Lancelin is a picturesque coastal town nestled between the ocean and sand dunes, around a two-hour drive north of Perth. It is known for being one of Australia’s best windsurfing destinations due to the prevailing wind conditions, and the town plays host to the longest-standing windsurfing and kitesurfing event in the world — the Lancelin Ocean Classic.

The town is surrounded by beautiful white sandy beaches that are well protected from ocean swells, which provides for mostly calm waters year-round. This makes Lancelin an ideal place for swimmers of all levels.

It’s also the gateway to a world-renowned dive trail. There are 14 shipwrecks scattered around the area, as well as the Key Biscayne Oil Rig, which provide excellent scuba diving opportunities for those with experience. The untouched Lancelin Island is located just off the coast, and is home to a local population of sea lions and an abundance of birds.

If you’re flying in, there are many car rental options available at the closest air hub, Perth Airport (PER). Lancelin is an easy two-hour drive from Perth’s city centre along the Indian Ocean drive, which provides nice views along the way. Alternatively, you could take the bus service, which runs three times a week, departing from Transwa Bay East Perth. Once you arrive in Lancelin, the town is easy to navigate by foot, although a car will be needed to get to some of the area’s attractions that are further afield.

Lancelin is a great place to visit year round, as the town experiences good weather for most of the year. Between October and March, the days are warm and filled with plenty of sunshine, perfect for enjoying all the water activities on offer here. January is a great time to be in Lancelin, when the town comes to life for the annual Lancelin Ocean Classic Festival — the world-renowned windsurfing and kitesurfing event that also brings live music and street celebrations. The town gets busy during this time, so book accommodations well ahead of time if you’re planning a stay during the festival. During the springtime, the region blooms with colourful wildflowers, making this another great season to book accommodations in Lancelin.

Pinnacles Desert

Take the short drive from Lancelin to Pinnacles Desert, where you will witness a series of remarkable stone monuments — arguably one of Western Australia's most unique and interesting attractions. The stone rises out of the sandy desert like the remains of an ancient city. The best time to visit is at sunrise or sunset, when the sun creates amazing colours, making for a truly memorable sight.

Windsurfing

Have a go at Lancelin’s most famous pastime, windsurfing. Due to the unique winds in the shallow bays off the Indian Ocean, the conditions are ideal for windsurfing almost all year around. The town has many places where you can hire a board, and if you’re new to the sport, there are also local outfitters offering lessons.

Play in the Sand Dunes

Lancelin is surrounded by impressive sand dunes, which are the largest in Western Australia. The two-kilometre stretch of dunes are free from vegetation and contain nothing but pure white sand, making this a perfect spot for sandboarding. From the peaks you will be rewarded with panoramic views of the coastline and surrounding areas, which are even better at sunrise or sunset.