Although Cervantes is a fairly modern town, having been established in 1963, its name dates back to 1844. The Cervantes was an American whaling ship, named after one of the greatest Spanish authors, Miguel de Cervantes, which sailed over to Western Australia in 1943. However a year later, the ship was anchored up at Thirsty Point when a strong gale blew it ashore onto an island, later named Cervantes. The ship was unrecoverable with it now being located half a kilometre offshore from Thirsty Point. As a result, in 1963, the town called Cervantes was founded as a small fishing village.

Attractions

Pinnacles

The main attraction in Cervantes is the unworldly like area of the Pinnacles. Having been formed 30 000 years ago, as a result of sand, seashells and extensive weathering, these yellow, limestone spires protruding from the dunes are a true sight to behold. The Pinnacles is highly accessible with an easy 1.2 km walking trail as well as a 4 km driving trail. This natural wonder is an impressive sight, however the view gets better in the evening when the sun sets over the rolling dunes and thousands of sharpened columns, combining to create a beautiful yellow glow to end the day on!

Lake Thetis

Cervantes doesn’t stop at the Pinnacles though, with Lake Thetis also a must see! This saline lake contains the oldest living fossils in the world…the stromatolites! Stromatolites existed over 3 billion years ago, often being regarded as the first life forms on Earth, and Cervantes is only one of five locations you can see them! Viewing the stromatolites is unchallenging with a 300 meter boardwalk used as well as a 1.5 km walking loop around the lake also available to use!

Lobster Shack

The Lobster Shack is the perfect place in Cervantes to have a one-of-a-kind lunch followed by an informative and wholesome experience into the Western Australian lobster industry! Located at 11 Madrid Street, the Lobster Shack offers a variety of activities for all ages, ranging from fishing charters to tours of their very lobster processing factory to the above-mentioned lunch, where you can eat lobster fresh out the ocean! As if you’re not convinced to visit the Shack, in 2013 it won a bronze medal in Tourist Attraction and Food Excellence in the Food Tourism Award, a sought-after award to have!

Fun Facts

Population: 467
Area: 9km²
Postcode: 6511
Founded: 1963
Distance from Perth: 198km