How to visit the Pinnacles, Western Australia’s most unique attraction (2024 Updated)

How to visit the Pinnacles, Western Australia’s most unique attraction (2024 Updated)

The pinnacles Western Australia

The Pinnacles in Western Australian are one of the most unique tourist attractions in the state. These incredible geological structures are located in Nambung National Park and are easily reached on a day trip from Perth.

The Pinnacles are a unique limestone formations that were created over tens-of-thousands of years and create an eerie lunar-like landscape not seen anywhere else in the world.

Where are the Pinnacles Western Australia

The Pinnacle Desert is located in the Nambung National Park in Western Australia, near the coastal town of Cervantes.

The Perth to Pinnacles drive is 200 km and will take approximately 2-hours from the city centre. From Perth, the most scenic way to get to the Pinnacles is along the Indian Ocean Drive on the beautiful coral coast.

What are the Pinnacles?

The Australian Pinnacles are limestone formations that may have been formed up to 500,000 years ago. The Pinnacles desert expands over an area of more than 17,000 hectares. The tallest pinnacle is over 3.5 metres high.

The Pinnacles originated at sea from shell fragments that were repeatedly broken down to form lime-rich sands that were then blown inland to create the vast range of sand dunes.

However, how this process created the lunar-like pinnacle formations is subject to debate and there are several theories that scientists haven’t yet agreed on.

Aboriginal tribes have a long connection to the Pinnacles in Western Australia and the formations feature heavily in Dreamtime stories.

The Pinnacles were also spotted by early Dutch explorers in the 1600’s who first mistook these strange structures as a lost city.

What’s the best time to visit the Pinnacles?

The Pinnacles can be visited year-round. There’s no ideal time in the year to visit Western Australia’s Pinnacles, but like everything else, a clear sunny day is best.

Many people favour very early morning or late afternoon to see the Pinnacles, as the shadows create an even more unique aura. The sunset also changes the colours of the Pinnacles.

The busiest time at the Pinnacles is usually mid-to-late morning. This is when the tour buses and day trip visitors arrive.

During school holidays there’s usually a queue of cars waiting to get in.

However, it’s rarely a problem and once inside the crowds disperse. But, if you’re interested in photography you may want to avoid the crowds.

The Pinnacles Western Australia

Things to do at the Pinnacles, Western Australia

Once you arrive at the Pinnacles, there’s a 4 km driving loop through the limestone formations. The road is on a hard gravel track and is suitable for 2WD vehicles and smaller campervans.

Caravans and large motorhomes can be parked in the carpark after the entrance gate and you can easily walk to the pinnacle trail from there.

Once on the loop trail, there are plenty of places where you can park the car and explore on foot.

I suggest doing the loop at least two times as you always miss seeing something the first time around.

There’s also a 4-5 km Pinnacle Walk Trail through the Nambung National Park that is worthwhile doing if you have the extra time and the weather is not too hot.

The walking trail leads to the Pinnacle lookout which gives spectacular views of the area and out to the Indian Ocean.

Pinnacles Desert Discovery Centre

The Pinnacles Discovery Centre is located near the carpark area. The Centre has interpretative displays and more information about the pinnacles as well as other regional information.

There’s also a souvenir shop, as well as picnic areas, toilets and gas BBQs. Note there is no cafe or restaurant at the Pinnacles.

Tips for a Pinnacles day trip from Perth

If you’re planning to visit the Pinnacles on a self-drive day trip from Perth, it’s best to leave early in the morning.

I recommend going straight to the Pinnacles on the way there and then taking your time on the way back. It’s best to pack a picnic with food and drinks as there aren’t many convenient places to stop and buy supplies along the way.

West Australia sand dunes

One of the highlights on a drive to the Pinnacles Desert in Western Australia is these amazing sand dunes along the way.

A good picnic stop along the way is at the Nilgen Lookout. The lookout turnoff is located about 20 km after the Lancelin turn off and about 1.5 hours from Perth.

Here you’ll find picnic tables and good views of the surrounding sand dunes and the ocean. There’s also a short walk trail and the opportunity to see wildflowers during springtime.

You can make a detour to Lancelin to view some of WA’s most impressive sand dune and go sandboarding. However, from the Indian Ocean Drive turn off to Lancelin it is a 15 km trip one way and all up this will add an hour or two to your trip. If you’re interested in going to Lancelin see my article on Things to do in Lancelin here.

For a self-drive tour to the Pinnacles, a 2WD vehicle is adequate and you don’t need a SUV or a 4WD.

Once at the Pinnacles Desert, allow 1-2 hours to visit the formations and the Discovery Centre.

Pinnacles Western Australia

Cervantes and Yanchep National Park

After your visit to the Pinnacles you can drive further north to visit the coastal town of Cervantes.

The highlight here is a visit to the Lobster Shack for an impressive seafood lunch. Alternatively, head to Seashells Cafe at the RAC Caravan Park for a bite to eat and a coffee.

Cervantes is also a good place to swim and you can visit the stromatolites and thrombolites at Lake Thetis which are some of the oldest living organisms on earth.

Lake Thetis near Cervantes

Take a quick detour to Lake Thetis near Cervantes to see the stromatolites and thrombolites.

For a picnic lunch or a swim, head to Hangover Bay or Kangaroo Bay, which are both located on the Indian Ocean Drive, just south of Cervantes. Both spots have great views of the bay and if it’s not too windy are a nice place for a swim.

On your way back to Perth, take a stop at Yanchep National Park. In the afternoon, the green laws are full of Kangaroos and there’s also an enclosure with Koalas.

Yanchep National Park

Yanchep National Park is a convenient stop on the way to or from the Pinnacles. Visit in the late afternoon to see the kangaroos grazing and lazing on the green grass.

Pinnacle Tours

There’s a wide range of tours to the Pinnacles from Perth. Most of these are Pinnacles day tours and leave Perth in the early morning and take in other sights such as Yanchep National Park or Lancelin along the way.

For a unique experience, I recommend the Pinnacles Sunset and Stargazing Tour from Perth. This includes the opportunity to view the amazing West Australian night sky through a telescope and includes a sunset BBQ.

See a full list of Pinnacle Tours here.

What to bring to the Pinnacles Australia

The essential items to bring for a visit to the Pinnacles is water and sun protection. If you’re visiting on a hot, windless day I also recommend bringing a fly-net to cover your face.

There’s no restaurant or cafe at the Pinnacles, so you may want to bring your own provisions.

Dogs are not allowed at the Pinnacles as it is a National Park.

Pinnacles Desert Entrance Fee

Entry fee to the Pinnacles is $13 per vehicle. Entry fee is covered if you have a Western Australia National Park Pass.

Pay the entrance fee at the gate. The entry booth is not always manned, especially in off-peak times. Instead, you need to fill out an envelope with your details including car registrations and put the money in an envelope.

For this reason, It’s best to bring the loose change for the case that no-one is there and you can fill out an envelope and leave the change in there.

Pinnacles Accommodation

The nearest place for accommodation near the Pinnacles is Cervantes. Pinnacles to Cervantes is an approximate ten-minute drive.

Accommodation options at Cervantes include the excellent RAC Cervantes Caravan Park which has cabin style accommodation as well as camping and caravan sites.

Other accommodation options are the Pinnacles Edge Resort, Pinnacles Motel and the Lobster Lodge.

There’s no camping at the Pinnacles Desert. For a great camping option consider Cliff Head north of Leeman.

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my full disclosure for further information.

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20 Comments

  1. We are planning a visit to Australia in 2020. So now We may need to add the Pinnacles to our travel plans. The vertical limestone formations remind me of some of the sights we just saw in the Utah parks. I am sure they look interesting at sunset as the colours change. And it might be worth a side trip the Cervantes to eat at the Lobster Shack!

  2. Emma says:

    This is a great and gives me all the info I need for visiting the Pinnacles. It’s definitely on our list of things to do as we wander around Australia, so I’ll have to come back and reread this when we get closer. How fascinating are they! Can’t wait to see them.

  3. It is absolutely incredible to think they were formed over 500,000 years ago! I can see why this is highly recommended and worth the 2 hour drive from Perth. It would be best to go in early morning or late afternoon as you suggested to capture the shadows.

  4. Danik says:

    I would love to check out this landscape if I ever get to this part of Australia. I could see my two girls running around the place or playing hide and seek. I have to admit, never heard of the Pinnacles until I saw this post so I have learnt something new today and put it on my ‘Aussie Bucket list’. Does it get really busy with visitors or is it one of these places which are so far away that no one comes here?

  5. Delphine says:

    I visited the Pinnacles last january and it was pretty hot, so we didn’t do the walk. It was a sunny and I got some good photos. The contrast of the pillars against the blue sky and the ocean is so beautiful, it’s a great day trip!

    • WA Explorer says:

      Thanks Delphine, good to hear that you had a good trip. Yes, January is one of the hottest months and if the wind is not blowing it can get very hot during the day. I love the contrast of colours

  6. Tania says:

    I’ve always wanted to see the Pinnacles in WA. They are fascinating. The landscape really does look like something from another world. Great tip to bring food along. I would probably prefer to go early morning when it’s hopefully a little cooler.

  7. Alison says:

    What a stunning landscape. My photographer mind goes right to the shadow photos and how to create the greatest visual impact! The sand dunes look amazing. My daughter visited here a few years ago and I have wanted to go ever since!

  8. Maggie says:

    What a bizarre place!! Rock formations are so fascinating, aren’t they?! These pinnacles remind me of the hoodoos in Bryce Canyon, Utah!

  9. […] the day enjoying the beautiful beaches, surf back beach, go sandboarding or take a drive to the Pinnacles. However,  you won’t want to miss a sunset drink at the Lancelin Tavern. See  Things to do […]

  10. Sherryn Watson says:

    Hi
    Are there gates that close off at a certain time? Would love to do some time lapse photography at night time.
    Also like to visit during the day, so would that be one fee or 2? thank you

    • WA Explorer says:

      No, there are no gates and as far as I know you can visit the Pinnacles at any time. There’s a fee for the National Park that you can pay at the entry booth. If you’re visiting two times you’ll have to pay twice.

  11. […] landscape, head to nearby Cervantes for a seafood lunch at the Lobster Shack. See the article How to visit the Pinnacles for a full guide on how to make the best of your […]

  12. […] north of Perth will take you to the Nambung National Park. The main attraction at the park is The Pinnacle desert – 190 hectares of barren Star Warsy landscape that’s home to thousands of limestone pillars. […]

  13. […] Mount Augustus – the biggest rock in the world, to the lunar-like landscape of the Pinnacles, it’s safe to say that West Australia has some pretty impressive rocks. Wave Rock however, which […]

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