Just a two-hour drive north of Perth, Cervantes is a great destination for a weekend getaway or lazy coastal break. The gateway to the Nambung National Park and the Pinnacles Desert, the town boasts white sandy beaches, a bounty of fresh seafood and lots of activities that are both kid- and pet-friendly. Cervantes is also around the corner from the equally picturesque Jurien Bay, another great place to go for lots of seaside fun.
Pet-friendly, Cervantes has everything from designated dog beaches and walking trails, to dog-friendly cafes and parks, so there’s really no excuse to leave your furry friends at home. And with RAC Cervantes Holiday Park offering dog-friendly sites, it’s really a holiday no brainer.
Need further convincing? Check out these top 10 pet-friendly things to do in Cervantes and Jurien Bay.
1. Frolic by the sea
Did you know that there are a number of beaches in Cervantes and Jurien Bay that are pet-friendly? Cervantes’s Hansen Bay is one of our favourites. There’s plenty to do with your pooch here – from building castles out of sand and strolling along the bay, to swimming or teaching your furry friend how to ride a boogie board. Access this beach from Barcelona Drive, where you’re then able to let your pup off its leash.
- Barcelona Drive, Cervantes
- 6 minute drive from RAC Cervantes Holiday Park
2. Go beach fishing at Ronsard Bay
Another top spot for off-the-leash fun, Ronsard Bay is literally on the doorstep of the RAC Cervantes Holiday Park. Along with sunbathing and swimming, it offers prime beach fishing. Setup along the foreshore, cast a line and sit back and relax. The dogs will provide plenty of entertainment while you wait for those bites. Brought a boat? You can launch it from Corunna Road, straight into the bay.
- Ronsard Bay, Cervantes
- 0 minute drive from RAC Cervantes Holiday Park
3. Walk the Turquoise Way Trail
Starting at the Jurien Bay Harbour and ending at the Hill River Mouth, this 14.2-kilometre trail offers stunning views of the turquoise coast. The trail takes visitors past the Jurien Bay Jetty and Dobbyn Park Foreshore, where there are playgrounds, grassed picnic areas and an outdoor gym. A sealed track makes it easy to venture along this stunning part of the coast with your entire family.
- Jurien Bay Harbour, Harbour Drive, Jurien Bay
- 22 minute drive from RAC Cervantes Holiday Park
4. Slide down the sand dunes at Sandy Cape
A trip to Cervantes and Jurien Bay wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the region’s famous sand dunes, so making a pitstop at the pet-friendly Sandy Cape – a popular spot for sandboarding, swimming, snorkelling and SUPing – is a must. Located 10km north of Jurien Bay, Sandy Cape features a sheltered bay lined by pristine-white sand dunes. If you don’t have your own, hire a sandboard in Jurien Bay then make your way to the dunes to see if you (or your dog) can sand surf. All that sandboarding got you tuckered out? It’s easy to relax and recuperate by the crystal clear, calm waters of the Cape.
- Sandy Cape Road, Jurien Bay
- 35 minute drive from RAC Cervantes Holiday Park
5. Discover vibrant street art on the Cervantes Art Trail
Art lover? Grab a Cervantes Art Trail map from the visitors’ centre on Cadiz Street, which will guide you past a series of artworks that look into Cervantes’s Spanish history and its strong relationship with the ocean. There are 23 pieces of art waiting to be discovered by you and your pooch. If your fur baby is joining you, do make sure to keep it on a leash.
- 14-16 Cadiz Street, Cervantes
- 1 minute drive from RAC Cervantes Holiday Park
6. Take in sweeping views of the Indian Ocean from Thirsty Point Lookout
Not far from Cervantes’s town centre is Thirsty Point Lookout, a platform providing panoramic views of the coast. Lead your pup along a wooden boardwalk that weaves through sand dunes to the top of the lookout, which is also a great vantage point to catch the sunset or watch kite surfers fly by.
- Seville Street, Cervantes
- 3 minute drive from RAC Cervantes Holiday Park
7. Feast on Western Rock Lobster at the Lobster Shack
Looking for a place to eat that’s also pet-friendly? Cervantes has a number of dining options, but one of the best would have to be the internationally renowned Lobster Shack. Serving fresh and juicy Western Rock Lobsters and other seafood delights, this family-owned restaurant has been operating in Cervantes for decades. They’ve been catching lobster (or crayfish) off the coast of Cervantes for more than 20 years and know how to cook them perfectly. Park your family (furry ones included) out on the picnic tables that overlook Ronsard Bay and indulge on this West Australian delicacy.
- 37 Catalonia Street, Cervantes
- 1 minute drive from RAC Cervantes Holiday Park
8. Explore the Jurien Bay Lions Market
Who doesn’t love a stroll through the markets? They’re full of bric-a-brac, the best local eats and unique and random finds. Come along to the Jurien Bay Lions Market, held at Jurien Bay’s Pioneer Park from 8am to 1pm on specific Sundays (mainly long weekends) and see what you can discover. If you’re visiting town check out the Jurien Bay Lions Market’s Facebook Page or pop into the local visitors’ centre for market dates.
- Pioneer Park, Jurien Bay
- 19 minute drive from RAC Cervantes Holiday Park
9. Have dinner in Cervantes Bar & Bistro’s outdoor beer garden
For a tasty seafood dinner, you can’t pass up Cervantes Bar & Bistro. A family affair, this local restaurant and sports bar features mouth-watering seafood dishes – think seafood platters, delicious chilli mussels and, of course, Western Rock Lobster. With a playground for kids and dogs allowed in the outdoor beer garden, this bistro is a great dinner choice for the entire family.
- 1 Cadiz Street, Cervantes
- 1 minute drive from RAC Cervantes Holiday Park
10. Let your puppy have a rest while you visit the Pinnacles
Cervantes is the closest town to the Pinnacles, ancient limestone structures that look truly out-of-this-world. Set in front of a backdrop of clear blue skies and surrounded by an endless yellow sand desert, the rock formations are a sight to behold. Within national park, this is one site that your pooch unfortunately can’t visit. Not to worry, though. The Department of Parks and Wildlife offer self-service kennels from 8am to 4pm on weekdays. Just bring your pet’s necessities and a padlock and you’ll have a safe place to leave your pup while you explore the park. Want a more personable option? Check with the friendly staff at the Pinnacles Visitor Centre, who can suggest a number of dog sitters in town.
- Bradley Loop, Cervantes
- 3 minute drive from RAC Cervantes Holiday Park
