The Pinnacles Desert
Thousands of limestone spires rising from golden sand in Nambung National Park, two hours north of Perth — surreal at dawn and dusk, with Cervantes and Lancelin.
The Pinnacles Desert Day Trip
Two hours north of Perth, in Nambung National Park, thousands of limestone Pinnacles rise from golden sand like a petrified forest. It’s one of WA’s most surreal landscapes — best seen at dawn or dusk, when low light sets the spires glowing and casts long shadows. Pair it with the fishing town of Cervantes and the sandboarding dunes at Lancelin for a classic day trip. Here’s how to do it well.
What to Expect
The Pinnacles
Thousands of limestone spires across a golden, lunar-like plain.
Dawn & Dusk
Low sun makes the spires glow and casts dramatic long shadows.
Cervantes
A laid-back crayfishing town with beaches and the Lake Thetis stromatolites.
Lancelin Dunes
Towering white sand dunes for sandboarding on the way.
Pinnacles Tips
- It’s ~2 hours each way — a full day from Perth
- Go early or late for the best light and cooler temperatures
- Bring water, sun protection and a full tank — it’s remote
- A WA Parks pass covers the park entry fee; check current details
- Prefer not to drive? See our Pinnacles tour
The Pinnacles — FAQ
What are the Pinnacles?
The Pinnacles are thousands of weathered limestone spires rising from golden sand in Nambung National Park, near the town of Cervantes. Some stand a few metres tall, and at dawn or dusk they cast long shadows across an almost lunar landscape.
How far are the Pinnacles from Perth?
About a two-hour drive north of Perth (roughly 200 km). It’s a popular full-day trip, often combined with the coastal town of Cervantes and sandboarding at the Lancelin dunes.
When is the best time to see them?
Early morning and late afternoon, when low light makes the spires glow and cast dramatic shadows — and it’s cooler. Wildflowers add colour in spring. Midday is harsher and hotter.
Is there an entry fee?
Nambung National Park charges a vehicle entry fee (a WA Parks pass covers it), and there’s a Pinnacles Desert Discovery Centre. Fees and hours change — check current details.
Can you visit on a tour?
Yes — guided day tours from Perth take the driving out of it and often add Lancelin’s dunes and Cervantes. See our Pinnacles tour.
Perth & the West Coast, Planned Around You
Kings Park and the beaches, quokkas on Rottnest, the Swan Valley and the Pinnacles — with the planning and bookings handled by the family that’s toured Australia since 1974.
Call 0409 661 342 Plan My Trip — Free Enquiry