Brazil
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Guyana
French Guiana
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Uruguay
Venezuela
Germany
Austria
Belgium
Croatia
Denmark
Spain
Finland
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Hungary
Ireland
Iceland
Italy
Luxembourg
Norway
Poland
Portugal
the United Kingdom
the Czech Republic
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
the United States
Mexico
the Dominican Republic
South Africa
Fiji
National park · Cervantes, Austrália Ocidental
The Pinnacles (Nambung National Park)
Thousands of limestone columns rising from yellow sand in Nambung National Park, with a driving circuit, walking trail and visitor centre.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About The Pinnacles (Nambung National Park)
The Pinnacles Desert is in Nambung National Park, about 17 km from Cervantes and just over two hours from Perth. Thousands of limestone pillars, some over three metres tall, rise from a sea of yellow sand in a landscape that feels like another planet. Dutch sailors who saw the rocks at sea thought they were ruins of a city.
The pillars formed from seashells deposited thousands of years ago that turned into limestone; wind removed the surrounding sand and left the rocks exposed. The visitor centre explains the formation with videos and panels and has a lookout over the desert.
A one-way driving loop of about 4 km passes among the pillars, with spots to park and walk. The Desert View trail, about 1.5 km, allows close-up views of the formations on foot.
Late afternoon is the most popular time: the pillars’ shadows lengthen and the sand turns golden. After sunset, the dark sky is excellent for stargazing. An entry fee per vehicle is charged to enter the park.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From 1 to 3 hours.
Best time
At late afternoon for sunset, or early in the morning with soft light and less heat. From August to October wildflowers bloom around the area.
How to get there
By car, from Cervantes in about 20 minutes, or from Perth via the Indian Ocean Drive in roughly two and a half hours. There are day tours from Perth.
Tip
Bring water, a hat and sunscreen: there is no shade among the pillars. Do not climb on the rocks.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about The Pinnacles (Nambung National Park)
How did the Pinnacles form?
From seashells that turned into limestone over thousands of years; wind removed the surrounding sand and left the pillars exposed.
What is the best time to see the Pinnacles?
Late afternoon for sunset and long shadows, or early morning when it’s cooler.
Do you have to pay to enter the Pinnacles?
Yes, an entry fee per vehicle is charged for Nambung National Park.