The Pinnacles: Western Australia's Natural Wonder

Situated just 2 hours north of Perth in the Coral Coast region of Western Australia, the Pinnacles Desert is renowned for its striking limestone formations, which have been sculpted over thousands of years. These natural structures jut out of the sand throughout the desert, some reaching up to 4 metres in height. 

How did they get there?

So, how did the pinnacles form? Around 500,000 years ago, shallow seas covered the area, filled with seashells. Then, around 25,000-30,000 years ago, the sea receded, and the shells were broken down into sand that was blown inland to form sand dunes. Over time, the wind and rain eroded the sand dunes, exposing the limestone underneath and shaping the stunning pinnacles we see today. 

How to get there

• By car - the Pinnacles Desert is about a 2-hour drive north of Perth. The entry fee is $17 per vehicle. You can then either drive around the 4km loop, or park your car and walk (approx. 1 hour). 
• Take a tour - if you don't have a car or prefer not to drive, you can book a tour from Perth to the Pinnacles. These ours usually include transportation, a guided tour of the Pinnacles Desert, and sometimes visits to nearby attractions. Here are some tours available to book:
  • Australian Pinnacle Tours - visit the Pinnacles, Yanchep, and the Swan Valley in this day tour. You'll be picked up at 8am and dropped off at 6pm in Perth. Lunch is included. 
  • Lost in Australia - visit the Pinnacles at sunset, go stargazing, and experience sandboarding on this afternoon tour. You'll be picked up around 1.30pm and dropped around 10.30pm. Dinner is included. 
  • And many more! Just jump on Google to see all the tours available and choose the one most suitable for you. 

Fun facts about the Pinnacles

Did you know...

• The Pinnacles were mistaken for the ruins of an ancient city by Dutch sailors off the coast in 1700.
• The Pinnacles Desert has been featured in several movies, including the Australian film, "Australia", and the Korean thriller, "A Million". 
• In summer, it gets extremely hot in the Pinnacles Desert, sometimes topping 40°C - hot enough to fry an egg!

Tips for your visit

• Wear SPF50+ sunscreen and bring lots of water. It gets very hot out there - it is a desert after all. Make sure to wear appropriate clothing to protect yourself from the sun, and good shoes for walking across the sand. 
• Gates open at 9am and the last vehicle entry is 4.30pm. If you're travelling there by car, we suggest heading there earlier or later in the day to avoid the long car lines. 
• Be patient. It's a popular tourist destination so it gets quite busy. Be prepared to wait a little for the popular photo spots.