The Pinnacles Desert

A unique and intriguing landscape

Sacred place of significance

The Pinnacles in Nambung National Park near the town of Cervantes is one of the most visited natural tourist attractions in Western Australia, and it’s easy to see why. The astonishing sight of thousands of weathered limestone rock spires rising out of the yellow sandy earth has become one of Australia’s most unique and intriguing landscapes. 

The Pinnacles remained unknown to most Australians until 1967 when the area was gazetted as a reserve and later became part of Nambung National Park. For thousands of years, however, it has been a sacred place for Indigenous Nyoongar women who gathered to do ‘women’s business’ – collecting food, giving birth and holding important ceremonies.

Tour The Pinnacles Desert on a Fun Over 50 Holiday

Physical rating icon
Physical rating:
3 - Active/Moderate
Tour duration icon
Tour duration:
14
days

Join us on an adventure through Western Australia’s stunning landscapes and blooming wildflowers! Start your journey with a visit to the iconic Rottnest Island, home of the friendly quokka. Soak up spectacular views from the Kalbarri Skywalk and West Loop Lookout and pay tribute at the moving HMAS Sydney Memorial. Discover Albany’s rich maritime history with a guided tour of the historic Whaling Station and explore lush Australian wildlife and botanical gardens. This tour entails a perfect blend of natural beauty, history, and adventure.

Physical rating icon
Physical rating:
3 - Active/Moderate
Tour duration icon
Tour duration:
14
days

Take an epic road trip like no other along Western Australia’s stunning and diverse coastline. From Broome’s iconic Cable Beach, through the mining hubs of Port Hedland and Karratha to eco cruises on pristine Ningaloo Reef and Monkey Mia. From Kalbarri National Park to the mysterious Pinnacles and onto Perth and intriguing Rottnest Island. WA is filled with adventure, come and see...

A photographer’s paradise

It doesn’t matter what time of year, or what time of day (or night) you visit The Pinnacles Desert, you’ll be greeted with a magical sight. Easily accessed by vehicle or a short walk, The Pinnacles rising up from the sandy earth create an eerie silhouette on the stark desert background.

Some of the formations are narrow, jagged spires while others are smooth and curved. The taller pinnacles reach up to 3.5 metres, while shorter ones resemble small gravestones. The spires date back between 25,000 and 30,000 years, yet the way they came to be, remains a mystery that is still a subject of debate.

What is known is the raw material that formed the limestone originally came from seashells that were broken down into lime-rich sands and carried inland by the winds over thousands of years to form high sand dunes.

A unique and intriguing landscape
A unique and intriguing landscape

Spectacular formations

The mushroom-shaped pinnacles were formed into that shape due to remnants of a calcrete capping. The calcrete is harder than the limestone below and therefore weathers at a slower rate leaving more material at the top of the pinnacle. 

Other structures in The Pinnacles Desert have cross-bedding formations, where the angle of the deposited sand changed suddenly due to strong winds, affecting the formation of the limestone.

Visit the eerily spectacular Pinnacles Desert on a Fun Over 50 Holiday to Western Australia.

Frequently asked questions

What wildlife might I spot in The Pinnacles?

While visiting the Pinnacles you might meet Western grey kangaroos who graze on the vegetation. Also making their home in the desert are emus, sand goannas, carpet pythons and bobtails while Baudin’s black cockatoo with its distinctive white ear patch and white tail panel can be seen flying overhead.

What vegetation can I see when I visit The Pinnacles?

The Pinnacles Desert abounds with native flora and fauna. Many varieties of wattle and banksia can be found along with quandong, cockies tongue, parrot bush, yellow tailflower, thick-leaved fan flower and banjine.

When is the best time to visit The Pinnacles?

The best time to visit the Pinnacles is during the cooler months from March to October, which offers more comfortable weather for exploring the site. During Autumn, the temperatures start to cool down after the summer heat, with daytime temperatures ranging from around 20°C to 30°C,making it ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and sightseeing.

This is also outside the peak summer season which means fewer crowds, providing a more serene and enjoyable experience.

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Get in touch if you have any questions

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