Sunshine, surf and sunsets – the ultimate trio!
Just 90 minutes from Perth, Lancelin is a charming coastal town in the Northern Valleys region, renowned for its world-class sand dunes, pristine beaches, surfing, diving and fishing. With laid-back seaside vibes and plenty of adventure on offer, it's no wonder Lancelin is a favourite getaway for both locals and visitors. Close enough for a day trip yet packed with enough experiences to fill an entire weekend, Lancelin is the perfect destination to escape the city and soak up the coast. Here's how to make the most of your next seaside getaway.
Stay
Whether you're planning a weekend escape or a longer coastal holiday, you'll find accommodation to suit every style and budget.
Experience Lancelin Holiday Parkis the perfect base for exploring the coast, offering beachfront cabins, powered caravan sites and camping just steps from the ocean. Families will love the undercover heated pool and spa, while pet-friendly sites mean your four-legged family members don't have to miss out on the adventure.
Looking for something different? Lancelin Sands Hotel offers boutique accommodation complete with a swimming pool, sports bar and the popular 3 Emus Restaurant & Bar overlooking the Indian Ocean, while Lancelin Beach Breaks provides a wide range of self-contained holiday homes, from cosy beach shacks to spacious beachfront escapes.
Play
Start your visit at the Lancelin Community Resource & Visitor Centre in the heart of town. The friendly local team can help you plan your stay with maps, local tips and visitor information, while you'll also find locally made gifts, souvenirs and produce to browse before heading off to explore.
No trip to Lancelin is complete without experiencing the iconic white sand dunes. Towering above the coastline, they're one of Western Australia's most spectacular natural playgrounds and the perfect place to add a little adventure to your weekend. For an unforgettable adrenaline rush, Perth Quad offers guided quad bike, buggy and dirt bike tours through the dunes, with many experiences also including sandboarding. Whether you're a first-timer or an experienced rider, it's an exhilarating way to experience one of WA's most iconic landscapes.
Prefer someone else to do the driving? Lancelin 4x4 Adventures, Australian Pinnacle Tours and Aussie Perth Tours all include Lancelin's famous dunes as part of guided adventures, making it easy to experience the best of the region and beyond.
After the excitement of the dunes, slow the pace by the coast. Spend the afternoon swimming in the calm waters of Lancelin Bay, trying your hand at surfing, snorkelling or stand-up paddleboarding, or casting a line from the beach or jetty. If you're lucky, you might even pick up some freshly caught local seafood straight from the fishermen before settling in to watch one of Lancelin's famous Indian Ocean sunsets.
Dine
After a day of adventure, it's time to refuel. For classic pub meals served with spectacular ocean views, head to the Endeavour Tavern, where you can enjoy a relaxed meal, live music and a drink in one of WA's best beachfront beer gardens.
For a more refined dining experience, The Dunes Restaurant at Lancelin Sands Hotel pairs fresh local flavours with sweeping views across the Indian Ocean, making it an ideal spot for a long lunch or sunset dinner.
No visit to Lancelin is complete without fresh seafood, and Lancelin Seafood Fish and Chips is a local favourite. Grab your order to enjoy on the beach, or take it back to your accommodation after a day exploring. From the beach or the jetty, you can hope to catch herring, whiting, squid, tailor and samson fish – or head further out to sea by boat for larger catches. Fish not biting? You can usually also purchase freshly caught seafood (crayfish – yum!) from the boats of local fishermen.
Start the next morning with coffee and breakfast from Offshore Café, or grab a fresh juice, smoothie or coffee from The Juicy Box. If you're chasing one of the best waterfront coffee spots in town, make an early stop at Hole in the Van before beginning another day of adventure.
Ready for your next coastal escape? Whether you're carving down the famous sand dunes, relaxing on the beach, enjoying fresh local seafood or simply slowing down by the ocean, Lancelin offers the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. Discover even more things to see and do across the Northern Valleys region with Destination Perth and start planning your next coastal getaway.
