Cervantes
WA 6511 • Western Australia
About Cervantes
Cervantes is a small coastal fishing town situated approximately 198 kilometres north-north-west of Perth in the Shire of Dandaragan, Western Australia. With a 2021 Census population of 480, the town has seen a modest decline from prior years and remains a compact, close-knit community occupying around 9.9 square kilometres of Indian Ocean coastline. Cervantes was established in 1962 and takes its name from a ship wrecked on the nearby coast, which itself was named after the celebrated Spanish author Miguel de Cervantes.
The local economy is anchored by commercial fishing, particularly the rock lobster (crayfish) industry, which operates out of the town's harbour and supports much of the permanent population. Tourism plays a growing role, with Cervantes serving as the gateway to the extraordinary Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park — thousands of ancient limestone formations set in golden sand that draw visitors from across Australia and around the world. Jurien Bay, 24 kilometres to the north, provides the nearest major services, and the scenic Indian Ocean Drive connects Cervantes to Perth for those travelling south.
Cervantes falls under postcode 6511 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Moore (Agricultural) electorate.
Location
Transport & Commute
Bus Services
- Transwa coach services (limited) — Perth CBD (Transwa operated routes) Approx. 3 hours
Commute to Perth CBD
🛣️ Highly car-dependent; Jurien Bay (24km north) is the nearest service town; Perth is a 2-hour drive south
Cervantes has a small supermarket and local shops but most major services require driving to Jurien Bay or Perth
Supermarkets Nearby
No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.
Schools
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Iberia Street