4 July, 2018 By: Alex Forrest
It was the best two-day Western Australian road trip you could think of.
The ingredients? One of our most scenic driving roads, a father and son, some fishing rods and sand boards, an idyllic destination and one of the very last Australian-built Holden Commodores.
Our destination was an easy two and a half hours’ drive north of Perth along the spectacular Indian Ocean Drive to the coastal town of Cervantes.
The tragedy that has beset this road, which as well as passing beautiful scenery is also listed on as one of RAC's Riskiest Roads, was not lost on me.
Its seemingly endless curves and undulations demand respect and attention, especially in the late afternoon, when we travelled it.
But aside from arriving at our destination safely, there were other rich rewards for taking it easy and enjoying the ride.
With the lad alongside me, a fiery sunset sizzling into the ocean and the deserted road arcing over the dunes ahead, this became a moment I would always remember – especially as this road trip was from behind the wheel of one of the best Australian cars ever made.
Specifically, this was an SS Commodore, in what Holden calls ‘Slipstream Blue’ paint, with the 6.2-litre, 304kW LS3 V8 and a six-speed manual gearbox.
This one was from the last six months of production before the factory closed on 20 October 2017, and was the quintessential expression of the modern, affordable and locally built car. It was ideally suited to cruising this wide open road.
The overnight trip saw us park our motor for the night at the newly renovated RAC Cervantes Holiday Park.
The after-hours check-in system worked seamlessly and we were soon inside our two-bedroom villa, which was just what you want from a beachside holiday stay – clean, bright and within a stone’s throw of the ocean.
As it was late, dinner was kept simple and we cooked up some sausages on the barbeque on the verandah outside our villa and got some rest.
If you’re eating out though, the Lobster Shack is worth a visit. Members also get a 10 per cent discount at Cervantes Bar and Bistro.
The following day we were up early to explore the local sights and the activities on offer.
Fishing was first on the list. We headed to Cervantes jetty, which is reputed to be good for herring, bream and skippy, but it was a little windy and conditions weren’t ideal. Though we came away empty handed, it was an enjoyable way to start the day.
About two kilometres out of Cervantes township we visited Lake Thetis, one of only a few places in the world with living marine stromatolites. Referred to as ‘living fossils’, they’re one of the earliest forms of life to evolve on earth.
But without doubt, the drawcard of this region is the world-famous Pinnacles.
The ability to simply drive your car between the stunning limestone formations on a designated path is particularly special at such an iconic site.
It’s something all Western Australians should take the opportunity to enjoy.
When we visited, the big SS Commodore V8 prompted almost as much interest as the Pinnacles, with some visitors taking selfies with the big Aussie sedan and others having a sit in it. The Commodore still has a presence few other cars can match.
On the way home from Cervantes, we took our time, stopping in at Lancelin for some sand boarding in the legendary dunes right beside the town.
There are opportunities to hire sand boards in the town or from the base of the dunes to surf the white giants, or if you’re feeling even more daring, you can rent a quad bike. Bringing some experience of the latter is strongly recommended.
If you’re not familiar with Lancelin, you need to carefully follow a map to find the access road to the dunes, as it is not obviously signposted.
However, the sight that besets you as you enter the parking area at the foot of the dunes is absolutely breathtaking. If you’re a keen sandboarder, the trip to Lancelin alone is worthwhile.
When we visited on a Saturday, there was plenty of room on the dunes for everyone to get some sand boarding in. If you’re daring, you can ‘carve up’ the dunes with some sweeping turns in the sand.
Scaling the huge dunes again for another downhill run will test your fitness – there are no chair lifts here!
Four-wheel driving in the dunes is also an option, but you’ll have to ensure you’re well equipped – with both training and vehicle recovery equipment – to ensure you stay safe in the sand.
From Lancelin, it's 127km to back home to Perth, or about one hour and 50 minutes.
We were on the road for home well before the light started to fade, with many happy memories from our special weekender.
Take a road trip up the coast
RAC members save up to 20% off accommodation and get a free late checkout* at the renovated RAC Cervantes Holiday Park, with self-contained villas, a new swimming pool, and a children's recreation room. There's also a state-of-the-art kitchen for campers.
*Discount varies according to season. Late checkout subject to availability.
