Jurien Bay

Jurien Bay is Western Australia’s family favourite and fast emerging as a popular short break destination!

🏆 Gold Winner – WA Top Tourism Town Awards 2026

Jurien Bay offers fantastic swimming, coffee, great beaches and a good range of accommodation options. Located just 2.5 hours drive north of Perth on the Indian Ocean Drive and only 20 minutes north of Cervantes, the town is a top fishing spot with the Jurien Bay Marina providing a safe haven for a large number of crayfishing boats.

It’s not uncommon to spot endangered Australian Sea Lions and these cute creatures are often seen lazing in the sun on the beaches of the Jurien Bay Marine Park. Among the rarest of the world’s sea lion population, Australian sea lions are found only in WA and South Australia. Approximately 21% of the Western Australian population of sea lions live and breed in the Jurien Bay Marine Park. Observe the sea lions in their own natural environment by joining a sea lion tour from Jurien Bay boat harbour or Cervantes. Note: Please remember that the sea lions you encounter are not tame. Do not feed them as it creates a dependency on humans.

Enjoy Jurien Bay from above! The multi award-winning Jurien Bay Skydive runs single, tandem and sports skydiving 7 days a week. Not a diver? You might see the jumpers land right on the beach.

Jurien Bay is an ideal fishing location. Why not enjoy a fishing charter adventure with professionals who have the knowledge and experience of their home waters ensuring you have an unforgettable fishing experience. Fishing charters out of Jurien can tailor a tour to suit your needs. Keep an eye out for rock lobster fishermen as they return with their daily catch.

Sandy Cape is a beautiful beach located 13km north of Jurien Bay, which is situated in a small, sheltered bay and offers great swimming, snorkelling, fishing and sandboarding opportunities. Licensed road vehicles are permitted in the Park and can use the beach between the high and low water line. Look for signage before fishing, as there are restrictions in certain places. There are about 80 campsites accessible by 2WD in the main campsite with eco toilets available. Camping is also permitted in the 4WD only areas north and south from Sandy Cape. Camp fees are $20 per night for a maximum 2 adults and 2 children. Fees apply in all camping areas and are to be paid to the camp care taker. Note: Dogs are allowed at Sandy Cape, but need to be on a leash in some areas.

WWII Remains at North Head are accessible by 4WD, following the tracks south from Sandy Cape Information Bay to find the well-preserved remains of a WWII radar installation, with two intact shelters, original foundations and an underground tank. Visitors are encouraged to treat the area and any remaining facilities with the respect owed to an important military heritage site by parking at the designated parking area and walking the 300 metres to the shelters. Camping is not permitted at North Head and some areas are restricted fishing zones so please refer to local signage.

The Turquoise Way Trail is a 14.5km sealed track stretching along the coast from the Jurien Bay Marina to the Hill River Mouth (almost half-way to Cervantes). Hire a bike and follow the trail along the stunning coast and you can see the Hill River estuary from the trail. The Turquoise Way is flat for the northern half of the ride, with a few more undulations in the southern half.

Lesueur National Park is recognised as a global biodiversity hotspot. An 18.5km, one-way, sealed, loop-road allows you to explore the best that the scenic Mount Lesueur National Park has to offer. World renowned for its extremely high native plant diversity, the park contains over 1,100 species amounting to 10% of WA’s known flora. Although stunning all year round, the best time to visit Mt Lesueur is between August and November, when a vast array of weird and wonderful wildflowers burst into bloom.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Jurien Bay? Jurien Bay is located along Western Australia's Coral Coast, approximately 2.5 hours' drive north of Perth on the scenic Indian Ocean Drive. Known for its turquoise waters, white sandy beaches and marine wildlife, Jurien Bay is a popular destination for weekend getaways and coastal adventures.

What is Jurien Bay known for? Jurien Bay is known as one of the few places in Australia where you can swim with wild Australian Sea Lions in their natural habitat, crystal clear waters, skydiving adventures and fishing.

What are the top things to do in Jurien Bay?

Some of Jurien Bay's most popular experiences include:

• Swimming with Australian sea lions
• Exploring the Jurien Bay Marine Park
• Skydiving over the incredible coastline
• Sandboarding at nearby dunes
• Fishing from the beach or boat
• Exploring nearby national parks - Lesueur National Park, Nambung National Park, Stockyard Gully Nature Reserve.

Can you swim with sea lions in Jurien Bay? Yes. Jurien Bay is one of Australia's premier destinations for swimming with wild Australian sea lions. Guided tours with Jurien Bay Ocean Experience and Turquoise Safaris operate throughout the year, offering visitors the opportunity to observe these playful marine mammals in their natural environment.

What is the Jurien Bay Marine Park? The Jurien Bay Marine Park protects over 800 square kilometres of coastline, reefs and islands between Cervantes and Green Head. It is home to a diverse range of marine life, including Australian sea lions, dolphins, seabirds, fish and vibrant underwater ecosystems.

How many days should I spend in Jurien Bay? Jurien Bay is known as a great long weekend escape from Perth of 3-4 days but certainly is more to explore over longer.

When is the best time to visit Jurien Bay? Jurien Bay can be enjoyed year-round. Spring (August to October) offers beautiful wildflowers throughout the region, while the warmer months are ideal for water activities, boating and beach days. Autumn and winter provide mild temperatures and excellent conditions for exploring the coastline.

Is Jurien Bay suitable for families? Absolutely. Jurien Bay is a fantastic family-friendly destination with calm beaches, playgrounds, picnic areas, fishing spots and wildlife encounters. The town's relaxed atmosphere and range of outdoor activities make it popular with visitors of all ages.

Can you fish in Jurien Bay? Absolutely. Jurien Bay is one of Western Australia's most popular fishing destinations, with opportunities for both shore-based and offshore fishing. From the jetty and local beaches, anglers commonly catch herring, silver trevally and squid, particularly after dark. Further offshore within the Jurien Bay Marine Park, prized catches include dhufish, pink snapper, baldchin groper and whiting. Be sure to check current marine park zones, fishing regulations and bag limits before heading out.

What National Parks are near Jurien Bay? Jurien Bay is surrounded by several outstanding national parks and conservation areas, including:

• Lesueur National Park - famous for its incredible biodiversity and spectacular wildflowers.
• Nambung National Park - home to the iconic Pinnacles Desert.
• Stockyard Gully National Park - known for its scenic walking trails and caves.

These parks offer excellent opportunities for walking, photography, birdwatching and seasonal wildflower viewing.

Can I visit Jurien Bay as a day trip from Perth? Yes. Jurien Bay is an easy day trip from Perth, located approximately 2.5hrs (220km) north of the city. However, staying overnight allows more time to enjoy the beaches, marine experiences, wildlife encounters and nearby national parks.