North of Perth, the green rolling hills of the Gingin coast and hinterland harbour a rich tapestry of fresh produce, heritage charms and beautiful scenery. Here you can indulge the tastebuds with olives, beef, citrus fruits and lobster. You can sample honey, the nectar of the gods, at WA’s largest beekeeping operation and you can relax in gorgeous surrounds with a glass of locally produced wine.
The Gingin townsite located approximately an hour north from Perth, is particularly charming, gazetted in 1871 and nestled among picturesque, rolling countryside. Be sure to set out on the meandering walk trails from Gingin centre into the tranquil surrounds of Granville Park. You may also decide to check out the market gardens, an olive grove, organic farm, wildflower farm or take a break in the charming surrounds of a Devonshire tearoom.
The area is also home to the fascinating Gravity Discovery Centre which integrates art, science and technology to delve into the past and examine the birth of the universe from a range of cultural viewpoints.
And then there’s Guilderton, where the beautiful Moore River meanders into the sparking blue of the Indian Ocean. This idyllic coastal setting makes for an excellent laid back holiday – somewhere you can truly get back to nature and appreciate the simpler things in life.
You can experience the area’s wonderful flora and fauna along a series of bush walking trails. Or set out on a new boardwalk along the southern shore to view the incredible bird life. Fishing enthusiasts can cast a line for species like bream, taylor and herring. And water lovers can take to the river for swimming, kayaking, canoeing or a leisurely cruise.
Just north of Guilderton, Lancelin is a seaside fishing village positioned along kilometres of brilliant white beach. Soaring sand dunes frame the village to the east and the sparkling waters of the Indian Ocean spread to the horizon in the west.
Here you can indulge in adventure sports, taste locally caught seafood or simply laze on the uncrowded shores. This picturesque holiday escape is earning a reputation for its wild variety of sports. Try plunging down the face of sand dune on a sand board or tearing across the dunes in dune buggy. Or what about joining a 4WD tour bus for the ride of a life time across the massive dune environment?
Even the faint hearted will be impressed with these dunes – their sensuous white curves thrust into shadow and aglow with light depending on the angle of the sun.
Lancelin is also renowned as a premier windsurfing and kitesurfing destination. Board riders from across the globe descend on Lancelin to indulge in these exhilarating sports. Even if you’re not game on trying it yourself, it really is something to watch the riot of colour on the water as the wind and kitesurfing sails speed by and soar to breathtaking heights.
Surfing is also a popular Lancelin pursuit – even beginners are catered for with learn to surf classes and surfing tour operators. Scuba divers can descend into the brilliant blue of the ocean to dive on a choice of 15 eerie wrecks. And nature lovers will be impressed with the sealife – dolphins, sea lions and sea birds add to the mosaic of life.
Lancelin offers accommodation to suit most budgets – from backpacker lodges and beach chalets to hotels and bed and breakfasts.
