Cervantes

Situated on the coast approximately 210 kilometres north of Perth is the town of Cervantes. The townsite was gazetted in 1963 and the town was named after the nearby islands which in turn where named after the American whaler Cervantes which was wrecked near here in 1844 (theory one). Another theory is that the islands were named after a Spanish author by the Baudin Expedition (1801-3). A number of local street names denote things Spanish

Cervantes - Welcome Sign

The welcome sign on the highway. It is made up of five signs which can be cleverly lined up from a vantage point to appear as one (which I didn't manage to do). The town has grown from a simple fishing village to a bustling holiday resort and is now far more accessible to outsiders since the Indian Ocean Drive connected Lancelin to Cervantes around two years ago. January 2013. Photos Ref: CERV001

Cervantes - Shopping Centre

The post office, a cafe and a liquor store are some of the businesses which occupy premises in the local shopping centre. January 2013. Photos Ref: CERV002

Cervantes - General Store

Next to the shopping centre is the General Store which has a very 1960's or 70's look about it. January 2013. Photos Ref: CERV003

Cervantes - Water and Communications

Slow down for the townsite. 50 km/hour now. The telecommunications tower and town water tanks keep an eye on traffic entering the town. January 2013. Photos Ref: CERV004

Cervantes - Pinnacles Caravan Park

The Pinnacles Caravan Park is located outside one of the holiday parks/camping grounds which looked full to the brim today. The advertised Lobster Shack is back at the Liberty service station near the entrance to the town. January 2013. Photos Ref: CERV005

Cervantes - Seashells Cafe

Between the Pinnacles Caravan Park and the beachfront is the brightly painted and well patronised Seashells Cafe. This place would be popular with campers in the park. January 2013. Photos Ref: CERV006

Cervantes - Jetty

Cervantes has a couple of wooden jetties protruding out into the bay. These (or at least the one closest) are private property and a large sign warns off anyone who might want to stroll to the end. Welcome to town. January 2013. Photos Ref: CERV007

Cervantes - Beach Looking North

Cervantes beach gleaming white. This is a view north from the jetty area (not on the jetty though!). You can see the coastline curving around to the west. A lone walker enjoys his solitude. January 2013. Photos Ref: CERV008

Cervantes - Beach Looking South

Here is a view along the beach looking south and again the bay curves out to the west. The water is calm and inviting. No giant waves so it's a good swimming place for children. January 2013. Photos Ref: CERV009

Cervantes - Beach Looking South

Another look down the beach south from up near the jetty. I think the howling winds are keeping people away from the beach today. January 2013. Photos Ref: CERV010

Cervantes - Fishing Boat

One of the many fishing boats at anchor just a handful of metres from the main beach. January 2013. Photos Ref: CERV011

Cervantes - House Near Beach

To show how the town has come of age, here is a rather grand dwelling built fairly close to the seafront. Throughout town are many very similar houses which may date back to better fishing days or may have been built by absent landowners who only holiday in town periodically, or perhaps retirees. January 2013. Photos Ref: CERV012

Cervantes - Ocean Lookout

This beach lookout provides a commanding view of the ocean. You can see some of the fishing boats out on the sea. January 2013. Photos Ref: CERV013

Cervantes - Jetties From Ocean Lookout

The out-of-bounds twin jetties viewed from the ocean lookout. January 2013. Photos Ref: CERV014

Cervantes - Lake Thetis Walkway

Lake Thetis is located a few kilometres east of the townsite. It's well sign-posted and although the entrance road is unsealed, it is well maintained. The lake is 1.5 times saltier than the ocean and is renowned for its crop of stromatolites. Whereas other sites in W.A. boast fossilized stromatolites, Lake Thetis is one of only a couple of sites in the state where the structures are still living. January 2013. Photos Ref: CERV015

Cervantes - Lake Thetis

At the end of the walkway you can see in the above picture is the stromatolite colony. You can see them along the foreshore and in the water. January 2013. Photos Ref: CERV016

Cervantes - Lake Thetis

Here is a close-up of a few of the stromatolites. They have taken thousands of years to grow to their current size and have been built by microbe sized organisms that live in the lake. January 2013. Photos Ref: CERV017

Cervantes - Lake Thetis Walkway

A look along the walkway leading away from the lake and back to the car park. It's an easy walk and only a couple of hundred metres back to the car. You can also choose to walk all the way around the lake which wouldn't take more than half an hour at a steady but leisurely pace. January 2013. Photos Ref: CERV018

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