15 Best Things To Do In Jurien Bay in 2024

Located just two and a half hours north of Perth, Jurien Bay is the perfect spot for a quick weekend getaway! There are plenty of Jurien Bay activities to do in this small coastal town. Jump out of a plane, head out on a sea lion tour, kick back with a beer and fish the bright blue waters – there’s something for everyone in Jurien Bay! 

Keep reading to find out what to do in Jurien Bay and all the best Jurien Bay attractions you should check out on your next visit. 

Why go to Jurien Bay?

With its pristine, turquoise beaches and warm, dry summers, Jurien Bay is a family favourite for a long weekend getaway and is one of Western Australia’s most beautiful biodiversity hotspots. 

Jurien Bay is known for being home to Australian sea lions, the rarest sea lions in the world! 21% of Western Australia’s sea lion population is found in Jurien Bay, where they live and breed within the Jurien Bay Marine Park.

Still not convinced? This picturesque spot holds an abundance of beauty and adventure that can be enjoyed by the whole family. Although it’s known for its sea lions, it’s also widely popular for its fishing, adventure activities and history.

Jurien Bay is part of the Yued Region; a region inhabited by the Yued people, one of the fourteen groups of Noongar Aboriginal Australians. The town became well-known for its fishing and cray fishing industry, as well as for goods such as wool, that were traded following the establishment of the original wooden jetty by European settlers. Stone artefacts have even been found around the caves!

15 Best Things to Do in Jurien Bay

There are plenty of things to do in Jurien Bay! You’ll find something here for the whole family. Read on for our list of the best Jurien Bay attractions

1. Swim with the Sealions

With only 10,000 – 12,000 left, Australian sea lions are the rarest of their kind. If you want to meet these beloved and playful creatures, then you should book the Sea Lion Interaction Tour with Jurisn Bay Oceanic. Safari with Turquoise Safaris. The tour goes for approximately 3 hours and you even get to swim with the sea lions!

I was lucky enough to do this tour and it was an absolute highlight, bringing me face-to-face with these playful creatures. The sea lions were curious and friendly, often swimming close enough to almost touch. The tour guides were knowledgeable, ensuring we had a great time while respecting the sea lions’ space – I highly recommend it. For more details about my experience, check out my Ultimate Guide to the Jurien Bay Sealions.

Snacks and light refreshments are supplied on the tour, and the guides also film GoPro footage for you, so all you need to bring is yourself, a towel, sunscreen, and something to swim in.

2. See the Wildflowers at Lesueur National Park

A botanic oasis, Lesueur National Park is a florally diverse site to visit especially during Spring months; the 26km Yonga Trail, boasts an abundance of wildflowers with over ten declared threatened species and over 900 species of flowers. 

The diversity of the flowers is threatened due to a soil-born plant disease called dieback which is spread through the movement of any infected soil, so make sure all walking equipment, shoes and vehicles are free of soil or any other plant material before entering – there are boot cleaning stations throughout the park which hikers should use. 

There are multiple trails to be hiked, ranging from the 3.5km Lesueur Trail to the previously mentioned 26km Yonga Trail. There is a trail here for most bushwalkers with most trails suitable for most ages and fitness levels, with wheelchair access for the first 250m. According to Trails A, a Group B pack is recommended to bring along, which should include:

• Minimum 2L of water per person per day
• Sturdy shoes
• Sun hat 
• Sunglasses, sunscreen (30+) and insect repellent
• Map or guidebook where recommended
• Snacks and/or lunch depending on the length of the trail
• Suitable clothes for activity and weather conditions
• First Aid kit

3. Get the Adrenalin Pumping and Go Skydiving

For those of you who are adrenaline junkies, or perhaps want to break out of your comfort zone, skydiving is an absolute must! With their state-of-the-art skydive equipment, you are in safe hands with the instructors at Skydive Jurien Bay who value safety followed closely by fun and professionalism. They were also awarded the TripAdvisor 2018 Certificate of Excellence.

With an array of packages, you’ll be sure to find the best one for you; whether you fancy a 20-second freefall from 8,000 feet, or a 60-second freefall from 14,000 feet, the stunning coastal view from above will be a view to remember.

For more information or to book a package, visit Skydive Jurien Bay.

4. Explore Sandy Cape

Located 10km north of Jurien Bay, Sandy Cape is one of the idyllic locations that tourists love to visit for photography. The white beaches of Sandy Cape are situated in a small, sheltered bay that offers many activities such as swimming, snorkelling, fishing, and sandboarding.

It’s 2-WD accessible and also has a campsite for those wanting to spend a night or two. The sites are on a first come first serve basis, meaning that there’s no pre-booking. The campsite offers toilets and BBQ facilities, but unfortunately no drinking water. Feel free to bring your furry friend, but they do need to be on a leash in some areas of the beach.

There are some great 4WD tracks north and south of the campsite, where you can visit the North Head; the well-preserved remains of a WWII radar installation.

For everything you need to know check out my Complete Guide to Sandy Cape.

5. Go Fishing in Jurien Bay

Fishing is one of the most popular activities in Jurien Bay. tailor, flathead whiting, silver trevally, shark, bream, mulloway and squid are common catches in the area.   

Some of the most popular fishing spots in and around Jurien Bay include:

• Jurien Bay Jetty
• Sandy Cape
• North Head
• Green Head

For all the details on the best fishing in the area, check out my Complete Guide to Jurien Bay Fishing.

6. Take a Walk Along Jurien Bay Jetty

At 162m long, the Jurien Bay jetty is the second-largest jetty in Western Australia. If you’re keen for a swim or to chuck in a line you’ll find a floating pontoon with ladders that lead down to the water at the end of the jetty. It’s also a great spot to sit at sunset as you watch the sun go down with a beer in hand!

The jetty has been redeveloped, making it a popular place for tourists to socialise as they enjoy free BBQs and picnic tables while they take in the sunset and views.

7. Explore Jurien Bay Marine Park

Aside from the Sea Lion tours, the Jurien Bay Marine Park is home to colourful coral and underwater caves, where you can dive and snorkel. The marine park covers the waters between Wedge and Green Head, extending 5.5km offshore. It’s the perfect place to swim, dive, snorkel and kayak. 

Fishing is a great aspect of the marine park, but ensure you find out where you can and can’t fish as there are special rules that apply to some zones. 

If you’re lucky enough, some seafood you may end up catching includes dhufish, pink snapper, baldchin groper, whiting, mulloway, and Australian herring.

Because the marine park contains 21% of the WA population of sea lions, please remember to respect the wildlife; don’t touch them and feeding them is prohibited.

8. Enjoy Fish and Chips on the Beach

Nothing says a classic beach getaway like chowing down on some fish and chips while you sit on the sand and take in the scenery! I recommend grabbing takeaway from Jurien Seafoods and finding a spot on the foreshore.

9. Visit the Pinnacles in Nambung National Park

Visiting the Pinnacles in Nambung National Park is a must-do when you’re in Jurien Bay. Just an hour’s drive away, you’ll find yourself among thousands of ancient limestone pillars standing tall in the desert. 

It’s a unique sight, you can take your time and wander through the park, or drive the unsealed Pinnacles loop trail. For a unique experience, you can even see the pinnacles by night on a Pinnacles Desert Stargazing Tour, where you have dinner in the desert under the stars before cracking out the telescopes for a stargaze. Magic!

Whether you’re into photography or just want to see a cool part of WA, the Pinnacles are worth the visit!

10. Go Swimming

I’m convinced it’s impossible to visit Jurien Bay without jumping into the ocean! There are plenty of pristine beaches in the area and they’re protected by the sheltered bay, making it an ideal swimming spot for swimmers of all levels. If you’re lucky you might even spot some marine life!

11. Check Out the Local Restaurants

While you’re in town, there are plenty of great spots to stop for a relaxed brunch or dinner with mates. Some of my top picks are:

• Jurien Bay Beach Cafe
• Sandpiper Tavern
• Meraki

For more of the best spots for a meal, check out my Guide to the Best Jurien Bay restaurants.

12. Grab a Beer at Kakka Alley Brewing Co.

Just a 5-minute drive from Jurien Bay is the laid-back Kakk Alley Brewing Co. It’s the perfect spot for a beer – they’ve got guest taps from all over WA. You can also grab a well-deserved pizza to pair with your beer!

13. Walk the Turquoise Way Trail

The Turquoise Way Trail is a scenic coastal path in Jurien Bay that offers stunning views of the ocean and surrounding nature. It’s a 14-kilometre return track suitable for walkers and cyclists of all skill levels.

Along the way, you’ll pass beautiful beaches, lookout points, and maybe even spot local wildlife. It’s a great way to experience the natural beauty of Jurien Bay at your own pace.

14. Discover the Lake Thetis Stromatolites

Lake Thetis is home to one of nature’s most fascinating wonders: stromatolites. These rare, rock-like structures are actually living organisms!

Just a short drive from Jurien Bay, visiting Lake Thetis offers a unique opportunity to step back in time, as these formations date back over 3,000 years. The site has a boardwalk that allows you to view the stromatolites up close without disturbing them. It’s an educational and interesting visit for anyone keen to see one of Earth’s oldest life forms.

15. Stop in at the Lobster Shack for Lunch

Even though it’s technically in the nearby town of Cervantes, you absolutely need to stop in at Lobster Shack on your way to Jurien Bay.

It’s a family-owned and operated business that has been fishing in the area for a whopping 60 years! Enjoy a lobster roll on the deck overlooking the ocean before you take a tour through the processing plant to learn about the Rock Lobster industry in Western Australia.

How to Get from Perth to Jurien Bay

There are two ways to get from Perth to Jurien Bay, depending on how much you want to spend and how quickly you want to get to the beach! Jurien Bay is a mere 226km north of Perth, it’s a 2.5-hour drive along the Indian Ocean coastline; a view before the view. This is the quickest and possibly cheapest way of getting there.

However, if you don’t fancy racking up those km’s on your car or spending on fuel, then you can always take the bus. Departing from East Perth Station, you can expect a 3hour and 10 minute drive which drops you off at the Jurien Bay Caltex Roadhouse. With four buses running weekly, you can pay as little as $18 for a ticket (depending on the day and your concession status). The N1 or N5 service will get you there, find more information at the Transwa website. 

Best Time to Visit Jurien Bay

It might be a little obvious, but Jurien Bay is best visited in the summer months (December – February), as the weather is at its most beautiful: warm and dry with a strong sea breeze coming at around 11am most days. 

During the summer months, the temperatures can average above 28°C. February is the hottest month of the year in Jurien Bay, and temperatures can rise to an average high of 30°C and a low of 21°C.

If you’re up for a visit in the winter months (June – September), you can expect an average daily temperature of around 21°C. July is the coldest month to visit, with temperatures dropping to an average low of 13°C and a high of 19°C.

Last Words on Things to Do in Jurien Bay

Jurien Bay is the perfect destination for your next weekend getaway from Perth. It’s located just two and a half hours north of Perth and there are plenty of Jurien Bay activities to do in this small coastal town. Jump out of a plane, head out on a sea lion tour, enjoy a swim or kayak, kick back with a beer and fish the bright blue waters – there’s something for everyone in Jurien Bay! 

Have you visited Jurien Bay Recently? Are there any attractions we missed? Comment below!

More Weekend Inspiration

Looking for more weekend inspiration? How about going on a road trip to Cervantes, whale watching in Dunsborough, fishing in Augusta, or visiting the stingrays in Hamelin Bay?

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