For many West Aussies, the mention of Lancelin could conjure images of sparkling waters and white sand dunes.

Lancelin, a 90-minute drive north of Perth, has become a beloved coastal town for holidaymakers, fishing enthusiasts, and anyone looking to escape the city.

However, Lancelin's future is under serious threat, and it's not just a matter of a few lost sandcastles.


Locals and experts alike are sounding the alarm as the ocean creeps ever closer, swallowing up the shoreline at a rate that's left even seasoned residents shocked.

Glen Trebilcock, who took over the Lancelin Sands Hotel in 2022, shared that he's seeing his dream erode—quite literally.

'When I bought this, I had a gorgeous beach; people had direct beach access to go down for a swim,' Mr Trebilcock told reporters.

'Now I'm more worried about kids turning around and falling off a cliff.'


Since January, six metres of Lancelin's shoreline have disappeared.

In April, the footpath that once offered a scenic stroll along the coast collapsed, along with the base of the town's iconic lookout.

Photos taken five years apart have been posted online, and it showed the area's dramatic transformation.


Coastal erosion is a natural process. However, in Lancelin, it's happening at a frightening pace.

Some locals pointed their fingers at sand mining, which could be disrupting the area's ecosystem.

Others say it's the result of building too close to an ever-changing shoreline.

Professor Charitha Pattiaratchi, a coastal oceanography expert from the University of Western Australia, did not mince her words about the situation.

'In the case of Lancelin, it's built in the wrong place. It's built on an eroding coastline.'

It's probably controversial, but the best thing to do would be retreat, do nothing.'

However, for the town's locals, this reality could be a bitter pill to swallow.

The town's economy relies heavily on tourism, and the loss of its beaches could spell disaster for local businesses.


'We need help because otherwise, Lancelin will be no more. One grain at a time,' Mr Trebilcock lamented.

The Shire of Gingin, which oversees Lancelin, called for urgent government intervention.

'Without money, we can't do the work that's needed,' said Shire President Linda Balcombe.

'It's really about building those dunes back up so that they protect the town.'

However, the possible solutions are not as cheap or straightforward.

A proposed sea wall could cost over $20 million, and there's no guarantee it would work in the long run.

Meanwhile, the state government says it has not received a formal request for urgent assistance but has sent out engineers to examine the situation.

In light of Lancelin's situation, former WA opposition leader Shane Love promised to raise the issue with the Minister for Transport and push protections for both the coastline and local businesses.

Coastal towns across Australia grapple with the realities of erosion, rising sea levels, and nature's unpredictable force.

It's a sobering reminder that some of Australia's favourite holiday destinations are not as permanent as people might think.
Have you visited Lancelin recently? Have you noticed changes to your favourite beach or holiday spot? Should the government step in, or is it time to let nature take its course? We'd love to hear your thoughts and memories—share your stories in the comments below!