Exploring the Pinnacles Desert in Western Australia

I visited with my family on my first trip to the remarkable Pinnacles Desert in the Nambung National Park of Western Australia. We were thrilled to witness the colossal limestone pillars rise from the ground. However, we were also curious about what we would encounter at this natural wonder. We had only seen a few photographs and heard some hearsay stories about it.

Upon arriving, we were amazed by the sheer size and beauty of the Pinnacles. The pillars ranged in height from just a few inches to over 10 feet, and their shapes were unique and fascinating. Some looked like fingers pointing up to the sky, while others resembled mushrooms or even aliens.

We also learned that the Pinnacles were formed over millions of years due to natural weathering and erosion. The limestone pillars were once part of seashells and other marine organisms that lived in the area millions of years ago. Over time, the sea receded, exposing the limestone to the elements and slowly creating the unique shapes we see today.

Walking among the Pinnacles was an unforgettable experience. The sandy desert plains stretched out around us, and the pillars seemed to go on forever. The area was also home to many native plants and animals, which we enjoyed spotting as we explored.

If you’re ever in WA, we highly recommend you visit the Pinnacles. It’s a unique and breathtaking attraction you won’t want to miss.

 

Are you planning to visit the Cervantes Pinnacles? If yes, then you can find accommodation nearby by visiting Booking.com!

 

 

 

 

Click here for the best day trips to Nambung National Park and the Pinnacles.

 

 

Get out and about Exploring the Pinnacles Desert in Western Australia

I was fortunate to visit Nambung National Park and explore the mesmerizing Pinnacles Desert. Prepare to be amazed by the awe-inspiring landscape, where immense limestone pillars emerge from the sandy ground in every direction. Witnessing such natural beauty firsthand is an absolute privilege.

For all you travel blog readers, get ready to embark on a journey as we delve into the wonders of Nambung National Park and the magnificent Pinnacles Desert.

 

What are the Pinnacles in the Nambung National Park?

As you journey through the desert, you will come across the Pinnacles. These are not ordinary rocks but are limestone formations that have existed for centuries. The Pinnacles Desert Discovery Centre provides visitors with informative details about the history and creation of the Pinnacles.

The Pinnacles are a unique geological wonder that still baffles scientists today. It is believed that these formations originated from seashells that were blown inland from the seaside. Over time, these seashells, combined with sand and other materials, formed the limestone rocks we see today.

The Pinnacles come in various shapes and sizes, with some towering as high as five meters. To learn more about them, visit the Discovery Centre. You can read detailed information about them and better understand this geological wonder that attracts tourists worldwide.

 

Check out these excellent Pinnacles books from Amazon.

 

 

What to bring with you to the Pinnacles Nambung National Park

It may be a small desert, but you should have the essentials in warmer climates. Essential items like a water bottle for hydration, sunscreen to protect you from the sun, a hat for the same reasons, and sunglasses to ease the glare are needed.

Naturally, you’ll want to bring the less essential items that have nothing to do with saving your life, such as a camera or smartphone, to take pictures of your time in the Pinnacles. With the minimal reception, you may even capture a live Instagram moment.

If you have a drone and wish to use it, you’ll need permission from the centre’s staff/rangers before doing so.

 

 

Travelling from Perth to the Pinnacles desert along the Indian Ocean Drive

The Pinnacles Desert is about 191 kilometres from Perth, and the driving time is over two hours. You should rent a car from Perth to explore the western region.

To reach the Pinnacles, you must start from Perth City and drive north up the Mitchell Freeway until the final exit. From there, you can take the Indian Ocean Drive.

While travelling, numerous rest stops along the turquoise coast have beautiful beaches, coastal towns, and lookout areas where you can take a break and stretch your legs.

Many tourists visit the Pinnacles while driving past and wanting to check it out. Others prefer to stay in nearby towns like Cervantes, famous for its seafood, or Lancelin, known for its dunes, over a long weekend and visit for a couple of hours as part of their daily itinerary.

If you’re on a road trip, it’s worth checking out the Pinnacles. You never know when you’ll get the opportunity to visit again.

 

 

Click here for the best day trips to Nambung National Park and the Pinnacles.

 

 

 

The Pinnacles Desert entrance fee

The entrance fee for the Pinnacles desert can vary depending on how you plan on getting there. If you are taking a tour, the package usually includes the entrance fee. If you are visiting in a large group, there is an individual price per person. Additionally, if you possess a pensioner’s card, you can avail of a further discount.

The most crucial fee you need to be aware of is the price per vehicle, which is the standard mode of travel, especially when visiting the desert with your family. The Pinnacles entrance fee is $12.00 per vehicle, which must be paid upon arrival at the booth using either cash or credit card. Once paid, the friendly staff will provide you with a map of the Pinnacles desert.

The Pinnacles desert is open from 7:15 am to 5:30 pm, giving you ample time throughout the day to explore the Nambung National Park. However, the opening hours may mean missing the chance to capture a beautiful Pinnacles sunset.

 

 

Before you begin, check out the Pinnacle Desert Discovery Centre

Visiting the Pinnacles Desert Discovery Centre won’t exactly have you chomping at the bit, although you have travelled all this way, so it’s stopping in for a look.

Inside the Discovery Centre is information about how the Pinnacles were formed, breathtaking pictures of the desert, and a look at the wildlife of Nambung National Park, which seemed quite natural.

Next door is the souvenir store that sells a broad range of Australian Souvenirs, such as books, mugs, stubby holders, boomerangs and many other merchandise to purchase as memorabilia.

Like any tourist souvenir shop in Australia, nothing comes cheap; naturally, you are in the desert.

 

 

 

Drive or Walk through the Pinnacles Nambung National Park

Two options for your Pinnacles day tour are walking through the Pinnacles or driving your car through the desert on a guided track.

During my visit, I was unsure of what to do at first. I parked the car, checked out the gallery and souvenir shop at the visitor centre, and took the long path leading to the Pinnacles. However, I soon realized that driving through the vast expanses of the Pinnacles desert was undoubtedly the best way to go.

I wasn’t being lazy and choosing the less active option, as I needed to lose a few calories. But taking the car into the desert opened up more adventures to explore. Driving through the sandy desert offers a broader landscape, and there are many sections on the narrow dirt track where you can pull up your car and view different areas of the Pinnacles. Ultimately, walking the Pinnacles track proved entirely pointless because you will spend a reasonable amount of time on your feet anyway.

For your information, you don’t need a four-wheel drive to drive through the desert. A two-wheel drive will suffice, making it an excellent option for all tourists with small or large vehicles.

 

 

Snap Thousands of Pictures at Western Australia’s Pinnacles Desert

The Pinnacles Desert is a unique and awe-inspiring destination in Western Australia, approximately 250 kilometres north of Perth. This desert is truly a photographer’s paradise, with its towering limestone formations rising from the sand, creating a breathtaking landscape.

The Pinnacles Desert is part of Nambung National Park, and visitors can explore the area through a series of walking trails. The Desert Discovery Centre provides an informative and educational experience where visitors can learn about the desert’s history and geology.

One of the best things about visiting the Pinnacles Desert is the opportunity to take thousands of pictures to capture every angle and detail of this natural wonder. The interplay of light and shadows creates a unique and constantly changing landscape, making every photograph a work of art.

Whether you’re an amateur or professional photographer, the Pinnacles Desert is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking an unforgettable photography adventure. So, grab your camera, pack your sunscreen and water, and head out to the Pinnacles Desert for an incredible experience you’ll never forget.

 

 

Day trip to Pinnacles from Perth

As a travel writer, I must provide my readers with detailed information on various ways to explore Nambung National Park and WA. Instead, I want to share some information about a one-day Pinnacles tour that can be found online.

This tour offers an incredible opportunity to explore the beauty of the Nambung National Park and other attractions, including Yanchep National Park and Cervantes. Additionally, you will have the chance to experience an authentic Aussie outback lunch. This tour provides an action-packed adventure in Western Australia and is perfect for anyone wanting to explore the region.

While exploring on your own can be exciting, a tour can help you discover hidden gems you may have missed otherwise. A tour guide can provide additional information about the area and ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

So, if you’re looking for an exciting adventure in WA, consider a 1-day Pinnacles tour. It’s a great way to explore one of the country’s most beautiful areas and make memories that will last a lifetime.

 

Click here for the best day trips to Nambung National Park and the Pinnacles.

 

 

 

 A Conclusion to the Pinnacles Nambung National Park Western Australia

The time-honoured sentinels of Nambung National Park, the Pinnacles, stand as stoic reminders of nature’s undulating course. From limestone foundations rose these enigmatic statues, etched by wind and time, offering a rare sanctuary of strange beauty. Their presence, an enigma that modernity cannot unravel, beckons the wanderer to witness an unmatched geological theatre in our world.

Those yet to venture to the precincts of these ancient rock forms—share not only in the lexicon of visual splendour but also in the whispers of a world beyond. And for those fortunate to tread on the ancient path between the pinnacles, let your stories unveil the mysteries of their allure.

We extend our hand not merely to bid farewell to the confines of this post but to invite you to develop the narrative of Nambung. Please share with us the echoes of your footsteps, the moments the pinnacles inspired within you. In the end, it is not the park itself but the mutual threads of shared experience that weaves the truest tapestry of understanding our world.

The landscape of Nambung stands, a silhouette of stoic grace under the Western Australian sky, awaiting new chapters in the stories of those who seek solace and inspiration in the arms of nature’s lithic legacy.