Things to do in Cervantes: Gateway to The Iconic Pinnacles Desert

Just 15 minutes from the picturesque town of Cervantes, the striking Pinnacles Desert rises in sharp contrast to the vibrant Turquoise Coast. Nestled in the Shire of Dandaragan, two hours north of Perth, Cervantes is perfect for a day trip – but trust us, this is a place worth slowing down for.

Steeped in cray fishing history and named after a shipwreck inspired by the author of Don Quixote, Cervantes offers more than just its iconic Pinnacles. From national parks and ancient thrombolites to beaches that sparkle year-round, this coastal gem is full of natural wonders waiting to be explored. Here are our top picks of things to do in Cervantes. 

Best Things to do in Cervantes

Pinnacles Desert

Spanning over 17,000 hectares in Nambung National Park, a four-kilometre trail winds through the Pinnacles Desert, where thousands of limestone mounds rise in striking formations. For a truly mesmerising experience, visit at dawn or dusk when the shifting light casts eerie shadows over the peaks and valleys, with kangaroos, emus, and lizards often making an appearance.

There’s plenty of debate about how these 25,000-year-old structures came to be, but if you’re curious, the architecturally designed Pinnacles Desert Discovery Centre offers fascinating insights. Entry is $15 per car, and once inside, you’re free to explore on foot or via the dedicated driving trail.

Sea Lion Tours

Dive into adventure with Lobster Shack’s thrilling sea lion tours. Head out to the Cervantes Islands, where playful sea lions leap and spin with excitement just for you. These cheeky ocean acrobats are ready to show off their best moves as you snorkel and swim alongside them. After your adventure, indulge in a sumptuous seafood feast back at the Lobster Shack. Can a day on the ocean get any more perfect? We don’t think so!

Sandboarding at Jurien Bay

For a dose of adrenaline, head 20 minutes north to Jurien Bay’s towering sand dunes. Sandboarding here is a thrill worth chasing—grab a board, climb to the top, and carve your way down the powdery slopes with the ocean glimmering in the background. It’s a fun, family-friendly activity that’s as much about the views as it is about the rush. Local operators can hook you up with gear if you don’t have your own, making it an easy add-on to your Cervantes adventure.

Stargazing at Thirsty Point

Cervantes’ remote location means minimal light pollution, making it a prime spot for stargazing. Head to Thirsty Point at night, where the beach meets the sky in a dazzling display of constellations. Bring a blanket, lie back on the sand, and lose yourself in the Milky Way’s glow—it’s a peaceful way to cap off the day. For the best experience, visit on a clear, moonless night and let the Turquoise Coast’s starry canopy steal the show.

Seville Street, Cervantes

Lobster Catching Tour

Dive into Cervantes’ crayfishing heritage with a tour at the Lobster Shack, just minutes from town. Picture yourself cruising the stunning WA coast, pulling up pots of lobsters, soaking up endless sunshine and salty fresh air? This is your chance! This working facility offers a behind-the-scenes look at how Western Rock lobsters are caught, processed, and shipped worldwide. The tour is a fascinating peek into local industry, and you can cap it off with a fresh lobster roll or platter at their on-site eatery. 

37 Catalonia Street, Cervantes

Lake Thetis Thrombolites

Uncover the ancient wonders of Lake Thetis, where thousands of fascinating thrombolites have been forming for over 3,000 years. A stroll along the boardwalk offers stunning views, especially during wildflower season (June to September). These unique rock formations closely resemble some of Earth’s earliest life forms, making this one of Western Australia’s most intriguing natural sites. Located just on the outskirts of town, Lake Thetis is one of WA’s five key spots to see these prehistoric marvels up close

Fishing

Just a 20-minute drive from Cervantes, Jurien Bay is a fishing paradise, home to snapper, tuna, silver trevally, whiting, dhufish, and Spanish mackerel. Book a fishing charter for a deep-sea adventure, or try your luck at local hotspots like North Head, Jurien Harbour, Island Point, and Hill River. Back in Cervantes, you’ll find excellent fishing at Hangover Bay, Cervantes Jetty, Lead Lights, Black Peak, Hansen Bay, Cervantes Back Beach, and Thirsty Point. The fish are waiting—so grab your gear and get ready for a reel good time!

Cervantes Dunes 

While the Pinnacles steal the spotlight, Cervantes’ rolling white sand dunes offer a different kind of magic. Picture vast, pristine dunes stretching endlessly along the coastline, creating a dreamy, otherworldly landscape. Whether you’re wandering through the serene sands or watching the sunset cast golden hues across the terrain, this hidden gem is a romantic escape into nature’s wonderland.

Beach Days

With powdery white sands and crystal-clear waters, Cervantes is the ultimate coastal retreat. Sandy Cape, just north of Jurien Bay, invites 4WDs to roll onto the beach and set up camp when the tide is just right.

For calm, sheltered waters, Dynamite Bay is perfect for picnics and snorkelling. Green Head offers lush surroundings, while Hangover Bay is a hotspot for spotting dolphins, sea lions, emus, and kangaroos. And for breathtaking sunsets, head to Hansen Bay Lookout or take a scenic walk along the boardwalks at Thirsty Point Lookout.

Stockyard Gully Cave

Swap out those turquoise ocean views for an underground adventure at Stockyard Gully National Park, an hour north of Cervantes. Here, you’ll find a cool cave system leading to an underground river. Accessible only by 4WD, the journey is worth it when you step onto the soft, cool sand inside the cave, a perfect escape from the summer heat. The 400-metre cave is pitch black and home to kangaroos, birds, and bats—so don’t forget a torch for your exploration.

The Best Cervantes Restaurants

Lobster Shack Cervantes

What began as a processing facility for live lobster exports has evolved into one of WA’s most iconic seafood restaurants. Lobster Shack seats approximately 700 patrons in a relaxed, sea-shanty setting, where Western Australia’s famed lobsters take centre stage alongside buckets of the sweetest prawns imaginable.

Beyond the restaurant, this family-run spot also offers accommodation at Cervantes Lodge, as well as factory tours and sea lion tours.

37 Catalonia Street, Cervantes

Cervantes Bar & Bistro

A true local favourite, Cervantes Bar & Bistro is the heartbeat of town, offering pub meals with a gourmet twist. Whether you’re after a quick bite or a long lunch, the friendly atmosphere and full table service make for an enjoyable dining experience.

The menu features antipasto platters, fresh local seafood, and succulent steaks, all served in a relaxed setting. There’s even a secure outdoor play area for kids, so parents can sit back and enjoy a meal in the sun.

1 Cadiz Street, Cervantes

Best Cervantes Accommodation

Cervantes Lodge

With chic coastal vibes, a shared kitchen, BBQ, and lounge area, Cervantes Lodge is ideal for budget-friendly family and group getaways. Located right by the Lobster Shack, you’re perfectly positioned for a seafood feast—especially if your fishing charter doesn’t go as planned. Plus, you’re just a short stroll from other great eateries and pristine beaches.

37 Catalonia Street, Cervantes 

RAC Cervantes Holiday Park

Boasting an absolute beachfront location, RAC Cervantes Holiday Park offers one, two, and three-bedroom villas, plus powered and unpowered sites. Expect modern amenities, including a well-equipped camp kitchen, a swimming pool, and a fantastic playground for kids.

For a relaxed dining experience with stunning views over Ronsard Bay, Seashells Cafe serves all-day meals just steps from the Indian Ocean.

35 Aragon Street, Cervantes

Hill River Nature Reserve by Tiny Away

Looking for a serene escape near turquoise waters? This charming tiny house is nestled on a 6-acre block backing onto a nature reserve, just a short drive from Cervantes and 15 minutes from Jurien Bay Jetty.

Encased in wattle trees and surrounded by native wildlife, the eco-friendly 139-square-foot home features a kitchenette, split air conditioning, and a gas-heated shower—a perfect hideaway for a nature-filled retreat.

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Cervantes is an unmissable coastal escape, where world-famous seafood, breathtaking landscapes, and thrilling wildlife experiences await. And after indulging in all that fresh seafood, why not keep the adventure going? Check out our guide to Perth’s best seafood while planning your next unforgettable weekend getaway!