The Pinnacles are one of Western Australia's most iconic natural landmarks - thousands of ancient limestone pillars rising from golden desert sands in Nambung National Park, creating an otherworldly landscape that looks like the surface of another planet. Located on the Coral Coast about two hours north of Perth, the Pinnacles are part of a stunning stretch of coastline that includes the lobster-fishing town of Cervantes, the sea lion colonies of Jurien Bay, and some of the most beautiful beaches in the state. The Coral Coast is an easy road trip from Perth and offers an exceptional blend of geological wonders, marine life, and small-town coastal charm.
Getting There
The Pinnacles are located in Nambung National Park, near the town of Cervantes, approximately 200km (about 2 hours' drive) north of Perth via the Indian Ocean Drive. The Indian Ocean Drive is one of WA's most scenic coastal routes, passing through Lancelin, Cervantes, and Jurien Bay. There is no public transport to the Pinnacles - a car is essential for independent travel. Several tour operators run day trips from Perth (from $100, approximately 10-12 hours including transport and guided walk). The Pinnacles are accessible year-round, though spring (September-November) offers the best wildflower displays and pleasant temperatures.
Pinnacles Desert
The Pinnacles Desert is the centrepiece of Nambung National Park - a surreal landscape of limestone formations set against bright yellow sand:
- The formations: Thousands of limestone pillars, some reaching up to 3.5 metres tall, stand in the desert like ancient sentinels. They were formed over millions of years from seashells - the calcium-rich sands compacted into limestone, and wind and rain eroded the surrounding sand to reveal the pillars.
- Pinnacles Drive: A 4km one-way sealed loop drive winds through the formations, with several stops for walking and photography. The drive is accessible to all vehicles.
- Walking: Park at one of the designated areas and explore on foot among the pillars. There is no formal walking trail - you can wander freely through the formations. Allow 1-2 hours.
- Best light: The Pinnacles are most photogenic at sunrise and sunset, when the low-angle light creates dramatic shadows among the formations. The golden hour is spectacular. Night visits during full moon or for stargazing are also popular.
- Discovery Centre: The Pinnacles Desert Discovery Centre at the park entrance has interpretive displays explaining the geology, ecology, and Aboriginal significance of the area. Entry $15 per vehicle.
Cervantes & Lobster
Cervantes is a small fishing town on the coast near the Pinnacles, famous for its Western rock lobster:
- Lobster Shack: The must-visit attraction in Cervantes. A working lobster processing factory with a restaurant serving freshly cooked lobster and seafood. Factory tours explain the lobster fishing and processing industry ($18). The lobster is outstanding - a half lobster with chips and salad from about $35.
- Thirsty Point Lookout: Offers panoramic views over Cervantes, the coastline, and the Pinnacles in the distance.
- Cervantes beaches: The town's beaches are beautiful, uncrowded, and perfect for swimming. Kangaroo Point and Hangover Bay are local favourites with clear water and white sand.
- Lake Thetis: A rare thrombolite lake near Cervantes. Thrombolites are living rock-like structures formed by microorganisms - similar to stromatolites and among the earliest forms of life on Earth. A short boardwalk trail circles the lake.
Jurien Bay & Sea Lions
Jurien Bay is a larger coastal town 60km north of Cervantes, known for its sea lion colonies and beautiful bay:
- Sea lion tours: Jurien Bay is one of the few places in Australia where you can swim with wild Australian sea lions. Turquoise Safaris operates eco-certified tours that take you to the sea lion colony on nearby islands, where you snorkel alongside these playful, curious animals (from $195 per person, 3 hours). An unforgettable experience.
- The bay: Jurien Bay's beach is a wide, sheltered curve of white sand with calm turquoise water - perfect for swimming and kayaking. The offshore islands protect the bay from ocean swell.
- Lesueur National Park: Just south of Jurien Bay, this national park protects one of the most biodiverse areas in the world, with over 900 plant species in just 27 square kilometres. The wildflower displays from August to November are spectacular.
- Skydiving: Jurien Bay is a popular skydiving destination, with tandem jumps over the stunning coastline (from $300).
Where to Eat
- Lobster Shack: (Cervantes): Fresh lobster and seafood in a working factory setting. Half lobster from $35. Mains $20-45.
- Sea Breeze Cafe: (Cervantes): Casual cafe with ocean views. Good fish and chips and coffee. Mains $14-24.
- Sandpiper Bar & Grill: (Jurien Bay): Pub dining with views over the bay. Steaks, seafood, and burgers. Mains $20-34.
- Jurien Bay Bakery: (Jurien Bay): Excellent pies and pastries for a quick lunch stop.
Where to Stay
- Budget: Cervantes Pinnacles Caravan Park (powered sites from $35, cabins from $100), Jurien Bay Tourist Park (powered sites from $35, cabins from $110).
- Mid-Range: Cervantes Lodge (from $130), Jurien Bay Motel (from $140).
- Luxury: The Pinnacles Edge Resort (Cervantes, from $200), Jurien Bay holiday homes (from $200/night for a 2-bedroom house).
Practical Tips
- Day trip or overnight: The Pinnacles are an easy day trip from Perth (about 2 hours each way). However, an overnight stay in Cervantes or Jurien Bay allows you to see the Pinnacles at sunset or sunrise and explore the coast at a more relaxed pace. - Best time: Spring (September-November) offers wildflowers and pleasant temperatures. The Pinnacles are beautiful year-round, but summer (December-February) can be extremely hot. - Indian Ocean Drive: The drive from Perth to the Pinnacles via the Indian Ocean Drive is scenic and worth savouring. Stop at Lancelin for fish and chips and sand dune adventures (sandboarding from $15). - Wildlife: Watch for kangaroos, emus, and echidnas in Nambung National Park, especially at dawn and dusk. Wedge-tailed eagles are often seen overhead. - Stargazing: The Pinnacles are far from city lights, making them an excellent stargazing destination. The Milky Way over the limestone formations is spectacular.
AUBIS Tip
: The Pinnacles and Coral Coast make an excellent day trip or weekend escape from Perth. Use AUBIS to plan your Coral Coast road trip - schedule a Pinnacles visit at sunset, book lunch at the Lobster Shack, arrange a sea lion swim at Jurien Bay, and coordinate accommodation in Cervantes. The platform will help you build an itinerary that captures the best of WA's Coral Coast.