Last Updated on 14 February 2026 by Ariana Svenson
Looking for incredible things to do in Lancelin? Look no further! Lancelin is a small fishing town 90 minutes north of Perth with a permanent population of just 600. Natural wonders surround the area, and there are plenty of adventure activities to try, from sandboarding to kayaking and kitesurfing.
Lancelin is also in the ideal base for day trips a little further afield, you can visit Jurien Bay, the Pinnacles and Lesueur National Park. Whether you’re looking for a break to somewhere you haven’t been before or looking for somewhere close to Perth, Lancelin is a must-visit!
Lancelin is located near the scenic Indian Ocean Drive, just 127k m from Perth city. It’s an excellent destination for a day trip from Perth or even a weekend break from Perth.
Here is everything you need to know about the best things to do in Lancelin, where to stay in Lancelin, the best places to eat and insider tips.
I love that Lancelin is one of those sleepy seaside towns for most of the year, when the locals quietly go about their business. On weekends or during holidays, the tempo changes completely to busy holiday village with a great vibe. For me personally, you can’t go past the beaches in Lancelin, and a wonderful sunset looking out to the west.
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How to Get to Lancelin
Whether you’re planning a day trip in Lancelin or an extended holiday, Lancelin is accessible by driving or public transport, located just 127km north of Perth. The drive from Perth takes around 90 minutes depending on traffic conditions and is straightforward and scenic.
TransWA operates the N5 bus service between Perth and Lancelin. Make sure you book in advance to make sure the route includes a stop in Lancelin! Integrity Coach Lines offers a coach route from Perth to Lancelin. Choose the option that suits your schedule best.
Lancelin is also nearby Joondalup (just a 60-minute drive) and a good place to break the trip en route to Geraldton (just under a 3-hour drive). For more road trip ideas, you can read more about the best road trip ideas from Perth, Western Australia.
The BEST Things to Do in Lancelin
Given the many things to do in Lancelin, we realise that things change constantly. So, it’s imperative to us that we provide the most up-to-date information! That’s why we review our pages annually, ensuring they are as current as possible. If you notice something that’s not quite right, please let us know in the comments!
Here are the best things to do in Lancelin, as well as the top attractions and hidden gems.
1. Admire the Views from Lancelin Lookout
Location: 2 Hinchcliffe Road
The newly built Lancelin Lookout, just north of the Lancelin Beach Hotel, offers fantastic views of Lancelin’s beaches. It’s particularly magical at sunset, though more crowded. A car park is available at the base of the boardwalk path.
2. Visit the Lancelin Beaches
Lancelin has several pristine beaches. Back Beach is Lancelin’s most famous beach. Accessible by 4WD from Fisher Way or by walking over the dune, it’s perfect for surfing, boogie boarding, or kitesurfing.
This protected beach is accessible from the southern end of town. Back Beach is the ideal place for a stroll and is also dog-friendly. Visit during sunset for stunning panoramas.
As always on the Western Australian coast, be cautious, as Back Beach is not patrolled and strong rips are common.
If you’re planning a beach day, Lancelin Beach is the best place to go. The crystal clear waters make Lancelin Beach an excellent spot for snorkelling, swimming, and paddleboarding.
You’ll find Lancelin Island, which has two beaches just off the coast. Snorkel on the reef and find secluded swimming spots. Quad bike tours are on offer to explore the island.
If you’re a beach lover, you can read more about the best beaches in Western Australia here.
3. Go on a Dolphin Watching Walk
In Lancelin Bay, dolphins are often spotted near shore, particularly in the early morning. They can be seen feeding in the shallow waters. Walk along the bay between north and south; you might spot them!
4. Watch the Cray Boats
Lancelin is famous for crayfish, and around 20 professional fishing boats operate off the coast of Lancelin, hunting for Western Rock Lobsters. Go to the jetty around 11:00 when the boats come in, and you can ask the fishermen about buying crays – perfect if you’ve chosen self-catering accommodation.
5. Water Sports in Lancelin – Go Kitesurfing
Windsurfing season in Lancelin is from November/December through to March. The best time to ride is from 10:00 to 15:00. The best spots include:
- Lancelin Lagoon
- Main Break
- South Passage
- Back Beach
Lessons and coaching are available through professional teams like Makani Kai Kiteboarding, which offers instruction for all ages and levels.
6. Visit Lancelin Island
Just 700m offshore, Lancelin Island can be reached by boat. The island is a haven for seabirds and offers beaches and a boardwalk for visitors. You can spot sea lions, lizards and seabirds. Snorkelling is popular on the protected western side.
7. Explore Lancelin Sand Dunes
Right in Lancelin, the famous dunes offer a day of adventure on the pure white sand with activities like 4WD driving, off-road motorbiking, dune buggies, quad biking, and sandboarding.
Equipment hire and tours are available in town, with Perth Quad being a popular choice for renting sandboards, quad bikes, and dune buggies.
You can read our detailed guide to Sandboarding in Lancelin here, including information on rending a sand board. It’s a bucket list experience on any trip!
8. Try Fishing
Lancelin’s waters are home to some of the world’s best table fish, like snapper and bald chin groper. Fishing from the jetty can yield herring, Samson fish, and whiting. Bait and tackle are available at lots of local stores.
Lancelin Jetty is a popular fishing spot, but you can also fish offshore and catch species like Mulloway, Tailor, Herring, King George Whiting, Skippy, Dhufish and Pink Snapper.
For a fishing tour, try Reel Force Charters with a day tour including cold drinks, sunscreen, ice, bait and fishing equipment. Private charters are also available.
9. Go Surfing in Lancelin
Lancelin is a renowned surfing destination more consistent than spots around Perth. The best months for surfing in Lancelin are March, April, May, June, October, and November.
The area offers some amazing surfers of all skill levels. Back Beach, with its expansive sandbar, is perfect for beginners to practice in the whitewater. Skilled surfers can enjoy the challenging peaks further out.
10. Kayaking in Lancelin
Kayaking is an amazing way to explore the natural beauty of the Lancelin area. The bay area, ideal for kayaking, allows easy access to Lancelin Island and Edward Island at the town’s southern end. Kayaking is best on calm days or early mornings before the seabreeze.
The Best Day Trips from Lancelin
Lancelin is the perfect base for exploring some of the region’s top destinations. Here are the top day trips from Lancelin to consider.
11. Yanchep National Park
Location: Yanchep Beach Rd & Indian Ocean Dr, Yanchep, WA 6035
Distance from Lancelin: 75km (52 minutes drive)
Yanchep National Park is the perfect addition to your travel itinerary. It is famous for its beautiful natural landscapes, which include Australian bushland, wetlands, and limestone caves.
Yanchep National Park is a sanctuary for Australian wildlife, where kangaroos, koalas, and diverse bird species can be seen in their natural habitat.
There are a variety of trails for all fitness levels, offering everything from leisurely walks like the Koala Boardwalk to more adventurous treks through ancient limestone caves.
One of the park’s highlights is the Crystal Cave, open daily for tours.
12. The Gravity Discovery Centre
Location: 1098 Military Rd, Yeal, WA 6503
Distance from Lancelin: 62km (44 minutes drive)
About 40 minutes from Lancelin, the Gravity Discover Centre is perfect if you have kids interested in physics and astronomy.
It features the Zadko Telescope, the Leaning Tower of Gingin, and an observatory with a retractable roof. Night visits are available for a unique view of Western Australia’s night sky.
13. The Pinnacles Desert
Location: Nambung WA 6521
Distance from Lancelin: 76.5km (49 minutes)
A 40-minute drive north takes you to Nambung National Park, home to the famous limestone formations called the Pinnacles. Here, you can either drive or walk the 4km Pinnacles Loop.
Nearby Hangover Bay is perfect for a swim and picnic, and Cervantes offers exceptional seafood dining at the Lobster Shack. Park entry is $15 per vehicle.
14. Jurien Bay
Location: Jurien Bay, WA 6516
Distance from Lancelin: 106km (1 hour, 6 minutes)
An hour’s drive north, Jurien Bay is ideal for family outings. Activities include:
- Exploring the jetty.
- Lunching at the local bakery.
- Snorkelling at Sandy Cape.
- Admiring views from Molah Hill.
Skydiving is also popular, with Skydive Jurien Bay offering an adrenaline-pumping experience.
You can read about more of the best things to do in Jurien Bay here.
15. Lesueur National Park
Location: Cockleshell Gully Rd, Jurien Bay, WA 6516
Distance from Lancelin: 132km (1 hour, 24-minute drive)
Lesueur National Park has over 900 plant species and is a great place to see some of the best Western Australian wildflowers, especially from August to October.
On your visit, you can try one of the many trails – one for all fitness levels, from the Botanical Path to the Lesueur Trail.
Access to Lesueur National Park is easy via Indian Ocean Drive and Cockleshell Gully Rd, with roads suitable for 2WD vehicles.
Places to Eat in Lancelin
16. Endeavour Tavern
Endeavour Tavern is a family-orientated country pub right on the beach. Think pizzas, snacks, beers and seafood. The tavern is recognised for its beer garden, great view, staff, service, and child-friendly atmosphere.
17. The Dunes Restaurant
The Dunes Restaurant is part of the Lancelin Beach Hotel. Think oysters, good vibes and sparkling wine. The restaurant is the perfect place to go for a delicious dinner!
18. Lancelin Seafood Fish and Chips
Lancelin Seafood fish and chips are a favourite among the locals. Try traditional fish and chips or the crays, oysters or mussels for a twist. The chips are crisp on the outside and soft in the middle.There are also some good kids’ options, like nuggets and chips.
The Best Places to Stay in Lancelin
Lancelin Beach Breaks
Lancelin Beach Breaks is a premier holiday company with over 30 homes in Lancelin, from budget-friendly beach shacks to million-dollar beachfront homes.
The company has professional and friendly service, and there are options to suit all traveller types, from families to couples and even dogs.
Check prices and availability on Booking.com
Lancelin Holiday Park
Lancelin Holiday Park features fully powered caravan bays or unpowered tent sites right by the beach. Some sites are also dig-friendly. Facilities include a BBQ area, laundry and a fully equipped camp kitchen.
Lancelin Holiday Park is the perfect option for families. Kids will experience Lancelin Holiday Park, trying out the largest bouncing pillow in Western Australia, the on-site playground and the swimming pool. There is also a spa for adults!
Check here for current prices for BIG4 Tasman Lancelin Holiday Park on Booking.com
See reviews for Lancelin Holiday Park on TripAdvisor
Lancelin Beach Hotel
This boutique-style hotel features 26 guest rooms and suites, catering to various travellers, including families and couples seeking a beachside retreat.
The hotel rooms are modern and spacious, some with views of Lancelin Island. Choose from twin rooms, which include a queen bed and a single bed, or queen rooms with a queen bed and a small private patio or outdoor space.
The hotel is family-friendly, offering rollaway beds and cribs upon request.
Make sure you visit the Dunes. There are fantastic views of the beach and incredible sunset views too.
Other facilities include a full-service spa beer garden and sports bar. There is an outdoor pool with An outdoor patio and garden area near the pool, complete with loungers and a covered seating area.
Check here for current prices for Lancelin Beach Hotel on Agoda.com
See reviews for Lancelin Beach Hotel on TripAdvisor
The Verdict – Things to do in Lancelin, WA
We hope we have adequately covered the best things to do in Lancelin, WA. Whether exploring the town, trying out adventure activities or visiting the Lancelin Lookout, there are endless things to do and see.
Lancelin is also a good starting point for nearby Pinnacles and Lesueur National Park explorations.
There are so many more things to explore! Have you heard of the Margarete River Caves? Read more about it in our blog post!
Can you recommend something amazing to do in Lancelin? Let us know in the comments below.
FAQs – What to do in Lancelin
Lancelin is worth visiting for its beautiful beaches, stunning dunes, and outdoor activities like sandboarding, surfing, and kitesurfing. The town offers a peaceful escape with scenic views, perfect whether you’re an adventure seeker or looking for a relaxing holiday destination.
Yes, you can swim in Lancelin. The town has several beaches. Lancelin Beach is the best beach for swimming. It has crystal clear, calm waters and is in a secluded spot. The beaches of Lancelin Island are also a great place for a swim.
Lancelin is a small coastal town with a population of over 600, increasing to 2,500 during peak holiday periods like Christmas and New Year. It’s known for its laid-back atmosphere and beautiful natural surroundings.
You can access Lancelin Island, which is about 700 meters offshore. You’ll need a boat to get there, and visitors are allowed on the eastern and western side beaches. There is a boardwalk to get around the island.
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