Learn about Cervantes’ Spanish heritage and deep connection to the ocean on the self-guided Cervantes Art Trail, featuring many unique pieces, sculptures and murals by local artists and community members.
The trail begins as you approach the town along Cervantes Rd, where the striking Don Quixote inspired Giant Wind Vane welcomes you. A little further along, it’s hard not to miss the giant steel dhufish sculpture, created by the local Cervantes Men’s Shed. Just across from RAC Cervantes Holiday Park, grab a snap with the life-sized windsurfer sculpture.
To explore them all, pick up a map of the art trail from the Pinnacles Visitor Centre on Cadiz Street. Please note some of the artworks are located on private property, so please be mindful of the owner’s property and privacy.
Cervantes also hosts a popular biennial arts festival, held every October, celebrating the region’s thriving arts community. However, the art trail is available year-round, providing an interesting way to explore the town further by foot, bike, or car.
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Don’t miss the opportunity to swim with playful Australian sea lions in the shallow, crystal-clear waters of the Jurien Bay Marine Park. These curious creatures are known for their acrobatic antics, somersaulting and twirling through the water beside you, making this a truly unforgettable activity.
Boat tours take you to the islands off the coast where the sea lion colonies reside, providing a unique opportunity to observe these marine mammals in their natural habitat. Snorkelling equipment is provided, along with coffee and tea to warm you up after your swim.
Tours operate seasonally from Cervantes with the Lobster Shack between November and April, offering options for swimmers and non-swimming observers. Year-round tours depart from Jurien Bay, subject to weather conditions.
When preparing for your adventure, bring a towel and warm clothes to change into after your swim, and an underwater camera if you have one to capture the magical experience.
After your tour, celebrate with a delicious lunch at the Lobster Shack, rounding off a truly unforgettable day in the water.
Photo: Tourism Western Australia
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The pristine coastal waters of the Jurien Bay Marine Park provide the perfect playground for swimming, snorkelling, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP).
Staying at RAC Cervantes Holiday Park, you’re just steps from the beach at Ronsard Bay. From here, you can walk or cycle along the Turquoise Way Trail to Thirsty Point Lookout or continue to the dog-friendly Hansen Bay, both quiet spots to enjoy the coastline.
For snorkelling, Hangover Bay is a local favourite thanks to its sheltered location. Located a short drive from Cervantes and close to the Pinnacles, it’s a great spot to visit after exploring the iconic limestone formation desert. With picnic tables and gas barbecues, Hangover Bay is the spot for a relaxed day by the water.
Around the coast, the wind tends to pick up in the afternoons, so head to the beach in the morning for the best conditions.
If you’d like to try your hand at stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), boards are available to hire from the Lobster Shack. No experience is needed, as a brief on-land lesson will give you the confidence to explore the scenic coastline. Additional snorkel and SUP hire gear is available from Jurien Bay Adventure Co in Jurien Bay, just 20 minutes north of Cervantes.
Photo: Tourism Western Australia
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Discover the modern-day relatives of some of the planet’s oldest life forms, the thrombolites, at Lake Thetis in Cervantes.
These rounded, rock-like structures may seem unremarkable at first glance, but they are closely related to stromatolites, some of the earliest known organisms on Earth. The Lake Thetis thrombolites are estimated to be over 3,500 years old.
Located just a 5-minute drive from RAC Cervantes Holiday Park, Lake Thetis is also accessible via a bush walk from Thirsty Point to Hansen Bay, which includes a detour past the lake. Once there, follow the marked boardwalk to view the thrombolites up close to ensure these fragile organisms are protected.
For those keen to explore further, a 1.5-kilometre loop trail circles the wetlands of the lake, offering opportunities to spot resident waterbirds and migratory shorebirds that frequent its shores.
Facilities at Lake Thetis are minimal, with only a few picnic tables near the car park. Be sure to bring any essentials, including water and sun protection, for your visit.
Photo: Tourism Western Australia
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Located a leisurely 35-drive from RAC Cervantes Holiday Park, Lesueur National Park is an oasis for wildflower lovers.
This 26,000-hectare park is renowned for its extraordinary botanical diversity, boasting over 900 species of flora – an incredible 10% of Western Australia’s known flora. Among these, ten rare species are found in the park, with nine unique to Lesueur.
While the park can be visited year-round, the best time to explore is during late winter and spring (August to October), when wildflower season transforms the landscape into a vivid display of colour. The milder temperatures during this time also make it ideal for hiking and outdoor activities.
Lesueur National Park offers several trails catering to various fitness levels and interests:
- Lesueur Trail: This 4-kilometre return hike to the summit of Mount Lesueur rewards you with panoramic vistas stretching to the Indian Ocean.
- Yonga Trail: For an epic adventure, the 26-kilometre Yonga Trail traverses diverse terrain, through scenic hills, valleys and woodlands, offering a challenging all-day hiking experience.
- Lesueur Scenic Drive: This 18-kilometre loop drive trail is perfect for those seeking a less strenuous option. The drive includes plenty of pull-over bays to stop, admire and photograph the park’s incredible plant and animal life.
Pack picnic supplies to enjoy your time in the park, as facilities are limited. Picnic tables and toilets are available at Cockleshell Gully Picnic Area and the Drummond Recreation Area, but no drinking water is provided, so plan accordingly. Some sections of the trails near these areas are wheelchair accessible; check the information board at the park’s entrance for details.
National Park entry fees apply when visiting Lesueur National Park.
Photo: Tourism Western Australia
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When visiting the Lobster Shack in Cervantes, you can dine on local seafood, take a behind-the-scenes factory tour or even head out on a lobster-catching adventure.
On sunny days, the outdoor deck of the beachside restaurant is the perfect spot to tuck into a succulent seafood feast. Enjoy a menu featuring fresh fish, prawns, and, of course, lobster, caught locally and grilled to perfection. The restaurant operates on a walk-in basis for groups under 10, so there’s no need to book ahead.
For a behind-the-scenes look at the lobster industry, head to the Lobster Factory located next to the restaurant. The 30-minute tour takes you through the fascinating process of how lobsters are caught, sorted, and processed. From the overhead viewing platform, watch as live lobsters are sorted in the processing facility. The tour ends in the touch pool room, where you can get up close to the lobsters and even pick one up!
For a more hands-on experience, join a Lobster Catching Tour. Hop aboard a boat in the Jurien Bay Marine Park, where you’ll work alongside the skipper to haul in cray pots and bring in the day’s catch. The Lobster Shack also offers seasonal Sea Lion Swim tours, providing the chance to interact with playful Australian sea lions in their natural habitat.
Bookings for the Lobster Catching and Sea Lion Swim tours can be made online.
Photo: Tourism Western Australia
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The Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park is a unique natural wonder, home to thousands of towering limestone formations rising from golden sands, located just 15 minutes south of RAC Cervantes Holiday Park.
To explore this iconic landmark, take the drive trail loop through the desert, suitable for 2WD vehicles. Pull-in bays along the route allow you to park and venture out on foot for a closer look at the remarkable formations.
Alternatively, park at the Discovery Centre and traverse the 1.6-kilometre Desert View Trail on foot, which leads to a lookout platform offering elevated views across the desert.
Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife – kangaroos and emus are often spotted wandering the desert. Make sure to pop into the Pinnacles Desert Discovery Centre to learn more about the science, geology, and native wildlife of the park. The centre features informative displays, a retail gallery and a gift shop selling snacks, drinks, and ice creams. You’ll find a toilet block near the walking trail entrance.
The Pinnacles can be visited year-round, but if you’re planning a trip in summer, a fly net is recommended to keep comfortable as the flies can be persistent. National park entry fees apply and can be paid at the park entrance.
The Discovery Centre is open daily from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm (closed Christmas Day), but the Pinnacles Desert is open 24/7. Be wary of wildlife on the roads if staying after dark.
Photo: Tourism Western Australia
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The Turquoise Way Trail is a scenic, fully sealed bitumen path that hugs the shoreline of the Jurien Bay Marine Park, perfect for stretching your legs, going for a cycle, or simply soaking in the pristine beauty of Jurien Bay’s unspoilt coast.
Spanning 14 kilometres one way, the trail runs from the Jurien Bay Marina to the Hill River Estuary, with roofed shelters and picnic tables conveniently placed along the route.
At the northern end near town, the Dobbyn Park foreshore area is a hub of activity, featuring playgrounds, a skatepark, and picnic facilities to keep families entertained. With easy access to the beach, cafés, and public toilets, it’s an ideal spot to start or end your journey.
The trail is suitable for walkers, prams, cyclists, and skateboarders, offering flexibility to enjoy as much or as little of the path as you like.
Bicycle hire is available in Jurien Bay through Jurien Bay Adventure Co, making it easy to explore the trail even if you don’t have your own bike. For a fun and invigorating way to kick off the weekend, join the Jurien Bay Park Run at 8 am every Saturday, starting at the Jurien Bay Foreshore.
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The sand dunes and rugged coastline of Cervantes and surrounds offer plenty of off-road opportunities to explore beyond the beaten track.
Close to town, Hangover Bay is a fantastic spot for beach driving. Cruise along the sand to find your own quiet spot to relax for the day or enjoy a picnic by the water.
For a longer adventure, tackle the Cervantes to Jurien Bay track, a challenging 25-kilometre stretch of beach driving that takes you along the coastline, traversing sand dunes and a water crossing through the Hill River. Heading south, you can also take on all or part of the Cervantes to Lancelin track, which offers a mix of beach and dune driving.
For a more unique 4WD destination, venture out to the Stockyard Gully Caves, accessible only by 4WD. Once at the park, a short hike leads you to the main cave, where you can explore this fascinating limestone tunnel system.
The sand on the beaches can get quite soft, so make sure to check tide levels before you go, reduce air pressure and come equipped with recovery equipment.
If you don’t have your own 4WD or would prefer a guided experience, join a 4WD tour with Jurien Bay Adventure Tours, offering a fun and informative way to explore the region’s off-road highlights.
Photo: Tourism Western Australia
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Spanning 13,000 hectares of rugged bushland, Badgingarra National Park is best explored on foot on the Iain Wilson Nature Trail.
Formerly known as the Badgingarra Nature Trail, this 3.5-kilometre loop is a scenic hike that offers panoramic views across the bushland from several lookouts, as well as diverse wildflower displays as the park transforms with vibrant pops of colour towards the end of winter.
Wildlife is abundant too – keep an eye out for kangaroos, eagles and emus as you wander through the vast and peaceful bushland.
The trailhead is located near the Badgingarra Roadhouse, a 40-minute drive from RAC Cervantes Holiday Park. As there are no facilities in the park, it’s important to come prepared with plenty of drinking water, sun protection, and sturdy walking shoes. Drinks and snacks can be purchased from the Roadhouse.
No entry fees apply to this National Park, and dogs are not allowed.
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