Is Jurien Bay Worth Visiting in 2024?

As someone who’s called Western Australia home for over two decades, I’ve exploried its many treasures. Among them, Jurien Bay stands out as a gem. Located just a couple of hours north of Perth, this coastal paradise has been my go-to escape for family weekends, couple escapes, and everything in between.

If you’re keen on discovering what makes Jurien Bay so special, you’ve come to the right place. In this comprehensive travel guide, I’ll share insider tips, from the best times to visit to the top activities that cater to all ages and interests.

This post may contain affiliate links (of companies I book through). This means I may receive a small commission if you book through them. You can read the disclaimer for more information.

Best Time to Visit Jurien Bay

One of the advantages of Jurien Bay’s location along Western Australia’s Coral Coast is its welcoming climate year-round. However, if you’re looking to maximize your experience, there are certain times of the year that are better.

The Warmer Months: November to April

If you love basking in the sun and water activities, the warmer months from November to April are ideal. During this period, you’ll find the beaches buzzing with locals and tourists, all taking advantage of the hot weather to swim, snorkel, and fish.

• Pros:
• Perfect for beach activities
• Excellent visibility for snorkelling and diving
• Cons:
• Popular tourist season, so it can get crowded
• Accommodations may be pricier due to demand

The Cooler Months: May to October

If you prefer a quieter, more laid-back vibe, visiting between May and October might be your best bet. While the temperatures are colder, they’re still comfortable enough for exploring the natural attractions and wildlife.

• Pros:
• Less crowded
• Ideal for hiking and wildlife spotting
• Cons:
• Water activities will be limited

So, When’s the Best Time?

In my years of visiting Jurien Bay, I’ve found that each season offers its own unique charm. Ultimately, the best time to visit will depend on what you want to get out of your trip. I enjoy summer for snorkelling and the beach and autumn for hiking, cycling, and relaxation. Spring is beautiful with wildflowers in bloom.

Jurien Bay Weather

In Jurien Bay, summers are dry and warm, while winter is wet and cool. It can be windy year-round but windier during the summer months.

Summer: Average highs around 30°C with lows of 17°C and the lowest amount of rainfall. The water temperature is warmest in February when it reaches about 23°C. January is the windiest month in Jurien Bay, with an average wind speed of 24 km ph.

Autumn: May is the calmest month of the year in Jurien Bay, with an average wind speed of 19 km ph. Maximum temperatures vary between 30°C in March to 23°C in May, when rainfall increases.

Winter: July is the wettest time in Jurien Bay, but over half the month has no rainfall. It is also the coldest with high averages of 19°C and lows of 9°C.

Spring: September has the lowest water temperature at around 19°C. Rain starts to decrease, and days become warmer.

How to Get to Jurien Bay?

Whether you’re travelling from within Western Australia or coming from afar, getting to Jurien Bay is relatively straightforward.

Here are your primary options:

By Car:

Driving is arguably the most convenient way to reach Jurien Bay, especially if you’re coming from Perth.

• From Perth: Jurien Bay is around 220 km north of Perth, roughly a 2.5-hour drive via the Indian Ocean Drive or Brand Highway. The scenic Indian Ocean Drive is my personal recommendation, as it offers stunning coastal views and passes through charming small towns.
• Directions: Head north on Mitchell Freeway, which transitions into Wanneroo Road. Continue onto Indian Ocean Drive and follow the signs to Jurien Bay.

By Public Transport:

While public transport options are limited, they are available and can offer a relaxed journey to this coastal town.

• TransWA: The TransWA bus service operates between Perth and Jurien Bay. The journey can take around 4 hours, but the coaches are comfortable and well-equipped.
• Pick-up and Drop-off: The main pick-up point in Perth is at the East Perth Terminal, and you’ll be dropped off at the Caltex station in Jurien Bay.

By Air:

Jurien Bay does not have a commercial airport, but if you’re coming from a significant distance, you can fly into Perth Airport and then opt for a car rental or public transport to complete your journey.

Where to Stop on the Way to Jurien Bay?

You can stop in Cervantes and Nambung National Park to see the Pinnacles or Lancelin sand dunes to try sandboarding.

Top Activities in Jurien Bay

If you’re wondering what to do once you arrive in Jurien Bay, don’t worry I’ve got you covered. Whether it’s exploring the underwater world through snorkelling and diving, enjoying a family picnic on the sandy beaches, or getting your adrenaline rush from skydiving, Jurien Bay has it all.

Wildlife enthusiasts can also look forward to spotting sea lions, dolphins, and an array of bird species. For a more detailed guide on all the exciting activities you can indulge in, check out our comprehensive post on things to do in Jurien Bay.

How Long to Stay in Jurien Bay

How long to stay in Jurien Bay depends what activities you want to do. For some, an overnight stop on a Perth to Exmouth road trip is enough or a long weekend. On the other hand, some families stay a week and enjoy family time on the beach.

Jurien Bay Accommodation

We camped at the Jurien Bay Caravan Park, but if you don’t want to camp, they have a range of air-conditioned chalets that sleep from two up to seven. The Jurien Bay Tourist Park is in an excellent location right by the beach and close to the bakery, tavern, shops, Jurien Bay Hotel and IGA.

Jurien Bay Motel Apartments have an excellent reputation for their air-conditioned self-contained apartments which feature modern kitchens. Their central location means you don’t have to walk far to the foreshore, shops, and restaurants.

Aqua Shack is a 3-bedroom house located 200 m from the beach. The property has a large garden and barbecue and a fully equipped kitchen that provides guests with a dishwasher, a microwave, a washing machine, a fridge, and an oven.

Coastal Paradise features a terrace with sea views, an outdoor swimming pool, and a bar. It can sleep up to six guests in the three bedrooms. So, if it’s a stunning property you’re after with lots of space, then this is the holiday accommodation for you.

Where To Eat in Jurien Bay

There isn’t a huge range of dining options being a small coastal town, but here is a list of some places to eat in Jurien Bay:

• Jurien Bay Bakery (delicious pies & sausage rolls and good coffee – we’ve eaten here lots of times)
• Sandpiper Tavern (tasty pizzas and great service – pizzas are so good)
• Murray St Grill
• Family Affair Café
• Jurien Jetty Café

History of Jurien Bay

I would like to respectfully acknowledge the Yued Noongar and Yamaji people, Traditional Owners, and First People of these lands. I would like to pay my respect to the Elders past, present, and future, for they hold the memories, the traditions, the culture, and hopes of their people.

In 1801, Nicolas Thomas Baudin led the French expedition, mapping and naming much of the area. Two years later, two ships (Le Geographe and the Casuarina) sailed up the coast, gathering fauna and flora. Louis de Freycinet, a cartographic surveyor, named the bay after Charles Marie Jurien of the French Naval Administration. 

Walter Padbury, a self-made millionaire, was the first European settler to the area in the 1850s.

In 1885, a jetty was built to transport wool, hides, grain, and other agricultural products due to the pastoralism success in the area.

Due to the abundant marine life, Jurien Bay became a small fishing village where dhufish, snapper, and groper were fished from the bay.

By the 1950s, people started building shanties as holiday homes, and Jurien Bay was officially named in December 1956.

The following few years saw the crayfish industry take off and jetties, an airstrip, and factories built.

Today Jurien Bay’s primary industries are cray fishing and tourism.

Tips for Visiting Jurien Bay

• Avoid driving at dawn or dusk when wildlife is the most active
• Jurien Bay beaches are unpatrolled – be aware of ocean conditions and rips
• Stingers can be in the ocean in summer (especially when it’s calm) – they are painful but not harmful
• Mobile phone coverage is good in town
• IGA Jurien is open 7 days a week from 8 am to 6 pm for groceries

Tips for Families

Having visited Jurien Bay with my own family countless times, I can attest to its reputation as a family-friendly destination. However, as with any trip, a little planning can go a long way in ensuring a memorable experience for all family members. Here are some tips tailored for families:

Choose Accommodations Wisely

• Look for family-friendly resorts or holiday homes that offer amenities like a swimming pool, playground, or even a kids’ club.

Pack Accordingly

• Don’t forget sunscreen, hats, and swimwear for the beach.
• A first aid kit can be handy for minor injuries.

Child-Friendly Activities

• Jurien Bay offers plenty of activities suitable for children, such as shallow snorkelling spots, calm beaches, and parks with play areas.

Food Options

• While Jurien Bay has dining options, if you have picky eaters, you may want to consider self-catering options.

In this guide, we’ve covered the best times to visit, how to get there, where to stay, and even offered some family-specific tips. But, of course, the real magic of Jurien Bay can only be fully appreciated when you experience it firsthand.

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