Information To Visiting The Pinnacles In Western Australia

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Western Australia is stuffed with unbelievable landscapes, however maybe one of the particular is the traditional limestone formations often called The Pinnacles.

These rock formations are one other instance of how terribly lovely this state is.

Fashioned over 25,000-30,000 years in the past, The Pinnacles are the stays of sea shell deposits which stand in uncommon pillars.

pinnacle rocks in a desert

It’s mentioned that after the ocean receded, the coastal winds decreased the sand and left the pillars uncovered to the weather.

There isn’t a denying that the Pinnacles Desert provides one other dimension to this state.

However if you happen to’re considering of visiting the Pinnacles in Western Australia however unsure how, right here is all the things you could know…

The place are The Pinnacles Desert?

The Pinnacles Desert in Western Australia is situated within the Nambung Nationwide Park simply 193 km north of Perth alongside the Indian Ocean Drive.

To get to The Pinnacles from Perth, you’ll need to drive 191 km North by way of State Route 60, which takes roughly 2 hours.

The closest city is Cervantes, however additionally, you will discover lodging in Jurien Bay which is close to to the park. Should you want a rental automotive, check rates and availability from our preferred partner, Discover Cars.

Try day excursions to The Pinnacles from Perth right here:

What Are The Pinnacles?

rocks in a desert

The Pinnacles in Western Australia are weathered rock spires rise out of yellow sand dunes with some standing as excessive as 5 metres.

They’re geological formations have been shaped roughly 25,000 years in the past after the ocean receded and left deposits of sea shells.

In an earlier period, such uncooked supplies have been in abundance as there was extra sea life.

And over time coastal winds eliminated the encompassing sand leaving the tender limestone pillars uncovered to the weather.

Rainfall brought about dissolutional remnants of the tamala limestone to trickle all the way down to the underside of the sand dunes, which added to the buildings.

In addition to this, the encompassing sand dunes have many crops and flora, which assist shield the dunes from robust winds.

close up of plants next to the pinnacles rock in the desert

Nonetheless, when the wind blows, it causes an acidic layer of soil to seep over onto the soil and create a layer of calcrete (a mixture of sedimentary rock or hardened deposit of calcium carbonate) to type.

What you see now could be a results of a interval of in depth solutional weathering and erosion.

You possibly can both stroll amongst them (4 kilometres) or you may drive round on a marked observe – I selected to stroll.

Who discovered The Pinnacles?

pnnacle rocks in a desert

The precise time when the Pinnacles have been found continues to be up for debate. The earliest information mentioning the Pinnacles state they have been discovered by Dutch explorers within the 1650s.

The have been included within the Nambung Nationwide Park space within the Sixties.

FAQs About Visiting The Pinnacles

Right here’s what folks often ask us about The Pinnacles…

When is the perfect time to go to The Pinnacles

The Pinnacles are an incredible web site all 12 months spherical, however the Spring interval between August and October are good months to go to as the remainder of the Nambung Nationwide Park is in bloom this time of 12 months.

I extremely advocate you time your go to for early morning or late afternoon, as it could actually get busy in the course of the center of the day.

pinnacle rocks in a desert

What animals dwell close to The Pinnacles?

As with all nationwide parks in Australia, The Pinnacles is residence to an array of Aussie wildlife. You possibly can anticipate to see some nocturnal animals returning to their shelter if you happen to go to early within the morning.

Animals resembling kangaroos, wallabies, emus, possums, snakes, bobtails and lizards and different reptiles name this park residence.

It’s also possible to go to close by Hangover Bay which additionally reaches The Pinnacles zone. Should you go to throughout June to November, it’s possible you’ll spot dolphins or humpback whale swimming within the ocean.

The way to see The Pinnnacles?

rocks in a desert

The nationwide park opens on daily basis of the week, all 12 months spherical, and you’ll solely go to them by automotive or by tour.

There’s a absolutely sealed highway known as “Pinnacles Drive” main as much as the location. This highway is simply off Indian Ocean Drive (Freeway 60).

Guests should pay an entrance price on the gate. In case you have an RV or Caravan, you’ll need to park on the automotive park and stroll up.

rocks in a desert

After getting paid on the gate, you may park up close to the Pinnacles Desert Discovery Centre.

From right here, you may stroll across the web site on a viewing boardwalk, and stroll as much as a lookout level.

The loop across the park is about 4km however it’s all flat.

What to convey to The Pinnacles?

It is best to ensure that to convey a sunhat, sunscreen and loads of water as it could actually get heat and sunny across the Pinnacles.

Because the solar displays off the white limestone of the Pinnacles and lime-rich sand, so convey some sun shades as effectively.

Should you’re a photographer, you may convey a tripod.

You can not convey any pets with you to the park, and all the things you’re taking, you have to convey again with you.

Opening Hours and Entry Charges

The park is open all 12 months spherical (besides Christmas Day), seven days per week, from 9am till 4.30pm.

It prices $15.00 per passenger car (pensioners get a reduction) however this lets you go to the whole nationwide park, not solely The Pinnacles.

close up of a rock tower

How lengthy to spend at The Pinnacles?

You don’t want a lot time right here, one hour is sufficient to benefit from the beautiful desert panorama. Chances are you’ll wish to take a look at close by white seashores of Jurien Bay whereas right here.

Or preserve driving north to Monkey Mia.

Caz was really sick after we visited and laid down within the automotive while I walked round taking a number of pictures.

And also you don’t want a hard-core 4WD to go to, any atypical 2WD is sufficient if you happen to select to drive.

It’s also possible to be a part of excursions from Perth if you happen to don’t have your individual car to get to Pinnacles, WA. And you can rent a car here.

Plan Your Journey to Western Australia

Should you’re planning to go to different elements of Western Australia, remember to take a look at the next sources which can be helpful to you…