Located on a peninsular, a short 1-hour hop, skip and jump from Perth, lies Lancelin. Famous for its back beach, sand dunes, surf, and not to mention a top-notch pub – Lancelin is a hidden gem that has something for everyone. It’s certainly worth its weight in gold, especially if you are looking to escape Perth for the weekend or on route further up north. We thought we’d put together a list of the top things to do and see in Lancelin to help you plan your experience this summer. Our hot tip, though, is if you are planning on staying a few nights, get in quick, as accommodation here is somewhat limited which really adds to the secluded feel that Lancelin provides.
Sandboarding Lancelin Sand Dunes
Located a couple of kilometres from the town centre is Lancelin’s pride and joy – the Lancelin sand dunes. Every year, thousands flock to this off-road area to explore the dunes on 4WDs. Some of the sand dunes exceed 40m and are perfect for those chasing an exhilarating sandboarding experience. A number of local providers are on deck who can help with sandboard tours and hire. We recommend using those listed on the Lancelin Tourism website. All in all, these dunes will offer up a whole day of adventure and is our top thing to do in Lancelin.
Quad Bike Tours
If you are keen to up the ante at the sand dunes, another way to experience them is via quad bike or buggies. An experienced driver will whip you around the undulating mounds and quick drops for 90 minutes. These guys have been doing it for a number of years now, so they know all the best areas and spots. The vehicles are also tested frequently for safety! Buggies of all sizes are available, and you can even combine a quad bike tour with sandboarding to truly make a day of it. We recommend the guys at Adventure Tours organise your quad bike experience and always aim to book a day in advance.
Stand-Up Paddle Boarding Tours
The Lancelin back beach in the mornings provides calm bay-like conditions that are primed for stand-up paddle boarding. Perfect for a subtle core workout, SUPs are a great way to see schools of fish gather near the closeby reef. These can be hired directly from the water’s edge by the hour and are a cheap and affordable activity for the whole family.
Learn How to Surf at Lancelin Back Beach
Thanks to its prime location – the back beach at Lancelin is a super long stretch of white sand and turquoise water that produces some good swell year-round. Renowned for its calm morning surf breaks, Lancelin back beach is the perfect spot to learn how to surf. There is a heap of surf schools to pick from who can use either offer boards for hire or lessons to get you up and surfing in no time. A word of warning – the afternoons at the back beach can be a little windy, so we recommend learning to surf in the mornings.
Pinnacles Desert Sunset Stargazing
Located on the outskirts of Lancelin are the Pinnacles – a collection of limestone formations within Naumburg National Park. Dating back over 30,000 years ago, the Pinnacles are well-posted and can be accessed by car. When you arrive, the trail will take about half an hour, but most people take 1-2 hours to allow time to get out of the car and have a close-up look at the Pinnacles and take photos. If you are looking to elevate the experience, you could opt for a nighttime star-gazing tour. Under the open sky, the stars can provide the perfect backdrop for some serious photo opportunities.
Lancelin Island
Accessed by a short 5-minute boat ride is Lancelin Island – a mini oasis with a beautiful untouched beach and heaps of local watching to knock your socks off. There is no fishing allowed on the island but what is possible is to experience all the underwater coral and fish with a snorkelling set. A trip out to Lancelin Island is highly recommended and is a must-do, especially for those that enjoy diving and snorkelling.
Fishing and Boating
For those looking to catch some fresh produce for their dinner, look no further than the Lancelin Jetty. Here you can drop a line and hope to score fresh Whiting, Squid and Tailor. For those looking for a more serious deep-sea fishing expedition, you can head out on a chartered boat in the hope of securing big ticket items such as Snapper, Dhufish or Baldchin Groper.
Kitesurfing & Windsurfing
Once the afternoon breeze hits Lancelin’s back beach, it turns quickly into a kitesurfing haven. Popular during December and January – most of the action takes place at the south point of the beach and can be accessed via Grace Darling Park. Even if this activity is not for you, it’s a pretty incredible spectacle to watch from the lookout areas as kitesurfers descend into the water to take advantage of the reliable conditions.
Endeavour Tavern
What better way to finish a full-throttle day of fun at the dunes and the back beach than a cold drink? The Endeavour Tavern is somewhat of a Lancelin institution and offers up a heap of beers on tap, great pub food and an ocean view. Try your luck at securing an outside table and watch the sunset while you discuss the day that was.
From the back beach to the sand dunes and everything in between – Lancelin is an underrated action-packed destination very close to Perth. It’s a fantastic family location and will provide that classic beach town energy without the big hotels and restaurants. Its low key but also well-resourced! If you are also looking for transport for a bigger group, we also can help you out with our minibus hire. Chat with one of our sales team today.