The Pinnacles (Nambung National Park)
The Pinnacles Desert
In Nambung National Park, about 200 km north of Perth, thousands of limestone pillars rise from golden sand dunes in an otherworldly landscape. It is often combined with sandboarding at Lancelin Dunes for a day trip.
The Pinnacles Desert lies within Nambung National Park, about 200 km north of Perth, near the fishing village of Cervantes. Thousands of limestone pillars, ranging from 0.5 to 3.5 metres tall, stand scattered across yellow dunes. They formed tens of thousands of years ago, when seashell sand was dissolved by rain, cemented, then eroded by wind to reveal these shapes, which range from sharp spires and mushroom forms to tombstone-like slabs. Low morning and evening sunlight casts long shadows across them. It is Western Australia's most famous geological wonder and a popular spot for stargazing and Milky Way photography.
How to visit: drive the 4 km one-way sandy Pinnacles Drive, stopping at several points to walk into the formations. Alternatively, follow the 1.2 km loop walk from the visitor centre. The Pinnacles Desert Discovery Centre at the park entrance has exhibits on geology and ecology. Entry costs around A$17 per vehicle.
Nearby: on the way, Lancelin, 125 km north of Perth, has Western Australia's largest white sand dunes. You can hire a sandboard (around A$12) or take a 4WD dune buggy ride. In Cervantes, the Lobster Shack restaurant serves freshly caught Western Australian rock lobster. From September to October, the Indian Ocean Drive and Brand Highway form a wildflower route.
Getting there: there is no public transport. Driving from Perth along Indian Ocean Drive takes about 2.5 hours. Alternatively, join a day tour (around A$150–250), which usually includes Lancelin dune sandboarding and a lobster lunch, and some tours include sunset stargazing.
Good to know: the desert offers no shade, so bring plenty of water and sun protection. Do not climb the pillars. Avoid driving after dusk, as kangaroos often cross the road. Mobile reception inside the park is unreliable.
Opening hours
Open all day (discovery center 09:30–16:30)
Nearby sights
- Lancelin Sand Dunes
- Yanchep National Park
- Hillarys Boat Harbour
- AQWA – The Aquarium of Western Australia
- Scarborough Beach
- Rottnest Island
- Caversham Wildlife Park
- Swan Valley