The Pinnacles — wind-sculpted limestone spires rising out of yellow desert sands — are one of Western Australia’s most surreal and photogenic landscapes. Located in Nambung National Park, roughly a 2–3 hour drive north of Perth, the Pinnacles make a perfect day trip or overnight escape. At sunrise and sunset the desert glows, the shadows lengthen, and the Pinnacles take on otherworldly shapes — ideal for photographers, nature lovers and anyone who wants to feel small in a very big place.
Best places to visit
- Pinnacles Desert Drive & Boardwalk — The sealed scenic loop and short boardwalk let you safely wander among the spires and get classic close-up shots without disturbing the landscape.
- Pinnacles Desert Discovery Centre — Useful for orientation, local geology exhibits, and picnic facilities before you explore the park.
- Sunrise / Sunset viewpoints — Time your visit for golden hour; the lighting completely changes the scene and cuts crowds.
- Hangover Bay & Cervantes Foreshore (nearby) — A pleasant coastal stop to cool off after the desert heat, with short walks and beaches.
- Lancelin Sand Dunes — About 40–50 minutes from the Pinnacles, great for sandboarding and 4WD fun if you want to extend the adventure.
- Lesueur National Park (wildflower season) — If you’re visiting in winter–spring, add Lesueur for spectacular wildflower displays (seasonal).
Best time to visit
- May–September (cooler months / wildflower season): Mild, comfortable days for walking and exploring; late winter–spring also brings wildflowers across the region.
- Spring (Aug–Sep): Wildflowers can be spectacular in parts of the region — a gorgeous time to combine The Pinnacles with nearby reserves.
- Summer (Dec–Feb): Very hot; early-morning visits are essential. If you go in summer, plan for strong sun, bring lots of water, and avoid midday desert hiking.
- Tip: Aim for sunrise or sunset at the Pinnacles for dramatic light and fewer visitors.
Best restaurant & island dining (nearby Cervantes / Lancelin)
The Pinnacles themselves are undeveloped and protected, so dining happens in nearby towns — mostly Cervantes and Lancelin. Popular local options typically include fresh seafood, cafés and pub fare:
- Seafood cafés in Cervantes — Fresh local fish and simple coastal meals are a speciality; great for an easy post-Pinnacles lunch.
- Cervantes bistro / pub — Classic pub meals, cold drinks and relaxed service — ideal after a day of exploring.
- Lancelin cafés (if you detour for sand dunes) — Casual breakfasts and takeaway for the beach.
Bars & Nightlife
Nightlife around the Pinnacles is low-key and local — think relaxed pubs, beachfront sundowners and big, starlit skies:
- Cervantes pubs & foreshore cafés — A couple of friendly pubs and cafés keep later hours for meals and cold drinks.
- Lancelin beachfront bars — Better for casual sunset drinks if you’re combining the dunes with the Pinnacles.
- Stargazing after dark — With little light pollution, the region is exceptional for starry skies — often the best “nightlife” of all.
Practical tips & safety
- Bring water, sun protection and a hat. The desert sun can be intense even in shoulder seasons.
- Stick to paths and boardwalks. The Pinnacles are fragile and protected — stay on designated trails.
- Drive time: Allow ~2–3 hours from Perth each way (plan an early start or stay overnight in Cervantes/Lancelin).
- Facilities: The Discovery Centre and Cervantes provide basic services; fuel up before you head into the park.
- Photography tips: Use a wide-angle lens for sweeping scenes and a telephoto for isolated spires; sunrise/sunset and low tide (for nearby coast shots) give the best light.
Wrap it up
The Pinnacles are a striking study in contrast: desert spires against coastal skies, Aboriginal country intersecting with curious geology. They’re easy to reach from Perth but feel a world away — the kind of place that rewards an early alarm and a little planning. Whether you’re there to photograph surreal silhouettes, combine the trip with sand-boarding at Lancelin, or watch the sunset over an ancient landscape, the Pinnacles deliver a short, memorable Australian adventure that feels both remote and accessible.