The Pinnacles Desert is a breathtaking place that you should definitely visit on your trip to Western Australia. Whatever time of day or night you visit, this iconic place is sure to take your breath away.
What are the Pinnacles?
Located in the Nambung National Park, The Pinnacles are located just 6km away from the coast, meaning all those years ago they could’ve been underwater. According to the official website, they are believed to have formed from collections of sea shells revealed by the receded sea. These limestone formations are estimated to be over 25,000 years old. Over time the wind from the coast has blown sand away to show the pillars that you see today.
How Much is The Pinnacles?
As of 2023, it cost two of us $15 to enter the desert. This cost is equivalent to £8.06/$10.17 USD/9.26€. It does say per car on the website but we were asked how many people there were upon entering the gate. This price may differ if there are more people.
Alternatively, you can purchase an annual park pass to access all the national parks in WA for a fee of $120.
Where to stay?
The Desert is just over a 2-hour drive north of Perth. So, it would be possible to stay in a hotel in the city and book a tour to visit Nambung National Park.
You can stay in the local town of Cervantes. Here are some of the closest hotels:
Camping is another option, and that’s the one we chose. We found a spot on our favourite app, Park4Night and slept in our rooftop tent in the nearby town of Jurien Bay. If you are looking for a campsite to stop at, these ones popped up for us.
- Nambung Station Stay (Link)
- Tuarts Reserve – This free spot is on Google Maps but please remember that there are no facilities here.
What do I need to bring?
It is recommended that you give The Pinnacles 2 hours of your time. It takes approximately 20 minutes to drive around and there are plenty of places to stop for photo opportunities. This is a very open space that can be exposed to harsh heat all year round, especially in the summer. Make sure to pack the following in your bag with you:
- Plenty of Water
- Hat
- Sunscreen
- Camera
- Money (for entry fee/gift shop/cafe)
- Sunglasses
The Pinnacles By Night
The one time you won’t need sunscreen, sunglasses or a hat is at night. The Pinnacles is a popular stargazing area and is often visited by visitors at night. It isn’t every day you get to see the stars from such a legendary place! The park is open 24 hours a day however the office isn’t but there is an honesty box located at the entrance to collect entrance fees.
How Do I Get There?
If you are visiting The Pinnacles by car, there is no doubt that the route will take you on the Indian Ocean Road. You can’t miss the turn-off thanks to the eye-catching billboards at the entrance to the desert.
I did mention tours earlier that will take you to this iconic desert. Here are a few companies:
If you don’t want to spend money on a tour, another route to take would be to get a train to Cervantes and then a taxi to Nambung National Park. However, please note that this taxi will cost you around $50 or more, and you would have to then make your way back.
Other Things to Know
The staff at The Pinnacles have made it easier for wheelchair users to experience this once-in-a-lifetime trip. Whilst driving around you will notice that some areas have been adapted making it easier for those with mobility issues.
The Aboriginal Connection to The Pinnacles
The land that The Pinnacles resides on is owned by the Noongar People. According to the internet, Aboriginal people avoid this area as they believe The Pinnacles to be fossilised ghosts. You can read further on this on the website, Aboriginal Art UK.
Have you been here before? Feel free to leave your Pinnacles Travel Tips in the comments!
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I love seeing cool bits of geology like this – the pinnacles are really interesting! Now I am curious what cause the erosion into such phallic shapes!? It would also be amaaaazing to stargaze there! Fab post. 🙂
It certainly is an incredible place. I think the erosion is just from the salt that blows over from the sea – it was quite a windy area! Thank you for stopping by ☺️
This looks like such an awesome place, love the idea of going at night for stargazing! This is added to my bucket list for next time I visit Australia!
It really was! I’m hoping I can convince the other half to drive there at night when we set off in that direction next week ☺️