Things to Do in Cervantes Western Australia

Over the summer we found ourselves on a plane headed to Perth, with a trip to Cervantes high on our list of must-dos. You see, the Lobster Shack is one of the things to do in Cervantes Western Australia, and learning of its existence was one of the very reasons Tee was keen to cross Australia. He loves good crayfish! Me, well I was more interested in exploring The Pinnacles!

Cervantes is a small coastal town located in Western Australia two and a bit hours north of Perth. With a plethora of things to do in Cervantes Western Australia, it has something for everyone in the family to enjoy.

Cervantes was established back in 1962 to accommodate local cray fishing workers and was named after the American whaling ship ‘Cervantes’ that was wrecked on the waters here back in 1844. Today it is a vibrant small town, perfect for your next long weekend or holiday.

With its beautiful beaches, delicious seafood, and fun outdoor activities, this Cervantes is perfect for a family-friendly getaway.

Things to Do in Cervantes with Kids

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The Pinnacles

For a bit of adventure, you must head to the Nambung National Park and the Pinnacles Desert where you will find thousands of limestone spires rising out of the desert sands. Visiting the Pinnacles is an absolute must-do if you are in the area where you can marvel at these 30,000 years ago geological wonders.

Cervantes Lobster Shack

The Lobster Shack in Cervantes is a must-visit for seafood lovers, especially families with kids. The Lobster Shack offers fresh and delicious seafood, including lobsters caught by the local fisherman.

Not only can you taste the freshest seafood, but also you can see live lobsters in the tanks and learn about the fishing industry via one of the daily tours. Check the times for the daily tours where both you and the kids can explore the factory and even hold a giant WA crayfish!

The Lobster Shack is a fun and educational experience for kids, as they can see the lobsters up close and learn more about where their food comes from. The Lobster Shack also offers a variety of seafood options, including cooked lobsters, fish and chips, and seafood platters, making it a great place to enjoy a delicious meal while enjoying the ocean view.

From the end of September to the end of April, the Lobster Shack also runs Australian Sea Lion tours out to the islands around Cervantes.

I do suggest booking ahead to get a table or arriving early so you can snag one before the lunch rush. It is super busy here and you will want a spot in the shade with a view of the ocean.

Lake Thetis

Lake Thetis is a hypersaline coastal lake located in Cervantes, Western Australia, which is known for its stromatolites. These ancient formations are some of the oldest living organisms on Earth and are a unique geological feature that can be found only in a few places around the world.

The stromatolites in Lake Thetis are around 3,500 years old, and they are considered a living fossils, helping scientists understand the early history of life on Earth. Cervantes is one of several such sites in Western Australia where you can view stromatolite easily

The best way to view the stromatolites is to drive 1.3km down the unsealed Hansen Bay Road, on the way out of Cervantes. There is a walkway all around the Lake and also a viewing platform.

Cervantes Beaches

One of the highlights of Cervantes is its beautiful beaches. Town Beach and Pinnacles Beach are both great spots for swimming, sunbathing, and building sandcastles. The water is calm and safe for kids to swim in, and the beaches are clean and well-maintained.

Cervantes Beach is said to have some of the calmest waters in Western Australia which makes it perfect for families. Top of the list is Hangover Bay, Kangaroo Point, Hansen Bay Lookout & Thirsty Point Lookout.

All of the beaches offer the purest white sand and turquoise waters. You’ll feel like you are heaven swimming here!

Getting There

Cervantes is located about two and a half hours north of Perth, the capital of Western Australia. The best way to get there is by car, as the town is not serviced by public transportation. There are several parking areas in the town, and from there, it is a short walk to the main attractions.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Cervantes is during the cooler months of the year, from April to October. The summer months can be extremely hot, and the town can get quite crowded.

Where to Stay in Cervantes

If you are planning to stay in Cervantes and looking at the best accommodation you have a few options.

RAC Cervantes Holiday Park

RAC Cervantes Holiday Park is a family-friendly accommodation option that offers a range of facilities. Guests can choose from various accommodation types, including self-contained cabins and powered caravan sites. The park provides amenities like a swimming pool, playground, communal kitchen, and barbecue areas, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay for families and travellers.

Our extended family stayed here when we travelled up from Perth and gave the location gushing reviews, perhaps for its location more than anything!

Pinnacles Edge Resort

Pinnacles Edge Resort is a highly regarded accommodation option in Cervantes. The resort offers comfortable and spacious rooms equipped with modern amenities such as air conditioning, Wi-Fi access, and flat-screen TVs. Guests can also enjoy the on-site swimming pool, barbecue facilities, and proximity to the famous Pinnacles Desert.

Cervantes is a great destination for families looking for a fun and educational getaway. With its beautiful beaches, delicious seafood, and fun outdoor activities, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re interested in history, science, or just relaxing in the sun, Cervantes is the perfect place for a family-friendly vacation.