Lancelin is a small fishing town nestled between the ocean and sand dunes, an hour's drive north of Perth. The town is also the coastal link to the Pinnacles Desert.
The town is stretched along the edge of a natural bay which is protected from the Indian Ocean by outer reefs and islands. The protected waters of the bay are ideal for swimming, fishing, boating and using small watercraft. It is also the safe anchorage for a picturesque fleet of crayfishing boats, which creates a hive of activity during the day around the two jetties.
The reefs provide the perfect environment for snorkelling, scuba diving, surfing and wave sailing. Equipment for all activities can be hired in town. There are also many shipwrecks for the experienced scuba diver to explore.
Lancelin is an international Mecca for windsurfers due to the ideal wind and water conditions.
To the east, the town is bordered by endless snow-white sand dunes, which are heaven for sand boarders, dune buggy drivers, motorbikers and four wheel drivers. The peaks of these sand dunes give a spectacular panoramic lookout over the township, surrounding sand hills, farmlands, coastline, islands and ocean.
Around the point, Back Beach is safe for body-boarding, surfing and swimming, with plenty of hideaways for sunbathing.
There is an abundance of marine wildlife. Sea lions reside on Lancelin Island and regularly inspect the activities in the bay. Lancelin is also home to dolphins that frequent the bay daily and are only too willing to show off their catch of fish to spectators. There are also huge pods of dolphins and the occasional seal outside the bay, pleasing locals and tourists alike.
Birdlife and wildflowers are plentiful, with bird sanctuaries on the islands and nearby nature reserves ablaze with wildflowers during spring.
Lancelin has grown with tourism and many businesses have sprung up to cater for the visitors. There are many accommodation choices, from backpacker hostels and caravan parks to motels and cottages. The town has many fine restaurants, cafes and takeaway food venues.
