Lancelin is Australia’s premier sandboarding destination and it’s just 85 minutes from the centre of Perth.
Sandboarding in Lancelin is inexpensive, and fun (click here to rent a sandboard from as little as $12.50). So what’s involved?

STEP 1: GET TO LANCELIN

First, get yourself to town. The drive from the centre of Perth is a mere 85 minutes. Head north to the end of the Mitchell Freeway and turn right on Hester Avenue, then left onto Wanneroo Road. This eventually changes into Indian Ocean Drive, so keep heading north until you hit the Lancelin turn-off which is well signposted. Turn towards the coast and follow these video instructions to get to the dunes.

You’ll need a sandboard (forget boogie boards or surfboards, they simply won’t slide).  These can be reserved here (from just $12.50). Once you’ve collected your pre-booked board from the address on your booking receipt, head to the dunes where it’s possible to park standard 2-wheel-drive vehicles right at the base of the dunes on the hard rock.

If you deviate from the route in the image, there is a real chance you will end up bogged. So stay on the hard track. It’s worth noting that most hire car companies forbid you taking their 2-wheel-drive vehicles off road, so be warned.

If you want to go deep into the off-road area, you definitely will need a 4-wheel-drive vehicle.  You will also want to be very careful if you’re a novice 4WD’er as the dunes are dangerous (yes, deaths occur).

Lancelin Park Here for Sandboarding

The dunal area is expansive and actually comes under the control of 3 different entities. Legally, you are only allowed to use the licensed off-road section, which roughly comprises the middle section (north to south) of the dunes. There is signage at the entry indicating the usable area, so please consult it as you enter.  Be aware though that there are few fences or signs on the sand dunes to indicate where the boundaries are, so play it safe.

If you’re not confident driving into the off-road area with your 2-wheel-drive vehicle, simply park it on Bootoo Street and walk in.  You can also park in the clearing on the left of the track about 20 metres from Bootoo Street as can be seen on one of the pictures above. The walk is about 300 metres across soft sand and hard rock.

FREE DUNES ENTRY

Entry to the dunes is free. There is only one entry point (as pictured in the map above); there is no entry gate and the dunes are open every day of the year, from 8am to 7pm.

You can collect your rental board from 7am, 7 days a week, and if you have good balance e.g. can ride a skateboard or snowboard, you’ll probably be able to get down the hill standing, otherwise ride sitting down, which takes no skill and is no less fun.

WHAT SHOULD YOU WEAR?

As for what you should wear: that’s up to you.  If it’s windy or you fall a lot, expect to wind up with sand all through your clothes, so plan for that. You will also need glasses both for the glare of the white dunes and to minimise sand being blown into your eyes.  If you don’t have them tick the “sunglasses” box on the sandboard on-line booking form. Please also be aware that you will need to climb to the top of the dune in order to glide down, which is great exercise.

Also be aware that there are no facilities whatsoever at the dunes e.g. toilets/shops etc. So take care of that on your way through town, and have yourself a top day – it’s an awesome destination!

For answers to all frequently asked questions click here