervantes in June (Australia’s winter) the white sandy beaches are covered in seaweed. But as a child, I visited here in the summer and the beaches were white with turquoise clear waters.
7. Kangaroo Point (Beach)
Halfway between Cervantes and the Pinnacles is the rest stop Kangaroo Point with white sandy beaches.
8. Hangover Bay (Beach)
This rest stop is located near the Pinnacles Desert turn-off. Pop in after you visit the Nambung National Park or stop here for lunch at the shaded picnic tables and free BBQs.
9. The Lobster Shack
As lobsters are Cervantes’ main industry it only seems fitting that you can visit the lobster factory and learn how the lobsters are processed and shipped offshore all before a lobster lunch.
The lobster shack also offers tours to see sea lions or do some of your lobster fishing.
Info:
- Website
- Cost
- $15/adult
- $7.50/child
Fun Free Things to Do in Cervantes (for Kids)
The town of Cervantes attracts backpackers, couples, seniors and lots of families.
10. Inclusions at the Caravan Park
Keeping the kids occupied is just good old-fashioned fun. We stay at the RAC Cervantes Holiday Park which includes family-friendly activities like:
- Games room with:
- Table tennis
- Pool table,
- Large Swimming Pool
- Toddler playground
11. Playgrounds and Ovals
Right outside the caravan park is a large council climbing frame in an expansive green grassy park, overlooking the beach. Most of the school-age kids from the caravan park are out here playing. Our son Lewis easily makes friends as all the kids alternate between the climbing frame and scootering on the paths.
The large grassy oval attracts big kids and adults kicking footballs while others are playing a match at the free beach volleyball court.
Top Trip Tip: Pack a scooter or bike. This allows your child to easily join in the games with the other kids at the caravan park and make friends
12. Fishing
And let’s not forget the town’s main staple of fishing.
You can fish straight off the beaches mentioned above or from the Cervantes Jetty. There is free parking at all of these locations.
The types of fish that you are most likely to catch include:
- Taylor
- Whiting
- Herring
- Cobbler
- Mullaway
- Crab
This guide mentions exactly how to get to all the best Cervantes fishing locations and which fish you will catch and where you will catch them.
Jurien Bay Activities
Jurien Bay is located 25 kilometres north of Cervantes. Jurien is also a larger region coastal town than Cervantes and if you’ve run out of anything or need additional support you may find these Jurien Bay services useful:
- IGA
- Bakery
- Butcher
- Laundromat
- Medical centre
- Brewery
- Two pubs
- Waterfront park, playground and skatepark
- Swimming pontoon
- Jetty for swimming, diving and fishing
And of course, a couple of more adventurous activities like the seal cruise, skydiving and seeing the Pinnacles from above.
13. Seal Cruise
I can’t believe how close you get to the sea lions with these seal cruise tours.
Head out to the islands off Jurien Bay to either just observe or swim with the sea lions in the Jurien Bay Marine Park.Â
Two companies offer tours, so visit both websites to see which is the best tour for you.
14. Sky Diving
For the thrill seeker, try a tandem skydive with Jurien Bay
This is a really popular tour. I can’t believe how many people want to voluntarily jump out of a plane. However, these tours run continually all day long.
Standing on the beach I saw several groups drifting back to Earth in just over a couple of hours.
- Website
- Cost
- Start from $339/jump
15. Turquoise Heli Experience
An alternate thrill-seeking adventure up in the sky is a helicopter tour.
Since you, no doubt travelled all this way to see the Pinnacles why not view them from a different perspective – from above? You’ll also the full expanse of the Turquoise Coast, the islands and Mt Lesueur.
The Pinnacles Helicopter Flights depart from Jurien Bay Airport.
- Website
- Cost
- $200/10 min ride
- $400/20 min ride
Eating out in Cervantes
Don’t worry if you don’t bring your own food there are no shortage of restaurants in Cervantes.
- Seashells Cafe
- Lobster Snack Shack
- Cervantes Bar and Bistro
- Island Cafe
- Cervantes Country Club
- Europa Anchor Restaurant
- Seabreeze Cafe
- Back Beach Bakehouse
Top Trip Tip: Check the opening hours of these establishments as they do alter according to the season
Plan Your Trip to Cervantes and the Pinnacles
Getting Here
Cervantes is a two-hour drive north along the Indian Ocean Highway from the West Australian capital of Perth.  The highway whilst fairly new has become a little treacherous due to impatient drivers.  The highway is a two-way road that winds along the coastline.  Between Perth and Lancelin there are a few sections with overtaking lanes. Once you drive past the Lancelin turnoff there are no more overtaking lanes. So please be patient, take care and stay alert.
If you don’t have a car but are interested in visiting these Cervantes attractions including the Pinnacles you may like to book a tour through GetYourGuide* or Viator* or you can hire a car*. Don’t forget to hire a car seat for the kids.Â
FAQ
It is 19 kilometres from Cervantes to the Pinnacles Discovery Centre and will take approximately 15 minutes to drive.
It is 25 kilometres from Jurien Bay to Cervantes and will take approximately 17 minutes to drive.
It is 197 kilometres from Perth CBD to Cervantes and it will take approximately two and a quarter hours to drive.
Cervantes WA Accommodation
With several choices for Cervantes accommodation, we choose the caravan park in Cervantes. The RAC Cervantes Holiday Park offers powered sites, unpowered sites, ensuite sites and new two-bedroom villas – which is what we choose
Our villa is clean, new and spacious. Alternatively, you could camp or bring your camper/RV. There are lots of good amenities at the RAC Cervantes Holiday Park including a camp kitchen, games room, playground, swimming pool and new ablution blocks.
Read our full review of…
There are a couple more choices for accommodation in Cervantes:
If you do choose one of the self-catering options you may like our Self Catering Packing List
Top Trip Tip: Accommodation prices vary considerably for all these options and seasonally, check out a booking site* to compare prices and suitability for your trip
Official Websites and Links
Check out all our West Australian travel inspirations HERE including:
You’ll find more information on these government websites:
Or read these travel guides on Western Australia*
As the sun sets over the turquoise waters and the echoes of waves intertwine, we let the memories of golden formations at Pinnacles Desert, ancient thrombolites, the exhilaration of coastal lookouts, and the relaxation of family-friendly facilities just wash over us with contentment.
There are so many options for things to do in Cervantes. It is the perfect place for a weekend getaway from Perth or as a stop on a long road trip exploring the Coral Coast of Western Australia.
Basically, it is an experience waiting to be lived!
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I have always wanted to see the west coast, so thanks for the inspiration! I will be saving this for the future!
Glad to see I have peaked your interest in Western Australia Kreete.
That was a great sunset! The holiday park at Cervantes looks fantastic! The Pinnacles are fascinating. So unique, and beautiful. We’d love to explore that area, though I understand the Kimberly is a bit remote for most foreign visitors. Definitely one for the Bucket List, though! #TheWeeklyPostcard
Just a typical sunset in WA Rob and Ann.
Just to let you know the Kimberley region is in the far north of Western Australia, it takes about two hours to fly up there. Cervantes and the Pinnacles are only a two-hour drive north of Perth. WA is such a big state and so much to see.
Cervantes looks like a photographer’s dream come true and seems to be the perfect place to spend time with your family. It’s great that it’s so close to where you live. #TheWeeklyPostcard
You’d love the photographic opportunities, Anda. Sunsets over the ocean, stunning natural scenery and beautiful flora and fauna.
So nice that you have such a beautiful spot not too far from home. The viewpoints are lovely and it sounds like a great place for a stroll. The lobster shack sounds interesting too. #TheWeeklyPostcard.
Yes, we are quite lucky here in Western Australia Anisa. Some lovely place to explore north and south of Perth.
I remember my trip to Perth with my parents in 1992, and we visited the Pinnacles. I can’t remember much from the trip because it was so long ago but I do remember how hot it was – summer had just started and that was our first experience of the blistering heat in Australia 🙂
Travelling north in the heat of an Australian summer isn’t that much fun. It’s just way too hot. Though I am sure you found some great beaches along the way to cool off. I hope the heat hasn’t deterred you from returning to Aus.
We have just come back from a road trip on the Coral Coast. The Pinnacles was first on our list of things to see and it did not disappoint. Cervantes is lovely, although I don’t understand the hype around The Lobster Shack.
We never made it to the Lobster Shack – the men in my life refused to go. Sounds like we didn’t miss anything, thanks Lyn.