Ultimate Guide to Jurien Bay

What if you could swim with playful sea lions in the morning, skydive over turquoise waters by afternoon and unwind on the beach with fish and chips as the sun sinks over the Indian Ocean? That’s a day in Jurien Bay – Western Australia, just a couple of hours north of Perth.

With its crystal-clear water, rich marine life and laid-back vibe, Jurien Bay is the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. Whether you’re chasing adrenaline, planning a family escape, or road tripping up the Western Australia Coral Coast, this Ultimate Guide to Jurien Bay covers everything you need to know to make the most of your time in this coastal paradise.

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Best Time to Visit

Anytime is a great time to visit Jurien Bay, it all depends what you want to do.

December to February (Summer) is the Australian school holidays. The weather is warm and dry with a strong sea breeze arriving about 11am.

March to May (Autumn) has milder temperatures and gentler winds. Look out for the Easter Fair.

June to August (Winter) is cool with sunny skies and the occasional storm. The crystal-clear ocean is often warmer than on land (I can definitely vouch for that).

September to November (Spring) has mild temperatures and gentle winds. This is when the wildflowers bloom so is a great time to hike the national parks. In November they celebrate the Indian Ocean Festival and have the blessing of the fleet.

Getting There

Jurien Bay is located 217km north of Perth. It takes approximately 2.5 hours to drive.

Integrity Coach Lines operated IC09 bus to Broome leaves Wellington St, Perth 3 times a week which takes 3 hours 10 mins, dropping you off at the Jurien Bay Caltex Roadhouse.

TransWA operates a bus service from Transwa Bay, East Perth to Geraldton twice a week which takes approximately 3.5 hours and is slightly cheaper than Integrity Coach Lines.

Where to Stay

We stayed at the Jurien Bay Tourist Park operated by Summerstar. It’s located right on the beach and the foreshore and walking distance to everything. We loved the double width concrete slabs for the caravan sites, so it didn’t matter which way your awning opened.

Other options include

Jurien Bay Beachfront Chalets – offers direct beachfront access with stunning sea views. Guests can relax on the terrace or in the garden, enjoying the serene beachfront setting.

The Pearl – stunning 3 bedroom apartment overlooking the bay with a hot tub on the verandah and swimming pool.

Just a quick note: Jurien Bay IGA is very expensive and it is highly recommended that you purchase your food for your stay in Perth before you leave. The locals get their groceries delivered from Geraldton!

Things to do

Swim with Sea Lions

Swimming with Sea Lions is an unforgettable experience I was keen to experience again and share with my family. We chose Turquoise Safaris to take us to Essex Rocks and Sandland Islands to meet these playful creatures. Before we left the marina, we were fitted with short wetsuits, snorkels and fins then after a safety briefing we were on our way.

We arrived at the island and saw a small colony of endangered Australian sea lions sunbathing on the beach. We jumped into the water and snorkeled over to the reef, hoping they would come for a swim with us. The water was so clear, we could see for over 30m. Alas, they thought the water was too cold.

We did get to see another male arrive on the beach and there was a short scuffle between the two males before the younger male ran away.

It was disappointing that they didn’t want to play with us but there is no guarantee as they are wild and free. We still got to see them. Maybe next time……

The Pinnacles

The Pinnacles are located 30 minutes south of Jurien Bay down the Indian Ocean Drive. The amazing limestone structures were formed between 25,000 – 30,000 years ago when the sea receded and left deposits of shells. Over time, coastal winds have removed the surrounding sand, leaving exposed pillars. Some stand as high as 3.5m.

We met up with Lumineer Adventure Tours for a journey through the Pinnacles, sunset dinner and star gazing. The sky was so clear (when the clouds cleared) and we could see the Emu in the Sky lying down in the Milky Way. We also saw constellations through the telescope that you can’t see with the naked eye. So beautiful. We even found emu tracks and my daughters came face to face with a couple of Western Grey Kangaroos. A truly unforgettable way to experience the Pinnacles.

Skydive Jurien Bay

Imagine standing at the door of a plane, 14,000ft above the world with the wind roaring past and your heart pounding in your chest. Then with no regrets, 60 seconds of freefall before the parachute opens, floating down to earth with the most magnificent views down the coast, the turquoise water glistening and the white sand glowing in the sun. In the distance, glimpse the surreal Pinnacles Desert before landing on the powdery white sandy beach.

Skydive Jurien Bay can take you there!

Rock Lobster Catch and Keep Tour

Learn the art of catching your own lobsters on a Rock Lobster Catch and Keep Tour. The anticipation and thrill as you pull the lobster pots to reveal their bounty. Learn how to measure, grade and cook your lobster and best of all, you can take up to 8 lobsters home for dinner. Yummo!

Hiking in Lesueur National Park

Located 20km north east of Jurien Bay is Lesueur National Park is home to 900 species of plants, 122 native birds and 52 reptile species.

During springtime (August to October), Western Australia’s Mid West region becomes a wildflower haven. Don’t forget your camera.

There are several hiking trails to choose from or an 18.5km one-way scenic drive on sealed bitumen with many laybys to park and enjoy the views.

A National Parks pass is required to enter the park or you can obtain a 1-day pass for $17 at the gate.

For more information about trails, go to Lesueur National Park

Sandboarding

Just outside of town on the main road there are some huge sand dunes. Sandboards can be hired from Tiges Surf Shop in the shopping centre.

If you want someone experienced to show you how it is done, Jurien Bay Adventure Tours operates guided sandboarding and beach 4WD adventures.

Coastal Turquoise Way Trail

The Turquoise Way Trail is a 14.2 kilometre (one-way) sealed track stretching along the coast from the Jurien Bay Marina to the Hill River Mouth. The trail passes the Jurien Bay Jetty and playground, Dobbyn Park foreshore and offers spectacular views of the coast.

If you want to explore the whole trail, but it’s too far to walk, E bikes and pedal power bikes can be hired from Pedal Jurien Bay on 0429 422 563.

Fishing

Jurien Bay Marine Park runs from Wedge Island to Greenhead and extends 5km offshore. It encompasses

Fishing from the shores of Jurien Bay is popular due to its accessibility however, at times the seaweed can be a challenge. Expect to catch whiting, flathead, bream, tailor and herring. The best fishing times are dawn, dusk and at night.

The rock walls of Jurien Bay Harbour are also popular. Expect to catch tailor, herring, silver trevally whiting and flathead.

The obvious option is the Jetty which juts out 162m into the ocean. Common catches include herring, pink salmon, mulloway, skippy, tailor, whiting and flathead. Best time to fish is early morning or dusk. And judging from the ink stains on the jetty deck, squid fishing at night is possible.

A bit further north is Sandy Cape where you can catch bream, mulloway, tailor and herring.

If you have a boat, there is a boat ramp at Sandy Cape and at the Jurien Bay Harbour. Alternatively, book on a fishing charter with Jurien Bay Oceanic.

Jurien Bay is a Marine Park, so check where you can and can’t fish with Jurien Bay Marine Park Visitor Guide.

Western Australia requires that you have a fishing license to fish from a boat. Get your boat fishing license here.

Snorkeling and Scuba Diving

The clarity of the water in Jurien Bay Marine Park has to be seen to be believed! Snorkeling gear can be hired from Jurien Bay Adventure Tours. Shore based snorkeling spots include:-

• Jurien Bay old jetty pylons
• Sandy Cape located 15 mins north of Jurien Bay offers calm clear waters in a protected bay and is great for families.
• Hangover Bay located just outside of Cervantes has excellent snorkeling around the rocks and reef.

Boat based snorkel and scuba spots include:-

• Boullanger Island has a seagrass meadow on its western side and several coral bommies are located nearby
• Favourite Island
• North and South Cervantes

Snorkel and Scuba expeditions can be arranged through Jurien Bay Oceanic.

Swimming in crystal clear water

The turquoise water and soft white powdery sand have got to be seen to be believed. Get up close and the water is crystal clear. Whilst there are no lifeguards, the beach is calm and family friendly.

Watch the Sunset over Jurien Bay

Nothing can be better than relaxing on the beach or enjoying a few drinks overlooking the jetty at the Jurien Bay Beach Cafe with friends and family to end the day.

Skate the epic skate park

I couldn’t get over how enormous the epic skate park is at Jurien Bay. It has 4 separate skate bowls of varying difficulty, perfect for the whole family.

Golf

Jurien Bay Country Golf Club has an 18-hole course with sand greens. The club welcomes visitors to play 9 or 18 holes and works on an honesty system. The course is also home to local kangaroos and distinctive bird life.

Where to Eat

• Jurien Bay Beach Cafe – located right on the beach front overlooking the jetty, the perfect place to watch the sun sink into the Indian Ocean whilst enjoying alfresco dining. The chips were fantastic.
• Jurien Seafoods – Good fish and chips
• Sandpiper Tavern and Pizzeria – we got take away pizza and weren’t disappointed.

Your Adventure Awaits in Jurien Bay

From a playful underwater encounter swimming with sea lions, to the heart racing thrill of skydiving over the Turquoise Coast, and the surreal beauty of wandering through the Pinnacles Desert, Jurien Bay truly is the hidden gem of Western Australia for adventure seekers and nature lovers.

So, what are you waiting for? Pack your sense of adventure, head north along the Indian Ocean Drive and experience the magic of Jurien Bay yourself.

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