The Top Family-Friendly Things to do in Lancelin 

Family is a massive value of ours. We love when families choose to stay with us for their family holidays, which is why we’ve ensured that we have an array of homes perfect for families of all sizes. Whether you’re looking for a simple 2×1 or a home that can sleep up to 20 people (for you and another family to share!), we’ve got you covered. 

Most importantly, we understand that some of the fondest memories as a child are spending time on family holidays. So, here our top memory-making activities for when you’re next in Lano:  

Adventure on Lano’s famous sand dunes

Looking for some fun and adrenaline for the whole family? Stretching almost two kilometres wide and three storeys high, the Lancelin Sand Dunes are the biggest dunes in Western Australia.  Whether it be sandboarding, quad biking, dune buggy-ing, 4-wheel driving or simply climbing to the top and admiring the view, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. At the peaks, you’ll witness panoramic views of Lancelin, stretching over the coastline and hills. The ideal viewing time is sunrise and sunset (of course!) where you can marvel as sky lights up all shades of colours.

The dunes can be accessed opposite the North End Caravan Park. If you’re looking for sandboard, dune buggy or quad bike hire, Mr Xtreme have you covered. You can find them on the corner of Beacon and Desert Roads. 

Venture out and explore Lancelin Island

Another one to add to the Lano bucket list is Lancelin Island – our little treasure about half a kilometre out from the mainland. In the Summer months, you can easily paddle across to the island using a kayak or a SUP board. We recommend choosing a calm day and going early morning before the sea breeze blows in. In the cooler months, it’s a little trickier – you’ll need a boat to get there, which can be anchored on the eastern shore. 

Once you’re there, the island is your oyster! There’s plenty to explore and the bay area surrounding the island is perfect for snorkelling. Or simply relax on the sand and enjoy the peace and solitude while the kids burn off some energy. 

You can rent kayaks or paddleboard near the Fishing Jetty or enquire at the Lancelin Community Resource Centre if you’d like a guided tour of the Island.

Catch the sunrise and spot the dolphins

Lancelin is renowned for its sea life, but especially sea lions and dolphins. Take an early morning walk (just after dawn) along Lancelin Beach and you’ll often spot dolphins in the shallow water feeding or playing. It’s a lovely way to start your morning, whether it be alone, with your partner or with the whole family (especially with the little ones, we know you’re usually up early anyway…). And of course, a morning beach walk in Lano isn’t complete without a soothing cup of coffee from Hole in the Van!

Or, check out some more of Lano’s coffee hotspots here.

See the cray boats come in, and if you’re lucky… enjoy a fresh cray!

Who else loves a good cray? From 11am most mornings, the fishing boats return to Lancelin’s jetty to unload their haul of crayfish. At certain times of the year, you can even ask the fisherman about purchasing crays straight from the boats. 

After all, it doesn’t get much better than cooking up a fresh BBQ cray, kicking back with a bevy, and enjoying a delicious family dinner, all in the privacy of your very own home.

Test out the surfing at Back Beach

A few kilometres south of the jetty you’ll find Lancelin’s Back Beach. For surfers and boogie boarders alike, this is the spot for you.  Never surfed? No worries! Why not use your time in Lancelin to try something new? Lancelin Surf School is a family-run business that offers private and group surfing lessons for the whole family, so who knows, you could all be pros by the end of your trip…

Lancelin Surf School also offer surfboard, boogie board and wetsuit hire by the hour or by the day so you can get some extra time on the waves outside of your lessons!

Admire the 360° views from The Lookout 

The Lookout is located at the very north end of Lancelin. Find the entrance at the front of the beer garden at Lancelin Beach Hotel and make your way to the top for amazing views of Lancelin Island, the Indian Ocean and the sand dunes. 

Our recommendation: Enjoy a delicious dinner at The Dunes Restaurant (located in Lancelin Beach Hotel) and head to the top of the lookout just in time for the sunset. 

Enjoy a sunset meal (and a bevy for the parents) at Endeavour Tavern

Known for its epic vibes and live music entertainment, Endeavour Tavern is another great spot for a family pub feed on those nights when you don’t feel like cooking. Sit out in their famous beer garden and enjoy the stunning ocean views. In the warmer months, it does get busy and especially on weekends so if visiting with the family, we recommend getting there around 5pm to grab a table just in time for sunset! 

If you’ve checked off everything on this list, why not make a day-trip out of town to explore WA’s beautiful coral coast? Check out our top day-trip recommendations!