Lancelin and Pinnacles day trip from Perth
By Vroom Team • Reviewed 12 Jun 2026
Western Australia offers a wealth of memorable scenes, from stretches of turquoise beaches to vast sand dunes — many of them perfect to surf on — and if you need a break after a busy week in Perth, a day trip to Lancelin and The Pinnacles might be just the road trip you’re after. Regardless of how you’re travelling, VroomVroomVroom has prepared this road trip guide — with bonus stops along the way — to help you get the most out of your Perth rental car.
Lancelin to The Pinnacles day trip itinerary
Moore River National Park
Lancelin Sand Dunes
Hangover Bay
Nambung National Park
Cervantes
Lancelin to The Pinnacles drive: Key facts
| From | To | Distance & duration |
| Perth | Moore River National Park | 118 km & 1 hr 25 min |
| Moore River National Park | Lancelin Sand Dunes | 76 km & 55 min |
| Lancelin Sand Dunes | Hangover Bay | 74 km & 50 min |
| Hangover Bay | The Pinnacles | 6 km & 10 min |
| The Pinnacles | Cervantes | 19 km & 15 min |
| Perth | Cervantes | 293 km & 3 hours 35 minutes |
All distances are in kilometres, calculated using the shortest direct route by car with Google Maps. Distances and trip times correct as of 10 June 2026.
River fishing at Moore River National Park
Known for its abundance of black bream, Moore River National Park lies 118 kilometres to the north of Perth and is a great spot to kick off your day with a fresh catch. In case you’re spending a few hours here, be aware that the national park itself lacks visitor facilities, and the sports equipment rentals are located about an hour away at the Guilderton Foreshore car park. If water activities are on your to-do list, be sure to hire a rental SUV or 4WD in Perth with a roof rail or rack to carry your kayak or paddleboard.
Near the Moore River car park is the starting point of a walking trail where wildlife including emus, western grey kangaroos, pelicans, and herons, thrive. Choose between the kilometre-long riverside walking trail or, if time allows, the six-kilometre Silver Creek Trail. Time your visit to Western Australia’s spring (between September and November) and see the river’s surrounds flourishing with sedges, reeds, and seasonal wildflowers — feel free to take photos of the plantlife, but never pick them! When you visit national parks, remember these are government-protected sites where the destruction of natural resources infringes on the Biodiversity Conservation Act.
How far: Moore River National Park is about 118 kilometres from Perth CBD by car.
Drive time: Driving from Perth to Moore River National Park will take around an hour and 25 minutes.
Sandboarding at Lancelin Sand Dunes
Leaving Moore River National Park behind, it’s about an hour drive to Lancelin, where exciting sand dune activities await. Upon arrival, the dunes are hard to miss as they make up about two square kilometres of the town’s total land area. Now a protected heritage site, to accommodate the resulting influx of tourists and sports enthusiasts, the hire desk at Lancelin Sand Dunes opens at 8:00 AM, meaning if you spend early morning at Moore River but don’t linger too long, you should arrive just in time. Be aware that the dunes get busy during holidays, weekends and peak seasons, and queues for activities at these times can be considerable.
Rent a board or quad bike to experience riding the sand solo or, if you’re sandboarding for the first time, ask for assistance from on-site instructors. Another option is a 4WD bus, which can seat around 20 people, allowing you to experience dune riding with family and friends. The sand dunes are also great subjects for photography and equally enjoyable without sand boards or vehicle rentals. While the sand dunes do open early, they’re at their best as midday approaches, when winds are more tolerable and less likely to blow sand in your eyes.
How far: Lancelin Sand Dunes are around 76 kilometres north of Moore River National Park.
Drive time: It will take around 55 minutes to drive from Moore River National Park to Lancelin Sand Dunes.
Exploring Hangover Bay underwater
You can’t have a road trip in Western Australia without dipping your toes in its waters, and for your drive to The Pinnacles, stopping at Hangover Bay just makes sense. At its best during the summer months, Hangover Bay serves as a marine habitat for bottlenose dolphins and sea lions, while coastal shrubs include banjines and local species of wattles. You’re likely to see marine mammals during the warmer months, although dolphins are often seen just offshore greeting swimmers and boaters regardless of the time of year.
One of the quieter beaches in Western Australia, Hangover Bay sits on the edge of Nambung National Park — home of The Pinnacles Desert — and serves as a snorkelling, boating, and windsurfing spot where you’re free to swim alongside dolphins and sea lions. The sea is usually calm enough to swim in, but if you’ve had your fill of sports already, you’re free to take it easy, lay a beach blanket on the sand, and savour a picnic spread cooled by the sea breeze.
How far: Hangover Bay is around a 74-kilometre drive from Lancelin Sand Dunes.
Drive time: The drive from Lancelin Sand Dunes to Hangover Bay should take about 50 minutes.
See The Pinnacles up close at Nambung National Park
By the time you arrive at Nambung National Park, the setting sun should form an impressive backdrop to The Pinnacles — tall limestone formations jutting out from the desert, and a sight to behold for any first-time visitor. Scattered around the vast golden sand, the Pinnacles are believed to be perhaps 100,000 years old, and were formed from millions-of-years-old limestone deposits. In more recent times, the two-kilometre patch of land has become a famous tourist attraction (supported by vehicle entry fees that cost around $17), with a driving trail for small and large vehicles to weave through. If you’re bringing a hire car, first confirm any driving restrictions with your hire car provider to ensure your vehicle is allowed to be amongst the large rocks.
An alternative to driving is exploring the Pinnacles Desert on foot, wherein you’re allowed to observe the rock formations up close and witness history etched in their weathered nooks and crannies. Leave your hire car or campervan at the car park and take the Emu Walk Trail, which will also introduce you to some wildlife species including emus and kangaroos. While you’re allowed to linger and even stay into the night to stargaze, this is a dry, windy place and snacking by the rocks is prohibited.
How far: The Pinnacles are six kilometres from Hangover Bay.
Drive time: It’s a quick ten-minute drive to the Pinnacles from Hangover Bay.
A city tour of Cervantes before heading back
Continue your nature walking at Lake Thetis in Cervantes, where you’ll find a sea of ancient species called Stromatolites. The elevated pathway serves as a safe platform to observe these fragile living fossils — use it and keep your distance from the shore. Besides fossil hunting, Lake Thetis offers a clear view of the sky devoid of tall buildings and far from street lights. If stargazing piques your interest, the lake is good to visit year-round. Cap off your day trip relaxing on a blanket or with a telescope alongside other visitors.
If you’re skipping the stargazing activity and wish to head back to Perth before sundown, get a hold of the Cervantes Art Trail map at the visitor centre, though keep in mind that it closes at 5:30 PM. During the art walk, admire the various heritage sculptures and murals produced by local artists, including a giant windsurfer sculpture near the Cervantes Holiday Park. For an art-centric day tour of Cervantes, time your trip to coincide with the Cervantes Art Festival held every September to October. The main exhibition opens from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, however closing times can run as late as 9:00 PM for special shows.
How far: The Pinnacles to Cervantes drive is around 19 kilometres.
Drive time: Cervantes is about 15 minutes from the Pinnacles by car.
Top three day trip stops from Perth
Catching an evening flight from Perth Airport? Or just aiming to head back while the sun’s still out? Consider our top three picks for a fun-filled day trip from Perth to Lancelin and The Pinnacles.
Sand surf at Lancelin Sand Dunes: Start your day with an exhilarating ride on the sand dunes.
Water activities at Hangover Bay: Cool off with a picnic by the beach and afternoon swim with the dolphins and sea lions.
History lesson at The Pinnacles: Learn how The Pinnacles came to be during a walking tour along the desert trail.
Driving tips for Lancelin and The Pinnacles
Driving out of Perth means you may encounter dirt paths and wildlife along your route. As a visitor, it’s important that you create a detailed itinerary to discuss with the rental car provider prior to your trip, in case your destinations entail taking the vehicle off sealed roads — which is typically prohibited. Generally you’re permitted to take rental cars to remote areas if they’re accessible by sealed roads, however some stops including Lancelin Sand Dunes and The Pinnacles Desert will only permit certain rental vehicles such as vehicles with high ground clearance to drive all the way to the car park.
The 293-kilometre drive from Perth to Cervantes will take a little under four hours in total via National Route 1 and Indian Ocean Drive, meaning you should leave the city in the morning, though not too early that it’s difficult to see when animals cross the road. Kangaroos, emus, and other wildlife tend to come out at dawn, dusk, and into the night, so leaving at 7:00 in the morning gives the animals enough time to seek shelter before the cars start speeding down the major roads.
When is the best time to visit Lancelin and The Pinnacles?
The best time to visit Lancelin and The Pinnacles is during the cooler months between April and October, when average high temperatures float between 19 °C (66 °F) and 26 °C (79 °F). Lancelin experiences a Mediterranean climate for most of the year thanks to its proximity to the Indian Ocean, meaning light, breathable clothing that encourages mobility is a good idea, especially if you’re visiting the sand dunes or walking along the natural limestone formations in Cervantes. Wearing a sun hat and shades to protect your eyes from the midday sun are likewise good ideas. While day trips from April to October are popular with tourists, this is also the rainiest time of the year, so it’s also wise to pack raincoats and umbrellas in case of sudden downpours.
During the planning stages of your trip, refer to the Bureau of Meteorology’s weather forecasts for accurate weather projections on your trip dates. When skies are clear, Lancelin makes a great first stop as dune surfing is best done before noon, when the remnants of the cool morning wind can still be felt. When you reach The Pinnacles before sundown, the temperature drops again, meaning the desert won’t be as dry on the skin and the sun not as harsh.
Best car and campervan options for a Lancelin and The Pinnacles road trip
Compact cars
If you’re a solo traveller or a couple seeking an easy day trip outside the city, a rental compact car is a good fit. Compact cars fare well on sealed roads up to Lancelin and the Pinnacles and come in sizes that are easy to manoeuvre in tight parking spots, which may come in handy during peak season at Lancelin Sand Dunes which over 200,000 people visit every year.
If your itinerary includes lookout points that require driving on dirt roads, be sure to check the Terms and Conditions of your rental car. Most hire car providers don’t allow their vehicles to be driven on unsealed roads and require customers to park at designated areas to avoid penalty and damage fees.
Fuel-efficient compact cars will serve you well on road trips out of Perth, but as petrol stations are somewhat scarce along your route, plan ahead to avoid running out of fuel.
Can you take SUVs and 4WDs to Lancelin and The Pinnacles?
Rental SUVs and 4WDs are your most suitable options for a day trip to Lancelin and The Pinnacles, especially if you’re planning several activities throughout the day. With spacious interiors and allowance for extra attachments, large vehicles allow you to both take family and friends along with you on the trip and carry your own sports equipment.
You’ll find several off-roading opportunities during the drive up from Perth, and while that may sound enticing to thrill-seeking travellers, off-roading with rental cars is almost always prohibited. When hiring an SUV or 4WD in Perth, confirm your itinerary with the rental company to ensure that your route is allowed.
What about campervans?
If you’re planning to spend most of the day lounging by the river or beach, or having a picnic at the national park, some hire campervans are equipped with a mini kitchen and pull-out beds, enabling you to park your vehicle almost anywhere (as legally allowed) without worrying about where to sit, eat, or rest. Rental campervans and motorhomes are great options for families who wish to bring the conveniences of a real home to their holiday trip, avoiding the hassle of packing and unpacking.
With all their built-in features, campervans minimise the need for pit stops, whether it’s for buying food or using the toilet. In case your destination doesn’t have parking space for campervans, the Lancelin Caravan Park can accommodate campervans and motorhomes for a nightly fee — and the little ones can cool down at the pool while you rest before heading back to the city.
Are there charging stations for electric vehicles in Lancelin and The Pinnacles?
Yes, there are several charging stations for electric vehicles on the way to Lancelin and the Pinnacles. An EV on a day trip is economical for a quick road trip from Perth as charging them costs less than petrol. To find the charging stations along your route, use the charging station search tool from PlugShare.
For an elevated road trip experience, consider luxury EV models and drive along the coast — the roads overlooking Western Australia’s beaches are worth the detour.
Tips for renting a car or campervan in Lancelin to the Pinnacles
Start your day trip with a rental car or campervan from Perth. Several rental car companies in Perth offer a variety of vehicles ideal for a day trip to Lancelin and the Pinnacles, whether you’re coming from Perth Airport or the CBD, however if you’re visiting different locations, choose a fuel-efficient hire car for less petrol stops.
Keep off unsealed roads or shortcuts with dirt roads. Significant damage incurred by reckless driving will result in hefty fines.
After a day of sandboarding and swimming, it’s normal for sand and dirt to land on the upholstery and carpets. Before returning your vehicle, dispose of your rubbish responsibly and ensure that the vehicle is free from stains. Otherwise, you may be charged a cleaning fee.
If you’re travelling with kids, baby seat rentals are available with your car or campervan rental to ensure your passengers’ safety. If you’re visiting remote places where phone signals could be scarce, an on-board GPS device might deliver more peace of mind.
Explore the rest of Western Australia
Keen to explore more of Western Australia on a road trip? How about south of Perth to Margaret River’s wineries? If you’re seeking a week-long road trip, consider an eight-day itinerary from Perth to Exmouth.
About the author
Vroom Team
VroomVroomVroom’s writing team brings together decades of writing expertise to share their insights into travelling around Australia by rental car. Let our team help you get the most out of your rental car experience.
