Wanderyn
Pinnacles Desert
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
poi · AU

Pinnacles Desert

Getting around: About 2–2.5 hours north of Perth by car in Nambung National Park; self-driving or an organised day tour from Perth are the main options, as there's no public transport to the site.
Hours: The park and Pinnacles Desert Discovery Centre are generally open daily during daylight hours; check current hours before visiting.

The Pinnacles are thousands of limestone rock spires rising out of yellow desert sand, an unusual and genuinely alien-looking landscape that doesn't much resemble the rest of the Western Australian coast around it. A loop drive/walk track lets you move through the formations at your own pace, with a discovery centre nearby explaining the geology.

Given the distance, it's a full day trip from Perth — either self-driving or joining an organised tour, which typically also stops at other attractions along the coast route, like Lancelin's sand dunes.

Pinnacles Desert FAQs

How far is it from Perth?

About 2 to 2.5 hours' drive north, making it a full day trip.

Can I walk among the rock formations?

Yes, there's a loop track (drivable or walkable) that takes you directly through the Pinnacles.

Is a tour better than self-driving?

Both work well — self-driving gives flexibility, while a tour often bundles in other stops along the way and removes the need to navigate.

Best time to visit for photos?

Early morning or late afternoon, when the low light brings out the texture in the sand and rock formations, and it's cooler for walking.

Is there an entry fee?

Yes, there's a national park entry fee, typically charged per vehicle.

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