Lancelin is a small fishing and tourist town 127 km north of Perth, Western Australia. It is within the Shire of Gingin at the end of Wanneroo Road, and a few kilometres from the start of the Indian Ocean Drive. Lancelin is close to the shipwreck site of the Vergulde Draeck or Gilt Dragon that was wrecked on rocks close to shore in 1656. The town has a permanent population of over 600, and swells to 2,500 during the peak holiday period around Christmas - New Year.
History
The town's name originates from nearby Lancelin Island which was named after P.J. Lancelin the scientific writer by Captain Nicolas Baudin in 1801 during the Frenchman's expedition. The area was initially a holiday camping place through the 1940s and holiday shacks were probably built in the area during this time but interest in the area grew as it was designated as a possible port to be utilised by the crayfish, or lobster fishery. Lancelin was gazetted in 1950 and was originally named "Wangaree", the Aboriginal word for fish. The area was renamed in 1953 after a request from the Gingin Road Board. On 29 June 1974, two sounding rockets for solar research during a solar total eclipse were launched from Lancelin. The Australian military has used the Lancelin Defence Training Area to the north of the town for training exercises since the 1940s.
Recreational
Two islands are located just off the coast in the bay; Edwards Island and Lancelin Island. Lancelin Island Nature Reserve is managed for the conservation of flora and fauna. The island is an important sanctuary for a variety of breeding seabirds, for several resident landbirds and lizards and for resting sea lions. A variety of marine, wading and land birds may be observed. Kitesurfing and windsurfing are popular in the ocean off Lancelin, as are sandboarding and 4-wheel driving on the beaches and in the dunes behind the town. Every March the annual colour blast event is held on the beach. The Lancelin District Community Association is the holder of the Guinness World Record for the largest off-road convoy
