Overview
- Features: Unique geological formations
- Opening Times: 9:30am to 4:30pm, daily
- Best Time to Visit: September to November
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Travelled By: Rental car
- Cost: A$11 per car
- Address: Cervantes, Western Australia
- Type: National Park
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Summary
The Pinnacles Desert, located in Nambung National Park, is a unique yet amazing attraction a stone’s throw from the fishing town of Cervantes. The Pinnacles are natural formations of tall, limestone structures that jut out of the ground in clusters. A scenic driving track as well as a walking track through the Pinnacles allow you to get both a comprehensive view as well as a more up close and personal view of these amazing formations.
Pinnacles Desert, Nambung National Park, Cervantes
The Pinnacles Desert is located in Nambung National Park, along Australia’s Coral Coast, 22 kms from the small fishing town of Cervantes and 200 kms north of Perth in Western Australia. The Pinnacles and the town of Cervantes make for a comfortable day trip from Perth being only a 3-hr drive from the capital.
Nambung National Park covers an area of 17,487 hectares, which provides natural habitat for an extensive array of native animals and bird life. However, Nambung National Park is famous for one thing – The Pinnacles, which attract over 190,000 visitors each year. The Pinnacles of Nambung National Park are the major natural attraction in the region.
A visit to Nambung National Park and the Pinnacles Desert is a must. These amazing natural limestone structures, some standing as high as five metres, were formed approximately 25,000 to 30,000 years ago, after the sea receded and left deposits of sea shells. Over time, coastal winds removed the surrounding sand, leaving the pillars exposed to the elements.
Walking around the Pinnacles feels like walking on the moon as you meander your way through these limestone pillars rising out of the stark desert landscape of yellow quartz sand.
The limestone formations of the Pinnacles vary in size and shape; some are as small as a mouse whilst many are as big as 4 metres high. These unusually shaped rocks have been likened to tombstones, termite mounds and even fingers.
The Pinnacles Desert is best seen at dawn or dusk when they cast long, strange shadows over the rippling yellow sand dunes.
Although the desert teems with wildlife, most animals are nocturnal. However, it is not uncommon to see western grey kangaroos, emus and many sorts of reptiles and birds like black-shouldered kites hanging around the strange stones.
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Nambung National Park is easily accessible by car and you should see a big sign post as you drive along the Indian Ocean Drive directing you to the car park.
Access to the Pinnacles area itself is by a 100-metre walking trail from the car park. A marked track through the desert allows you to take a scenic drive through the Pinnacles and stop along the way to view the majestic pillars and take some amazing photos.
There is also a pleasurable 4-5 kilometre walk through the Nambung National Park to the Pinnacles Lookout where you can get a bird’s eye view of the unusual white dunes.
If you chose to come here between August and October you will find that the area surrounding the Pinnacles Desert comes alive with wildflowers.
No camping is allowed in Nambung National Park, but barbeque facilities and toilets are available. Be sure to bring along a hat, sturdy footwear and bottled water as no drinking water is available.
