In short
- Guided tours cost from $124.63 AUD and take 9 to 11 hours round-trip.
- Tours include transport, eliminating a 200-kilometer night drive to Perth.
- Most trips provide telescopes, astronomy guides, and an evening meal.
In this article
Deciding how to see the desert after dark depends on your comfort with night driving. A guided tour from Perth handles the transport, equipment, and dinner. Driving yourself costs less but requires navigating 200 kilometers back to the city in the dark.
What is included in stargazing tours from Perth?
Tours typically include return transport, park entry fees, dinner, and guided astronomy sessions with telescopes.
Most trips depart Perth in the early afternoon. You will arrive at Nambung National Park in time to watch the sunset over the limestone pillars. After dark, guides set up telescopes or mobile observatories to view planets and star clusters. Tours provide either a picnic dinner or a traditional Aussie BBQ, often paired with local wine.
How much do guided stargazing tours cost?
Prices range from $124.63 AUD to over $180 AUD per person.
The exact price depends on the level of catering and the equipment provided. Budget options include a picnic dinner and basic telescope viewing. Premium tours feature full BBQ dinners, local wines, and advanced mobile observatories. Prices change by booking platform and season.
Can you self-drive for stargazing instead?
Yes, you can pay the $17 AUD vehicle entry fee and stay in the park until 9:00 PM.
If you drive yourself, you will need to bring your own telescope and food. You must also prepare for the 200-kilometer drive back to Perth on the Indian Ocean Drive after dark. This route takes 2 to 2.5 hours and lacks street lighting outside of towns.
| Feature | Guided Tour | Self-Drive |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | From $124.63 AUD per person | $17 AUD per vehicle + fuel |
| Night Driving | None (driver provided) | 200 km back to Perth |
| Equipment | Telescopes and guides included | Bring your own |
| Food | BBQ or picnic included | Bring your own |
What are the risks of driving at night?
The primary risk is navigating a dark, unlit highway for over 200 kilometers.
The Indian Ocean Drive connects Cervantes to Perth. After dark, visibility drops significantly. Wildlife activity also increases near dusk and early evening. Joining a tour means you avoid navigating these conditions while fatigued after a long day.
What should you wear for night viewing?
Pack a warm jacket, beanie, and layers.
Even if daytime temperatures exceed 35°C (95°F) in summer, temperatures drop sharply after dark in the desert. You will also need sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes. Bring a torch with a red light setting to preserve your night vision. Read more in our Packing Guide guide.
How long do the tours take?
Most sunset and stargazing tours from Perth last 9 to 11 hours round-trip.
Tours generally depart Perth between midday and early afternoon. The drive north takes at least 2 hours. After sunset and a few hours of stargazing, the bus returns to Perth, typically dropping you at your inner-city hotel late in the evening.
Questions travellers ask
Is the Pinnacles open at night for stargazing?
Yes, visitors can stay in the Nambung National Park for sunset and stargazing until 9:00 PM, even though the gates close to new entry at 4:30 PM.
Are there tours from Perth to the Pinnacles?
Yes, multiple guided coach and 4WD tours depart from Perth. They typically cost between $130 and $200+ AUD and include sunset viewing and dinner.
What time does the Pinnacles desert close?
The park gates are generally open to vehicles from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM. All visitors must exit the park by 9:00 PM unless on a permitted specialized tour.
