Cervantes is the gateway to Western Australia's Pinnacles Desert and the beginning of Australia's Coral Coast region. It is home to beautiful white sandy beaches and turquoise waters teeming with marine life, making it a popular choice for fishing or swimming and relaxed family getaways enjoying tasty fresh seafood.
This coastal town is the ideal base to enjoy a range of land and water-based activities.
Located in the heart of the Nambung National Park, the Pinnacles Desert is one of Australia’s most unique landscapes, featuring thousands of limestone spires, some up to 12 metres tall. Explore the desert on the designated four kilometre driving trail or stroll through them at your leisure on the 1.2 kilometre walking trail. Learn more about the Nambung National Park’s fascinating geology, flora and fauna at the Pinnacles Desert Discovery Centre.
The Nambung National Park is also a vast expanse of coastal heathland covering over 17,000 hectares, and is home to a range of amazing native plants and animals. From late winter to the end of spring, wildflowers bloom spectacularly throughout the park, with species such as wattles, quandong, yellow tail flower, thick-leaved fan flower, white clematis, cockies tongues, parrotbush and banksia species all visible. Visitors will also delight in viewing wildlife such as western grey kangaroos, cockatoos, emus, bobtail skinks and the occasional bird of prey.
Follow the Cervantes Art Trail which features 23 pieces of art throughout the town of Cervantes, and references a range of topics particular to Cervantes, from its Spanish history, to its relationship with the ocean. Collect an art trail map from the visitor centre on Cadiz Street.
Learn about Lake Thetis & Thrombolites which are located on your way into the Cervantes town site off Hansen Bay Road. Lake Thetis is one of only a few places in the world where you can see living Thrombolites, closely related to Stromatolites, and commonly regarded as “living fossils”. It is believed that the lake became isolated from the sea approximately 4,800 years ago after sea levels dropped and coastal dunes formed around the lake. Take a short walk along the 200m boardwalk (universal access) to the stromatolites where interpretive signage will give you an insight into what life was like at the dawn of time or continue along the path to complete the 1.5km loop walk around the lake. Please be advised dogs are not permitted here.
Kangaroo Point and Hangover Bay are located a short distance from the Pinnacles Desert. Facilities at both sites include barbecues, shelters and toilets. Kangaroo Point is a great spot to launch the boat or enjoy a secluded BBQ or picnic, and Hangover Bay lends itself to snorkelling, surfing and windsurfing. Note: the area immediately north of Kangaroo Point is a marine park sanctuary zone.
The Hansen Bay Lookout offers a picturesque view of the ocean, Lake Thetis and the Cervantes town site. For panoramic views of the Indian Ocean and Mount Lesueur, check out the Molah Hill Lookout located halfway between Cervantes and Jurien Bay. Another scenic lookout can be found in Beekeepers Nature Reserve about 18km north of Jurien Bay with views of the coastline, beaches and countryside.
Cervantes is approximately two hours drive north of Perth along the Indian Ocean Drive (road extension off Perth's Yanchep suburb).
