Lancelin: Water Sports, Sand Dunes and Nature

In Lancelin, water sports, vast sand dunes and off-road experiences come together. The reef-protected Lancelin Bay offers good conditions for surfing, snorkelling and diving. There are also opportunities to observe nature and discover the town’s distinctive history. Which of these aspects appeals to you most may shape how you view Lancelin as a holiday destination and guide your search for a suitable holiday rental or holiday home.

Water sports in the bay and offshore

Surfing and kitesurfing schools in Lancelin teach people of all ages and skill levels. Lancelin’s Back Beach also has surf schools for people who want to learn to surf. Surfboards and kiteboards are available for hire for experienced sportspeople who don’t need instruction. This provides a range of options: lessons for beginners and equipment hire for skilled riders.

There is also plenty to discover beneath the water’s surface. Fourteen shipwrecks off the coast form a dive trail for experienced scuba divers. Dolphins forage in the shallow waters of Lancelin Bay on most days. If you want to focus your trip on water sports, these offer several specific reasons to include Lancelin in your holiday plans.

Sand dunes and off-road experiences

Vast sand dunes lie just behind Lancelin’s beaches. Sandboarding is possible at the Lancelin Sand Dunes, and boards can be hired in town. The dunes also have exceptional cultural and historical significance for the Shire of Gingin and the state of Western Australia. Both nature and history are therefore part of what defines this landscape.

For off-road driving, there is the Lancelin Off Road Vehicle Area. It can be used by two-, three- or four-wheeled motorcycles, beach buggies and four-wheel-drive vehicles. ATV and UTV quad tours explore Lancelin’s extensive off-road area; the tours last 90 minutes. Sandboarding and motorised activities offer different ways to experience the dunes and terrain. When choosing the focus of your holiday, consider which of these activities is especially important for your trip.

Islands, seabirds and history

In the wider Lancelin area, the Turquoise Coast nature reserves form a chain of about 40 islands, islets and rocks between Lancelin and Dongara. They extend from Lancelin Island and Edwards Island to the Beagle Islands group. Lancelin Island is an important breeding island for seabirds, including roseate terns and crested terns; it is also a southern breeding site for the common noddy. These nature experiences add a different travel focus to the town’s active character.

The Lancelin Ocean Classic is also part of the town’s history: it began in 1986 as a 25 km race from Ledge Point to Lancelin.

Lancelin is about 1.5 hours from Perth via Indian Ocean Drive. These interests can help you decide whether Lancelin suits your holiday plans.

More destination pages: Bow Bridge, Kinross, Kings Park, Gingin, Nannup, Siesta Park, Lower Chittering, Monkey Mia.

For the broader travel overview: Western Australia.