How to Visit the Pinnacles Desert from Perth
How to Visit the Pinnacles Desert from Perth
Australia is world-famous for its stunning natural wonders—from the iconic Great Barrier Reef to Uluru, Kangaroo Island, lush rainforests, and pristine beaches. It’s easy to see why travelers from around the globe are drawn to the Land Down Under. But if you’re looking to explore something truly extraordinary and scientifically fascinating, don’t miss the chance to visit the Pinnacles Desert.
Located in Western Australia, this surreal landscape looks like something from another planet, with thousands of towering limestone formations rising from the golden sands. It’s a must-see destination that will leave you in awe—and one you’ll want to add to your itinerary for a truly unforgettable adventure.
Ready to visit this Aussie wonder? Here’s all you need to know about the Pinnacles Desert and how to go here from Perth.
What is the Pinnacles Desert?
The Pinnacles Desert is a natural attraction located in Nambung National Park, approximately 200 kilometers north of Perth, Western Australia. It’s a natural attraction characterized by Pinnacles, which are limestone formations of different shapes and sizes, scattered around 17,000 hectares of golden sand.
This geological attraction is both a dreamlike escape and a trip back in time. These pinnacles have been around for a thousand years now, making it an ancient natural sight to behold! But aside from these beautiful formations, the Pinnacles Desert is also a place where biodiversity thrives, as animals like black-tailed deer, emus, chipmunks, bats, bobcats, and more live in the area.
How Were the Pinnacles Formed? A Geological Wonder
Now, where did the Pinnacles come from? Various geochemical processes that involve the weather, rainwater, and sand created these limestones. First, the sand dunes in the area stabilized. Then rain carried calcium deep into the dunes, which turned it into a soft limestone. Over time, a layer of soil formed on top, allowing plants to grow and strengthen the limestone underneath. Eventually, a hard crust formed which created these three distinct layers. As the climate became drier, the top layers of plants and soil disappeared, and gradually, the soft limestones beneath became exposed. Wind and erosion sculpted it in unique shapes and sizes– some as high as 5 meters and as wide as 2 meters!
From then on, the Pinnacles Desert became a unique tourist attraction that feels like an otherworldly landscape, drawing in excited tourists (and scientists!) to explore the attraction.
How to Get to the Pinnacles Desert
The Pinnacles Desert is located at the Nambung National Park in Western Australia and is easily accessible from Perth. Trains and other public transport are not ideal options, because driving by car or joining day tours are the most convenient way to reach this magnificent attraction.
Driving from Perth: Distance & Travel Time
Driving from Perth to The Pinnacles Desert by car takes approximately 2 hours, with a road distance of nearly 200 kilometers on the Indian Ocean Drive coastal highway. Drive north of Perth towards Wanneroo Road and turn right at the signboard of The Pinnacles Desert or when you can already see the unique Pinnacles from your car windows!
Tip: rent a private car to explore more attractions within Western Australia! Book here:
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Best Tours to the Pinnacles Desert
If you’re unable to drive or don’t know someone who can drive you to The Pinnacles Desert, no worries! KKday offers a great selection of The Pinnacles Desert day tours so you can visit this attraction hassle-free:
Pinnacles Sunset Dinner & Stargazing Tour from Perth | Western Australia
This Indigenous-led tour will let you enjoy ecotourism and astronomical sightseeing in one day! Here, you can learn about the Aboriginal culture and their plant traditions for food and medicine while walking along the Tamala Limestone boardwalk. You can also discover great views of the shipwreck at Yoodook Karla Kada staircase, the Indian ocean, Lancelin’s white sand dunes, and the Nilgen Nature Reserve during the afternoon walk. The tour ends at night with the perfect sunset view and a stargazing activity under the starlit skies of Pinnacles Desert.
Price: AUD 175 (adult); AUD 125 (children 6 to 12 years old)
Tour duration: 9 hours
Main pick-up location: Criterion Hotel Perth, 560 Hay St., Perth, WA
Notes:
- The tour is not suitable for children 5 years and below.
- Start time (12 pm to 2 pm) may vary depending on the season.
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Perth Pinnacles Guided Day Tour: Sandboarding & SUV Ride | Australia
If you like action-packed experiences, take this tour instead! Feel the adrenaline rush as you try exciting activities all in one day. From seeing Aussie animals at the Caversham Wildlife Park to touring the lobster farm, visiting the Pinnacles Desert, and riding offroad in an SUV, and sandboarding at the white sand dunes of Lancelin, you’ll have a great one-day tour in this part of Western Australia.
Price: AUD 245 (adult); AUD 138 (children ages 4 to 12)
Tour duration: 12 hours
Departure time: 8 a.m.; Return time: around 7:30 p.m.
Notes:
- The tour requires a minimum of 6 participants
- Infants 0 to 3 years of age can travel with adults for free
- Lobster lunch is excluded from the tour price
Enjoy off-road adventures and exhilarating sandboarding experience in this tour:
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Pinnacles Sunset and Stargazing tour with Dinner from Perth | Western Australia
Aside from the Pinnacles Desert, you’ve got to see the must-visit spots nearby too. Join this group tour and start your day sandboarding at the Lancelin sand dunes, followed by a trip to the Nilgen Nature Reserve for some sightseeing. After that, go on a guided bush medicine walk where you can learn a lot about native plants, before going to the Pinnacles Desert with a spectacular sunset view while having a barbecue dinner.
When it’s dark, it’s time for stargazing– with binoculars and telescopes, see the Milky Way and the Rings of Saturn, and end your tour with a live sound healing session which is the best way to culminate the trip.
Price: AUD 199 (adults); AUD 139 (ages 0 to 16 years old); AUD 179 (seniors aged 66 and above)
Tour duration: 9 hours
Notes:
- Bring a bottled water, hat, sunglasses, walking shoes, and warm clothes
- Select your hotel in Perth CBD for pick-up services upon checkout.
Visit the Pinnacles Desert and do a lot more activities such as stargazing, sandboarding, and sound-healing in this tour:
Book now:
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Western Australia Day Tour: Pinnacles Desert, Yanchep & Swan Valley (Lunch Included) | Perth
In this full day tour, expect to discover some of Western Australia’s best destinations! Begin your tour at the Yanchep National Park, home to Australia’s friendly koalas and kangaroos, then head to the mystical Pinnacles Desert at the Nambung National Park. For lunch, you’re headed for Lobster Shack in Cervantes, where you get the opportunity to join a factory tour of Western Australia Rock Lobster, and also have your lunch.
Cap off the tour back to Perth at the Swan Valley, which is the oldest wine region and sample artisanal goods like chocolates and nuts!
Price: AUD 215
Tour duration: 10 hours and 30 minutes
Departure time: 8 a.m.; Return time: 6:30 p.m.
Main pickup location: Adina Apartment Hotel Barrack Plaza, Kings Hotel, 525 Hay Street, Perth WA, Australia
Notes:
- Wear comfortable walking shoes, a hat, and bring a camera
- Itinerary inclusions are subject to change
Aside from the Pinnacles Desert, explore the wildlife and try delicious gourmet food at Swan Valley by booking this activity:
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Pinnacles Day Tour from Perth: 4WD Adventure, Sand Boarding & Koalas Sighting | Western Australia
Here’s another fun day tour to book to see the world renowned Pinnacles Desert! In this whole day tour, you can visit several attractions in one day. First, head to the Caversham Wildlife Park to meet koalas and wombats, and even hand-feed kangaroos! Then head to Lancelin where you’ll get to ride a 4WD and go sand boarding at the impressive sand dunes. By lunch time, you’ll be visiting the lobster fishing town of Cervantes where you can witness the processing of Western Australia Rock Lobster. And last but not the least, the tour ends at the Pinnacles Desert, where you get to see the breathtaking landscape of limestone formations.
Price: AUD 245
Tour duration: 11 hours and 30 minutes
Departure time: 8 a.m.; Return time: 7:30 p.m.
Get up close and personal with Aussie animals plus enjoy discovering other Western Australia attractions here:
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Tips for Visiting the Pinnacles Desert
Ready to visit the Pinnacles Desert soon? Know these useful tips before and during your trip to the attraction so you can make the most out of your visit!
- Pack important things.
Depending on the weather, it can get hot and humid while exploring the Nambung National Park. Don’t forget to bring a hat, bottle of water, insect repellant, and sunglasses for protection.
- Take photos of wildlife from a distance, and don’t feed them.
The national park is home to many wildlife species, so keep an eye out for them. Kangaroos and emus may appear all of a sudden. Don’t go near them or feed them– just let them do their own thing and admire them from a distance!
- Driving a 2WD is suitable at the park.
Yes, you can drive a 2-wheel drive vehicle to the Pinnacles Desert, but a 4WD lets you navigate through rough terrains more smoothly. Anyway, the trails are clearly marked with numerous stops along the way.
- Respect the park and don’t litter.
Never vandalize or climb the limestone formations at the park to preserve its natural beauty. Stay on designated pathways and take your rubbish with you to maintain the cleanliness of the place.
- Wear comfortable clothes and shoes.
The tour entails a lot of walking, so make sure to wear comfortable clothes and walking shoes. If you’re staying ‘til night time for stargazing, bring warm clothes as it can get chilly in the evening.
Best Time of Year to Visit the Pinnacles Desert
You can visit the Pinnacles Desert all-year round, but we suggest going here during the months of August to October. During these months, the weather is perfectly cool and it’s also the time when wildflowers are in bloom. Make sure to visit early in the morning or by sunset to capture its picturesque beauty in its most glorious moments.
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Entry Fees & Park Regulations
Know the park guidelines at Nambung National Park to enjoy your time at the Pinnacles Desert!
- There’s an entry fee of AUD 15 per passenger vehicle which you can pay at the gate.
- The park is accessible by car or tour via sealed road, while caravans and trailers may be left at the car park.
- You are allowed to drive around a 4km unsealed loop open all-year round, or you may park the car and walk for approximately an hour.
- Pets are not allowed at the Nambung National Park. In such cases, you may leave them at the DPAW Office before entering.
- Open fires and camping are prohibited within the park premises.
Details
Location: Nambung National Park, WA 6521, Australia
Operating Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily
Website: https://www.visitpinnaclescountry.com.au/ Discover more of Western Australia’s most fascinating tourist attractions by browsing the KKday website!
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