How To Explore the Pinnacles Desert – An Otherworldly Landscape Two Hours from Perth

There aren’t many places left in the world where you can explore a natural wonder in awe in relative peace. Thanks to Western Australia’s vast remoteness, the Pinnacles Desert remains a mysterious phenomenon about 200 kilometres north of Perth. 

We Are Explorers acknowledges that this adventure is located on the traditional Country of the Yued people who have occupied and cared for the lands, waters, and their inhabitants for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them as the Traditional Custodians and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

Quick Overview

Rising dramatically from the golden sands of Nambung National Park, the Pinnacles Desert feels like the remains of an ancient civilisation left to the elements. Thousands of limestone pillars of varying heights and shapes protrude from rolling dunes to create one of Western Australia’s most surreal landscapes. 

As the sand shifts and the light changes, eerie shadows appear in stark contrast to the blankets of sand at golden hour. Once the sun has set, mysterious silhouettes emerge beneath the glittering galaxy above.

This natural phenomenon is a popular day trip from Perth, and while it’s an essential stop on any road trip along the Coral Coast, the Pinnacles Desert is a destination in its own right. The peculiar beauty of the formations, fiery sunsets, and starry nights attracts as many locals as tourists.

Despite the intrigue, it never feels crowded along the loop drive or while exploring on foot. It’s of no surprise that the striking contrast to the nearby coastline is a drawcard for photographers.

Photo thanks to Australian Pinnacle Tours

The Pinnacles Desert Facts

Location: Nambung National Park, Western Australia
Duration from Perth: Around two hours by car
Distance from Perth: Approximately 200 kilometres north
Nearest town: Cervantes

About the Pinnacles Desert

The Pinnacles Desert is one of Western Australia’s most distinctive natural landscapes. Thousands of limestone spires scattered across the desert floor stand as high as several metres, shaped by centuries of coastal winds and shifting sands. 

Scientists believe the formations began as seashell deposits millions of years ago when the area lay beneath the ocean. Over time, coastal erosion and deposition exposed the limestone columns visible today, creating an atmospheric landscape as light moves across the dunes. 

A moody landscape needs moody weather

Despite the stark landscape, the desert supports a surprising ecosystem. In spring, wildflowers bloom across surrounding sections of the national park, while emus, kangaroos, and reptiles are often spotted, particularly near the dunes. 

The Pinnacles are most popular at sunset, the limestone pillars glow amber, casting long shadows across the sand in cinematic glory.

The Pinnacles Desert History

It’s yet to be scientifically confirmed when the pinnacles emerged from the desert floor, but they’re estimated to be up to 500,000 years old. A trip to the architecturally-designed Pinnacles Desert Discovery Centre near the entrance sheds some light on their history and evolution.

The Pinnacles Desert is deeply tied to the geological and cultural history of Western Australia’s Coral Coast. For thousands of years, the land surrounding Nambung National Park has been significant to the Yued people. Today, the park has cultural significance and is a protected ecological site managed for conservation and tourism.

You can feel the age of this place

How To Get to the Pinnacles Desert

Situated in Western Australia’s Coral Coast, the easiest way to reach the Pinnacles Desert is by car. If you’re coming from Perth, the Indian Ocean Drive is the most scenic and straightforward route.

Several companies run day tours from Perth that combine the Pinnacles Desert with activities such as sandboarding at the Lancelin Sand Dunes and wildlife encounters in Yanchep National Park. For something unique, Australian Pinnacle Tours offers a range of tours with pickup from Perth, including the Pinnacle Sunset and Nighttime Stargazing tour for a magical night of astronomy.

Author Carmen joined a tour that caught sunset and the night sky | Photo by Australian Pinnacle Tours

Where To Eat Near the Pinnacles Desert

There are several dining options in the nearest town, Cervantes, about 20km away.

The Lobster Shack: Sample the local catch of the day, including lobster, prawns, and abalone. While here, enjoy insight into WA’s lobster industry on a factory tour. Or join a sea lion tour, a fishing charter or a lobster catching tour. 

Cervantes Bar and Bistro: Seating over 200 guests, the menu impresses with Western Australian delicacies including Margaret River beef, Albany mussels, and Western Rock Lobster direct from the Lobster Shack.

Seashells Café: Located at the RAC Cervantes Holiday Park, casual meals along the foreshore are served up with million-dollar coastal views.

Cervantes Bar and Bistro, mouthwatering

Skill Level

Easy

The Pinnacles Desert is accessible for almost all visitors and requires no hiking experience as the terrain is relatively flat and sandy, making it manageable for most fitness levels. 

Visitors can explore the landscape on foot and by car following the scenic loop that weaves through the pinnacles. 

Essential Gear

Conditions in the desert can be harsh, especially in the heat of midday during summer. It also gets very cold at night. 

Some recommended essentials:

• Plenty of water in a reusable bottle 
• Sunscreen and a hat
• Sunglasses
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Camera
• Tripod for landscapes and astrophotography
• A light jacket to protect your skin from the sun and wind

If visiting at night for stargazing, bring a torch (that can do red mode) and extra layers as the temperature can plummet after dark.

Carmen taking a quick break from shooting the sunset | Photo by Sue Yeap

What It’s Like To Visit the Pinnacles Desert

The Pinnacles Desert resembles a movie set so much that it doesn’t seem real, even when you’re standing amongst them! Strolling along the four kilometre trail is an immersive experience. 

The silence is only broken by the wind sweeping across the dunes. The drive into the desert slowly reveals clusters of limestone formations emerging from the dunes, with each pillar uniquely shaped over time, some even resembling tombstones. 

Each pinnacle is unique and many tower above you

Towering spires intermingle with jagged ruins partially buried in the sand, forever morphing in time with the elements.

Sunrise and sunset transform the landscape, casting an ethereal glow as golden light enriches the colour palette against shadows that stretch dramatically between the formations. 

At night, the absence of light pollution creates perfect stargazing conditions, with the Milky Way and Southern Cross twinkling overhead, best appreciated with a qualified tour guide imparting a galaxy of knowledge.

Unlike many natural attractions, the Pinnacles Desert doesn’t require you to conquer it, but demands your attention, forcing you to be present and absorb the atmospheric landscape. 

Cracking photo thanks to Australian Pinnacle Tours

Tips for Visiting the Pinnacles Desert

• Visiting at sunset or sunrise offers the best light and cooler temperatures
• Avoid walking barefoot as the sand can be extremely hot, and there are critters, including snakes
• Always carry plenty of water, especially in summer
• Check Nambung National Park’s opening hours before arriving
• Allow plenty of time to explore both the driving loop and walking trails
• Stay for dusk to witness the changing colours of the desert, then linger well into the night as the sky turns into a star-studded spectacle
• Be mindful of the fragile desert ecosystems, don’t climb the pinnacles and remain on the marked tracks where possible
• If travelling at night, be very careful of kangaroos and emus when driving

Read more: Remember to leave no trace!

The Pinnacles Desert FAQs

Is the Pinnacles Desert worth visiting?

Absolutely. Every visitor should add this stunning panorama to their itinerary. It’s so visually unique that it draws locals time and time again to witness the ever-changing landscape.

Can you visit The Pinnacles in one day from Perth?

Yes. Many travellers visit as a day trip, although staying overnight in nearby Cervantes allows for sunrise, sunset, and stargazing experiences.

How long do you need at the Pinnacles Desert?

It’s easy to lose hours wandering among the pinnacles, especially for avid photographers. Allocating one to three hours provides enough time to explore the desert.

Is there an entry fee to the Pinnacles Desert?

Yes, standard national park fees apply.

What is the best time to visit the Pinnacles Desert?

Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic conditions year-round. Between August and October the cooler weather and seasonal wildflowers come out, and the stargazing is clearer.

Can you walk through the Pinnacles Desert?

Yes, designated walking trails allow visitors to safely roam among the limestone formations.

Are there facilities nearby?

Yes, there are toilets at the Pinnacles Desert Discovery Centre at the entrance. Cafes, accommodation and fuel are available in Cervantes, a few minutes’ drive from the park.

Carmen Jenner was a guest of Australian Pinnacle Tours