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

About 15 minutes from the tiny seaside town of Cervantes, the Pinnacles Desert lies in stark contrast to the aptly named Turquoise Coast. Situated in the Shire of Dandaragan two hours north of Perth, some of the best things to do in Cervantes can be enjoyed as a day trip, but then you would miss the point of this region beckoning visitors to slow down and soak it in. 

While Cervantes is the gateway to the Pinnacles Desert, the town holds a wholesome charm bathed in natural attractions galore from national parks to ancient thrombolites and cave systems. From June to September, carpets of spectacular wildflowers bloom and the beaches are idyllic year round - this list of swimwear will have you looking as gorgeous as the scenery.

This cray fishing town was built on its fishing culture and has a rich history, with a namesake and street names inspired by a nearby shipwreck named after Miguel de Cervantes, author of Don Quixote. After reading our guide to the best things to do in Cervantes, you’ll soon discover the Pinnacle Desert isn’t the only enthralling attraction on Australia’s Coral Coast.

Pinnacles Desert

Spanning for over 17,000 hectares in the Nambung National Park, a four-kilometre trail weaves through the Pinnacles Desert among thousands of limestone mounds in varying shapes and sizes. For a spectacular show, visit at dawn or dusk as the shifting sand and light cast eerie shadows over the peaks and valleys among basking kangaroos, emus and lizards. There's much debate over how the 25,000-year-old Pinnacles came to be, but a trip to the architecturally designed Pinnacles Desert Discovery Centre sheds some light. Entry is $15 per car and visitors are free to explore on foot on the dedicated paths.

Sea Lion Tours

Swim and snorkel with the biggest kids of the ocean on one of the Lobster Shack’s sea lion tours. Tours run to the outlying Cervantes Islands where sea lions jump and somersault in anticipation of their visitors. Combine your tour with a seafood feast back at the Lobster Shack. Could a day on the ocean get any better than this?

Lake Thetis Thrombolites

Thousands of ancient thrombolites jutting out of Lake Thetis are over 3,000 years old. Follow the boardwalk around the lake, with the best viewing times during the wildflower season from June to September. Believed to resemble the earliest forms of life on earth, Lake Thetis is one of the five sites in Western Australia featuring these intriguing rock formations just on the outskirts of town.

Fishing

Just 20 minutes from Cervantes, join a fishing charter from Jurien Bay, one of WA’s fishing meccas famed for snapper, tuna, silver travelly, whiting, dhu fish and Spanish mackerel. Or try your luck at any of Jurien Bay’s local fishing haunts at North Head, Jurien Harbour, Island Point and Hill River. In Cervantes, cast your line with the locals at Hangover Bay, Cervantes Jetty, Lead Lights, Black Peak, Hansen Bay, Cervantes Back Beach and Thirsty Point.

Cervantes Dunes 

Cervantes holds a secret that most overlook. Apart from the incredible Pinnacles, there are also these incredibly expansive and spectacular white sand dunes. It's a landscape that captures the imagination, and they can be found up and down the entire coastline.

Epic beaches

It’s as though Mother Nature created the region for photo shoots, especially with Cervantes’ powdery white beaches idyllic for swimming, snorkeling, sandboarding and fishing. Located 13 kilometers north of Jurien Bay, many drive their 4WDs onto the beach at Sandy Cape and set themselves up for the day when the tide is right. Sheltered by a rocky peninsula, Dynamite Bay is perfect for a picnic and snorkeling among the abundant marine life and coral. It’s easy to see where Green Head earnt its name and Hangover Bay treats beachgoers, windsurfers and surfers to dolphins, sea lions, emus and kangaroos. For epic sunsets, head to Hansen Bay Lookout or follow the boardwalks from Thirsty Point Lookout.

Stockyard Gully Cave

Swap those turquoise vistas and head about an hour north to the Stockyard Gully National Park to explore the picturesque cave system leading to an underwater river. Only accessible by 4WD, it's worth the journey once you step foot onto the Stockyard Gully Cave's soft, cool sand offering instant relief from the sweltering summer heat. As the 400-metre cave is pitch black inside and home to kangaroos, birds and bats, don't forget your torch.

Lobster Shack

What originally began as a processing facility for the international export of live lobsters has evolved into one of the state's most iconic restaurants, where the public can sample WA's prized delicacy. The Lobster Shack seats approximately 700 patrons in true sea shanty style where lobster shines alongside the region's seafood, including buckets of the sweetest prawns imaginable. This family-run business also offers accommodation at Cervantes Lodge, factory tours and sea lion tours.

37 Catalonia Street, Cervantes

Sea Breeze Café Cervantes

What could be more Western Australian than fish and chips by the ocean? The Sea Breeze Café Cervantes fits the bill in true Coral Coast style with fresh crayfish and fish plucked from the Indian Ocean, possibly even that morning. Burgers, kebabs, toasties and pizzas keep the menu varied every day of the week.

10 Cadiz Street, Cervantes

Cervantes Lodge

Chic coastal vibes and a shared kitchen, BBQ and lounge area ensure Cervantes Lodge caters well to budget-conscious families and groups. Located at the iconic Lobster Shack, your meals are sorted if your fishing charter wasn't successful and you don't get the opportunity to barbeque your catch, plus you're within strolling distance of several other eateries, and of course, that azure water is tantalising close.

37 Catalonia Street, Cervantes

RAC Cervantes Holiday Park

Holding an enviable beachfront address, the RAC Cervantes Holiday Park offers one, two and three-bedroom villas and powered and unpowered sites. Modern amenities include a well-equipped camp kitchen, pool, recreation facilities, ablution blocks and a fantastic playground. Reaching for the Indian Ocean’s shoreline, Seashells Café serves all-day dining on Ronsard Bay’s foreshore.

35 Aragon Street, Cervantes

iNDiOCEAN Beach Shack

iNDiOCEAN Beach Shack is a newly renovated house in Jurien Bay that accommodates up to 6 guests. Just a 2 minute stroll to the white sandy beach and within easy walking distance to the pub, shops, restaurants, skate park and jetty, the fresh coastal vibe and outdoor kitchen space provides the ultimate laid-back stay for a visit to this natural wonderland.

Picture it. BBQ's on warm summer nights, a fully equipped games room for loads of family fun, cute, light-filled bedrooms, and plenty of parking on the driveway for your boat. This really is a 'home away from home'. 

Jurien Bay, WA

Cervantes Holiday Homes

Self-contained accommodation holds the promise of a lengthier stay, especially at the affordable Cervantes Holiday Homes. Take your choice of one, two or three-bedroom units with open plan living and fully equipped kitchens. With the Cervantes Bar and Bistro on your doorstep, you don’t have far to go for cocktails and seafood at sunset, or any other time of the day.

1 Malaga Court, Cervantes

How charming is Cervantes?! There's no doubt that after indulging in all that fresh seafood, you'll be hankering for more and please check out our guide to Perth's best seafood while you plan your next escape to these unforgettable weekend trips.