travel
Cervantes:
More than the Pinnacles
T
he tiny seaside town of Cervantes is the epitome of everything that is great about Western Australia. Located on the aptly named Turquoise Coast and hugging the Jurien Bay Marine Park, azure sea laps against sand almost too white to be believed. Situated within the Shire of Dandaragan and two hours north of Perth, the coastal town of Cervantes is easily reached as a day trip along the Indian Ocean Drive. However, rushing this part of the world would be a travesty because you would miss witnessing one of our State’s most phenomenal experiences. Visiting the Pinnacles at either dusk, dawn or full moon is a must, otherwise, you might risk thinking it’s just a bunch of ant mounds under the blazing sun; plus, you will avoid the crowds. As the sun and moon synchronise their grand exit and entrance, mysterious shadowy peaks and valleys form, while kangaroos, emus, lizards and influencers bask in the afterglow. So renowned, the Pinnacles has been listed in Lonely Planet’s Ultimate Travel List Australia book released in May 2022.
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This extraordinary landscape emerging from the desert floor has been the makings of many a legend, but a trip to the architecturally designed Pinnacles Desert Discovery Centre sheds some light. A four-kilometre drive trail weaves through the Pinnacles Desert, spanning 20,000 hectares in the Nambung National Park and many pick a spot to roam on foot. You could spend hours meandering among the thousands of limestone mounds in varying heights, shapes and widths, especially at sunset when the sand shifts to reveal eerie images such as pillars, mushrooms and tombstones in stark contrast to the luminous sky. As you can see by now, an overnight stay in Cervantes is essential to avoid a lengthy and precarious drive at dusk or dawn, and there are several options catering to all budgets. Starting at the more luxurious end, the Pinnacles Edge Resort caters to families, groups and couples on short or long-term getaways with various self-contained spa suites, two-bedroom apartments and studio hotel rooms. Located in the heart of town, the
complex also houses the Cervantes Pinnacles Motel (undergoing an upgrade at the time of print), an onsite restaurant and a swimming pool beckoning guests to linger beneath the shade sails. The resort is within walking distance to many of the town’s attractions, and manager Tony Monk recommends, “Cervantes is a great place to get away and relax. Or get your thrills with sandboarding, skydiving or snorkelling.” Alternatively, the Lobster Lodge offers backpacker dorm rooms, family rooms and deluxe ensuite rooms with ocean views. Oozing chic coastal vibes, all guests have access to a shared kitchen and lounge area, ideal if you’re on a budget or lengthy trip. After all, you might get lucky on a fishing charter from nearby Jurien Bay. Or if you’ve caught tailor, whiting, mulloway, herring, shark or crabs at any of the local fishing haunts at Hangover Bay, Cervantes Jetty, Lead Lights, Cervantes Beach Black Peak, Hansen Bay, Cervantes Back Beach or Thirsty Point. If the fishing gods weren’t on your side, then pay
