Cervantes offers an ideal setting for those looking to mix outdoor adventure and relaxation. From swimming with sea lions to stargazing in the desert – this laidback coastal town is the perfect road trip destination.
Are you craving a change of scenery and a shift in pace from the rush of city life? Cervantes is just a two-hour drive, north of Perth, and the ultimate road trip to make this spring/summer.
Nestled in the South West region of WA – this laidback coastal town is just waiting to be explored. After all, there’s a reason tourists and locals alike flock to the start of Australia’s Coral Coast. Cervantes is home to some of the world’s freshest seafood, amazing beaches, vibrant trails, breathtaking sunsets, and a fishing culture that has quickly become its defining feature. We guarantee its charm is sure to keep you coming back too.
While this beautiful seaside town has no shortage of activities to keep you entertained – here are some of our favourite things to do in Cervantes:
Visit the Pinnacles
The Pinnacles Desert of Nambung National Park is visited by folks from all corners of the world every year, and a must-see destination if you’re thinking of road-tripping through WA. Located just south of Cervantes, about half an hour from the coast, this park features a beautiful collection of ancient limestone formations that rise up out of the earth.
The most popular attraction at the Pinnacles Desert is its namesake: thousands of spires and columns jut upwards from the ground like stalagmites in a cave. Arguably, the best time to see these formations is during sunset or sunrise when golden light shines through them, making them glow with changing hues of orange and yellow.
If you’ve got a thing for wildlife, the park also includes great hiking trails where you’re likely to spot an array of bird life and native animals like emus, kangaroos, dingoes and koalas roaming around the desert hills. But, our personal favourite? Experiencing the Pinnacles after dark. It’s the perfect stargazing spot as you soak up endless views of the Milky Way sprawling above you in the night sky.
Book a Lobster Factory Tour
Looking for an interactive and educational experience on the coral coast? Just a short drive from the famous Pinnacles National Park awaits Lobster Shack.
This family-owned business in Cervantes offers the complete lobster experience – starting with a tour of the processing plant standing directly above 20,000 live lobsters in different stages of production. Visitors can get a firsthand look into how Australia’s Western Rock Lobsters are caught, processed and packaged. Worth an estimated value of over 400 million dollars, the Western Rock Lobster is a crucial part of Australia’s fishing industry. It’s responsible for an impressive fifth of the country’s total fishing catch and is recognised globally as the first fishery to be named ecologically sustainable.
The factory tour is suitable for all ages. If you’re looking for further insight into how this deliciously popular crustacean goes from pot to table, we’d highly recommend an afternoon touring Lobster Shack.
Swim with Sea Lions
Feeling more adventurous? For a novel wildlife experience, consider swimming with Australian sea lions. Few other opportunities will give you the chance to interact so closely with this endangered species. The Australian Sea Lion Tour run by Lobster Shack promises to whisk you away by boat to some of Cervantes’ nearby islands, where you’ll be able to observe these playful marine mammals in their natural habitat.
Your guide will keep you entertained and informed on board, as you cruise through turquoise water learning more about these special creatures. Keep an eye out for sandbars, where sea lions frequently rest, and in the water where they love to play. These intelligent animals have so many complex social structures and vocalisations that make them fascinating to watch. If you’re brave enough, we encourage you to jump in the water and snorkel with them. Equipment is provided, all you have to bring is your game face – we promise it’ll be 90 minutes you won’t forget.
Explore the Coral Coast by Paddleboard
Want to venture away and explore Cervantes independently? Rent a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) and test out the Coral Coast’s waters at your own pace. You don’t need your own board or any previous paddling experience either. Lobster Shack offers a variety of boards for hire or purchase, and gets you up to speed on the basics before you hit the water.
For novice paddlers, we suggest treading the waters during slack tides; with minimum water movement, it’s easy to balance on your board and stay upright. We can’t imagine there’s a better way to relax, than under the Cervantes sun, paddling clear waters with marine life at your feet.
Go Fish
As you can imagine, Cervantes is a fisherman’s delight. In fact, you’ll find a plethora of places to fish in this coastal town.
If you’re a fan of dawn and dusk fishing, Cervantes Jetty and Cervantes Back Beach are two great spots – the latter being a more secluded destination for those looking for peace and quiet, with a milder breeze. Between both locations, you’ll find plenty of Kingfish (Samson), Herring, Taylor, Mullaway, Whiting, shark and crab.
Have Lunch at Lobster Shack
If you’re planning on driving to Cervantes without stopping to eat at Lobster Shack and indulging in the variety of delicious seafood – we’re begging you to reconsider. The world’s best Western Rock Lobster is waiting for you, and it’s well worth it!
Sitting right at the edge of the Indian Ocean, with an al fresco dining area under shade sails with tables just metres from the water – at Lobster Shack, your food is served with a side of ambience that’s sure to make your taste buds jump for joy. From designated play areas to occupy the kids, to accommodation for pets, there’s a reason it’s beloved by everyone in the family. With a menu that boasts different types of fish including battered Spanish Mackerel, chilli mussels, octopus salad, prawns, oysters and more – there’s truly something for everyone. Even non-seafood lovers can pick from classic options like beef (or beyond) burgers and chips, or nuggets from the kids’ menu
Our personal recommendation? Make sure you order the seafood platter and savour it on the deck by the ocean, alongside the Lobster Lager, as you take in the calm ocean breeze and the sights and sounds of fishing boats coming to unload their catch of the day.
Watch the Sunset
As you wrap up your day and get ready to settle in for the night, don’t forget to pause for a moment and enjoy a final, breathtaking view of the sun before it sets over the Cervantes coastline. Thirsty Point, Hangover Bay, and Kangaroo Point all provide particularly spectacular panoramic views of the sun setting over the ocean’s horizon.
Recharge at Lobster Lodge
Looking to settle down and unwind in comfort after a day of fun? Tranquillity is closer than you think at Lobster Lodge. Head five minutes away from Lobster Shack for some much-needed rest, relaxation and recharging before heading back out on the road in the morning.
Just a stone’s throw from some great beaches, walking trails and lookouts – this seaside accommodation is sure to feel like home after a busy day exploring the picturesque town of Cervantes. Whether you’re on a budget and looking for something basic, or ready to splurge on deluxe ocean views and a private balcony – Lobster Lodge is an ideal destination for family holidays, romantic couples getaways, or a weekend with your mates. It’s the perfect end to a day exploring this beautiful part of Western Australia.
Cervantes
Cervantes might not be the bustling metropolises of Western Australia, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less exciting. The combination of beautiful beaches, easy ocean wildlife, and engaging activities that keep you as busy as you want to be, make Cervantes the ideal getaway. Whether you’re looking to escape the noise of the city, or simply spend a day exploring – Cervantes is the place to be.