Lancelin lures lovers of water sports to test their skill in world-class wave and wind conditions. Sheltered fishing spots, reefs and wrecks also reel in keen anglers, snorkellers and divers, and just behind its pristine beaches, the biggest sand dunes in Western Australia challenge sand boarders, four wheel drivers, bikers and dune buggy racing enthusiasts.
Heading north from Perth central business district and joining the Indian Ocean Drive at Yanchep, you can cruise along this scenic drive and reach Lancelin in just 1.5 hours passing pristine beaches and pretty spring wildflowers. A few Perth tour operators also include a stop at Lancelin on their way to the Pinnacles and the Coral Coast beyond.
This tiny fishing town proudly hosts Australia's biggest windsurfing event attracting professionals from all corners of the world every summer. For the rest of the year, the protected waters of the bay, sheltered by outer reefs and islands, create ideal conditions for all manner of activities, from swimming and snorkelling to fishing, boating and wave sailing. Head for Back Beach to try body-boarding and surfing, or sit and watch the locals give it a go.
A string of 14 shipwrecks along the coast create one of the world's most renowned dive trails for experienced scuba divers. The waters are also a popular playground for an abundance of marine life, with rare Australian sea lions and pods of dolphins regularly visiting the bay. Many of the surrounding islands are also significant bird sanctuaries.
To the east, a sea of gigantic snow-white sand dunes stretches to the horizon. Hire a board from town and try your hand at sand boarding. Join a tour and scale the immense dunes in a monster four wheel drive vehicle. Or just sit on a dune summit and take in panoramic views of the town, rolling farmland, beaches and islands as the sun sinks into the Indian Ocean.
The town caters for all its water and nature-loving visitors with a choice of hostels, caravan parks, motels and self-catering cottages, as well as a good selection of fine restaurants, cafes and takeaways.