Nambung National Park and the Pinnacles Desert

Plan your visit

Plan your Pinnacles trip

Everything you need to know about driving, parking, and exploring the limestone pillars.

Nambung National Park and the Pinnacles Desert

Pinnacles Drive, Cervantes, WA 6511

GPS -30.6035, 115.156

Open directions

Getting there

Drive yourself or book a guided tour.

How	Time	Cost	Notes
Car: Drive north from Perth on the Indian Ocean Drive (State Route 60) to the town of Cervantes, then turn south into Pinnacles Drive.	2 - 2.5 hours	$17 AUD park entry per vehicle + fuel	The 4km Pinnacles Desert drive loop is accessible for standard 2WD vehicles, but is not suitable for towing caravans or trailers (which must be left in the car park).
Tour: Book a guided coach or 4WD tour from Perth, which often includes sandboarding in Lancelin, a sunset dinner in the desert, and guided stargazing with telescopes.	9 - 11 hours (round trip)	$130 - $200+ AUD	Tours offer the convenience of not having to drive the 200km back to Perth in the dark after stargazing.
Walk: Once inside the park, take the Desert View Walk Trail or the Emu Walk Trail from the Discovery Centre.	45 - 60 minutes	Included in park entry	Wheelchair-accessible paths and lookouts are available near the Discovery Centre.

When to go

QuietModerateBusyPeak

The park is open year-round. August to October is the best time to visit. During these three months, temperatures are mild and coastal wildflowers bloom. Summer days frequently exceed 35°C (95°F). There is very little shade in the desert.

Sunset is the most popular time of day. Golden hour lighting creates dramatic shadows behind the pillars. If you want to see the stars, visit during a new moon. See our guide on the Best time to visit.

What to bring

Sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat (there is very little shade in the desert)
Fly net for your face (highly recommended in the warmer months)
Sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes (the sand can get very hot during the day)
Plenty of drinking water (no drinking water is available out on the desert trail)
Warm jacket, beanie, and layers for evening stargazing (temperatures drop sharply after dark)
Camera or smartphone with night-mode capability for astrophotography
Torch with a red light setting (to preserve your night vision during stargazing)
National Park Pass (if you hold an annual/holiday pass, to waive the daily entry fee)

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Park gates are open to vehicles from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

You can stay inside the park until 9:00 PM for sunset and stargazing.

How the day runs

Suggested ways to spend your time.

Drive from Perth, explore the desert loop, and visit coastal spots.

08:00
Depart Perth
Drive north on the Indian Ocean Drive.
10:15
Discovery Centre
Learn about the geology and native flora.
11:00
Desert Drive Loop
Drive the 4km unsealed track among the pillars.
14:00
Lake Thetis
Walk the 1.5km boardwalk to see ancient stromatolites.

Practical advice for your visit

Come prepared for remote conditions. Bring plenty of drinking water, as none is available out on the desert trails. In warmer months, a fly net for your face is highly recommended. Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes because the sand gets hot during the day.

If you plan to stay for stargazing, bring warm layers. Temperatures in the desert drop sharply after dark. A torch with a red light setting is useful to preserve your night vision. Drones are strictly prohibited without a permit. No dogs are allowed in the park.

Easiest way to do it

Couple making a heart shape with their arms at sunset in the Pinnacles Desert.

Pinnacles Desert Sunset Dinner and Stargazing Tour

9 h 30 min 4.8 (1,141)

National Park fees, Sandboarding, Site Seeing, Beach Walk
Charcuterie;Traditional Aussie BBQ Dinner; Australian Wines & Bubbles to accompany; Fresh home made salads; Bread Rolls; Tea; Coffee; Hot Choc & Soups & Desert
Designated Perth CBD Hotel pickup and return only (based on your CBD accommodation location)
GST (Goods and Services Tax)

From$158per person

Viator$158 GetYourGuideCompare

Cancellation terms differ by platform and listing. Check them before you pay.

Planning questions

Can you drive a 2WD around the Pinnacles?

Yes. The 4-kilometer scenic drive loop is unsealed but suitable for standard 2WD vehicles. You cannot take caravans or trailers on the loop; they must be left in the car park.

Are there toilets at the Pinnacles Desert?

Yes, toilet facilities are located near the Discovery Centre at the start of the trails.

Can you camp at Nambung National Park?

No. Camping is strictly prohibited inside the national park. You must stay in nearby towns like Cervantes.