Looking for a last-minute, action-packed road trip to take this Easter? This sand and sun-filled drive from Perth to Cervantes and back again is just what the Adventure Doctor ordered.

 

We Are Explorers acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Countries on which these adventures take place who have occupied and cared for these lands, waters, and their inhabitants for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

 

If you’re looking for your next weekend adventure from Perth, a short drive from the city, then this road trip is hard to beat. Offering sweeping coastal views, white sand beaches, and delicious regional produce, this drive from Perth to Cervantes via the sand dunes of Lancelin and otherworldly Pinnacles Desert delivers in spades.

Perth to Cervantes Road Trip Facts

Distance Driven: 400km
Time Driving: 5 hours
Days Taken: 2 days

About the Perth to Cervantes Road Trip

This road trip kicks off in Perth, heading north until the freeway gives way to the scenic Indian Ocean Drive. After a stop in at The Bottle-O Yanchep, watch as the landscape changes from urban sprawl to rugged bushland, pristine beaches, and rolling sand dunes.

 

 

An ocean dip at Wedge Island and lunch in the sleepy fishing village of Cervantes for a locally sourced seafood lunch kicks off your weekend in this laid-back region. The journey continues at arguably the most famous landscape along this stretch of coast, the Pinnacles, as you wind your way back south to spend the evening in Lancelin, a coastal town with rural charm nestled between the ocean and towering white sand dunes.

Read more: Remember to leave no trace

Perth to Cervantes Weekend Road Trip

Perth to Wedge Island Point

Distance: 163km
Duration: 2.25 hours

The first port of call on any self-respecting coastal road trip is the beach, and Wedge Island Point is the perfect pitstop after making your way into the region. The coastal community is one-of-a-kind in Wedge, where locals have protected their special slice of beach shack paradise for the past 70 years.

Read more: How to Stay Safe at the Beach

This quirky settlement is home to a stunning white sand point, where you can drive right onto the hard sand beach if you’re in a 4WD (just remember to watch the tides and take care when driving on sand). No 4WD? No worries. You can park up around 100m from the beach and walk out onto the sand, just keep an eye out for passing cars.

 

Wedge Island Point to Cervantes

Distance: 45km
Duration: 0.5 hours

After a morning of road tripping and relaxing at the beach, you’ll be ready for a feed, and where better than Western Australia’s crayfishing hub, the coastal town of Cervantes. Our pick for lunch here is the Lobster Shack, a third-generation family fishing business and restaurant right by the coast.

Try their famous lobster roll, which naturally features their very own produce – though you really can’t go wrong with any of the fresh seafood on the menu. Sit back and take in the ocean views from the outside deck, just beware of the sea birds who have developed a strong taste for hot chips!

 

Cervantes to the Pinnacles

Distance: 19km
Duration: 0.25 hours

From Cervantes, it’s time to head back down the coast, and it’s not long until you reach the famous landscape of the Pinnacles Desert.

These ancient limestone pillars rise from the flat surrounds, having formed 25,000 to 30,000 years ago from deposits of seashells, leaving a landscape unique to this area. As the Pinnacles are within Nambung National Park, there’s a small entrance fee upon arrival.

In the park, you have the choice between the 4km circular drive loop through the Pinnacles (a hard sand track, suitable for 2WDs) or, if you’d prefer to stretch your legs and get up close to these geological marvels, there are numerous trails to explore the area. The Pinnacles look especially striking in the afternoon light, perfect for a few snaps.

The Pinnacles to Lancelin Sand Dunes

Distance: 79km
Duration: 1 hour

With the sun slipping lower in the sky, it’s prime time to take in the expanse of the Lancelin sand dunes, an hour’s drive south of the Pinnacles. These sand dunes aren’t like the ones at your local beach! They’re immense, reaching up to 40m high and spanning more than 2km, formed over 4000 years ago following the end of the last ice age.

You can really choose your own adventure here. Sandboard hire is open until 5:30pm every day if you’re keen to slide down the dunes, 4WD enthusiasts can cruise through them, or if you’re after something a little more low-key, you can simply enjoy the sunset from this natural viewpoint.

 

 

After exploring the dunes, it’s time to wrap up a big day, treat yourself to a pub feed and retire to your Lancelin accomm of choice before making your way back down to Perth the following day.

Where to Eat in Lancelin

The Endeavour Tavern is our pick of the bunch, a local institution that serves up traditional Aussie pub meals by the beach. The beer garden is a magnificent spot to hang out on a sunny day. If you’re after something a little more elevated, 3 Emus Restaurant at Lancelin Sands Hotel offers delicious modern Australian fare with sweeping views over the Indian Ocean.

Where to Stay in Lancelin

For the campers out there, we recommend pitching your tent or pulling up your caravan at the Lancelin Caravan Park, where the ocean is right by your doorstep. For a more cozy stay, check out the gorgeous Docs Cottage. This picture-perfect, bright blue heritage cottage is located beachside in Lancelin town, making it the perfect spot to base yourself after a day’s adventures.

If you’re keen for a sundown drink before you hit the hay, drop into The Bottle-O on your way out of Perth. With locations around the CBD, including a store in Yanchep that’s en route to the region, it couldn’t be easier to pick up your favourite drinks.

 

Time to Hit the Road!

For an effortless weekend getaway from Perth, this road trip packs in plenty of adventure. In just a few hours, you’ll feel a world away from the city among the arid landscapes of ancient Pinnacles, towering sand dunes, and seemingly endless desert plains fringed by the Indian Ocean.

After an action-packed weekend, you’ll be ready to put your feet up with a cold beer or your favourite vino in hand, so don’t forget to pick up your drinks of choice from The Bottle-O to cap off a weekend to remember.

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