Lancelin has been recently in the headlines for all the wrong reasons. The once laid-back fishing and tourist destination is now fighting to stay above water, with its coastline disappearing at an alarming pace.
After the recent storms, we set out to capture the damage in detail. We collected more than 4,400 aerial images and built a detailed 3D model. We compared our 3D model with Google Earth imagery from 2023. The results are stark. In front of the Lancelin Sands Hotel, 27 metres of dune have vanished, including the path that once ran there. The same fate struck the Lancelin Lookout, which has since been dismantled for safety.
What we Found
North Shore of Lancelin – Sands Hotel to Lookout Parking (2023 vs 2025)
This wide view shows just how much dune has been lost. From the Sands Hotel through to the lookout, the dune line has shifted dramatically inland, with about 27 metres gone.
Lancelin Lookout (2023 vs 2025)
The comparison is stark. The dune that once supported the lookout has almost completely dissappeared, leaving no option but to dismantle the structure for safety.
The News Is Catching Up – and It’s Not Pretty
- Some areas have lost more than 25 metres of coastline in the past year, threatening homes, businesses, and tourism.
- Since May alone, more than 10 metres have disappeared, sparking widespread alarm.
- A king tide is looming, raising fears of flooding with the sand dunes already under pressure.
- Following public pressure, the state government has allocated $150,000 for emergency sand nourishment through the CoastWA program—an essential, short-term lifeline.
- The Shire of Gingin notes that since 2019, about 25–30 metres of dune and vegetation has been lost, including a staggering 15–18 metres since February 2025, and even 1 metre in a single night
Why 3D Monitoring Matters
This isn’t the first time we’ve applied drone technology to track coastal change. Our Floreat Beach project with Cambridge Coastcare showed just how valuable 3D data can be for managing vulnerable coastlines. Consistent, accurate monitoring equips communities and councils with the evidence they need to act.
- Evidence for decision-makers: 3D models show exactly how much coastline has been lost
- Better planning for dune management: Accurate baselines make it easier to assess which measures work, from sand nourishment to protective structures.
- A record over time: Creating a historical timeline helps evaluate the progress (or impact) of decisions made.
Building a History for Lancelin
We don’t want this model to be a one-off snapshot. Our plan is to return to Lancelin in the coming months to capture new data and start building a historical record of erosion. This will help track how the coastline changes season by season.
We’re also making the current 3D model available to any interested councils, media outlets, or community groups who want to use it in planning, communications, or advocacy.
Explore the Model
The sliders above give a quick view of change. But the full 3D model lets you explore the erosion from every angle.
See how Lancelin’s foreshore looks today, in detail:
