Situated just 2 hours north of Perth in the of Western Australia, the is famous for its striking limestone formations rising out of the golden sand dunes. Some pinnacles reach several metres in height, creating one of WA's most surreal landscapes - an easy bucket-list day trip while you study in Perth.
Pinnacles 101
- Distance from Perth: ~2 hours by car
- Time needed on site: most people spend 1-2 hours (allow longer if you want to take photos + stop at the Discovery Centre)
- Best ways to visit:Ìýself-drive or a guided tour from Perth
- Key safety note:Ìýit's a desert environment - bring water + sun protection and plan for heat
- What you'll do there:Ìýdrive or walk a ~4km loop, stop at lookouts, and explore the Pinnacles Desert Discovery Centre
How did they get there?
So, how did the pinnacles form? In simple terms, the area was once influenced by ocean and dune systems. Over time, limestone formed and later became exposed as wind and weather gradually eroded the surrounding sand and vegetation layers, leaving the limestone "pinnacles" standing throughout the desert.Ìý
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How to get to the Pinnacles from Perth
You have two straightforward options: drive yourself or join a tour.
Option 1: By car
The Pinnacles Desert is around a 2-hour drive north of Perth. Once you arrive, you can either:
- Drive the loop (an unsealed ~4km loop), stopped at bays for short walks and photos, or
- Park and walk sections of the loop (many people allow around 1 hour if walking more)
Entry fee: $17 per vehicle, carrying up to 12 passengers.
Time needed: Most visitors spend 1-2 hours at the Pinnacles loop/lookouts, plus extra time if you visit the Discovery Centre or stop for photos.
Option 2: Take a tour (if you don't have a car)
If you don't have a car (or just don't want to drive), booking a Pinnacles Desert tour from Perth is the easiest option. Tours usually include:
- Transport (often with Perth city pickup points)
- Guided commentary
- Time at the Pinnacles Desert
- Sometimes extra stops (e.g. Yanchep, sandboarding in Lancelin, sunset viewing or stargazing)
Before you book, check:
- Pickup location and return time
- What's included (meals, entry fees, sandboarding, stargazing)
- Total time at the Pinnacles (some tours are rushed)
- Cancellation policy (especially in winter)
Examples of tours:
- - visit the Pinnacles, Yanchep, and the Swan Valley in this day tour. You'll be picked up at 8am and dropped off around 6pm in Perth. Lunch is included.
- - visit the Pinnacles at sunset, go stargazing, and experience sandboarding on this afternoon tour. You'll be picked up around 1.30pm and dropped around 10.30pm. Dinner is included.
- And many more! Compare options and choose what matches your budget, schedule, and comfort level.
Day trip vs sunset/stargazing tour - what to expect
Day trip (self-drive or daytime tour):
- Best for: first-time visit, quick photos, lower complexity
- What you'll see: bright landscapes and clear views of formations
- Plan for: heat/sun, crowds in peak windows
Sunset / Stargazing tour:
- Best for: dramatic light, photography, and a more "once-in-a-lifetime" vibe
- What you'll see: long shadows at sunset and (sometimes) night sky viewing
- Plan for: a jacket for the cool evening, longer return time, and confirming what's included
Best time to visit the Pinnacles
- Early morning or late afternoon is often more comfortable and gives better light for photos (longer shadows).
- Summer can be extreme - treat this as a desert trip and plan for the heat.
- To reduce crowds, aim for off-peak times and be flexible with photo spots.
Tips for your visit
- Wear SPF50+ sunscreen and bring lots of water. It gets very hot out there - it is a desert after all. Make sure to wear appropriate clothing to protect yourself from the sun, and good shoes for walking across the sand.
- Gates open at 9am and the last vehicle entry is 4.30pm. If you're travelling there by car, we suggest heading there earlier or later in the day to avoid the long car lines.
- Be patient. It's a popular tourist destination so it gets quite busy. Be prepared to wait a little for the popular photo spots.
- Don't climb on the limestone formations, it damages the site and may breach park guidance.
- Bring a power bank (photos drain batteries fast), snacks, and a warm layer if you're doing the sunset/evening tours.
Fun facts about the Pinnacles
Did you know...
- .
- The Pinnacles Desert has been featured in several movies, including the Korean thriller, "".
- In summer, it gets extremely hot in the Pinnacles Desert, sometimes topping 40°C!
- The landscape is best known for its eerie, otherworldly look - especially when shadows stretch across the dunes.
FAQs
Yes - it’s one of the most unique natural landscapes near Perth and an easy, memorable day trip (especially if you plan for heat and timing).
Roughly a 2-hour drive north of Perth.
Yes - book a tour from Perth. Check pickup points, inclusions (meals/entry fees), and how long you’ll actually spend at the Pinnacles.
Most visitors spend 1-2 hours at the loop/lookouts, plus extra time if you visit the Discovery Centre or want more photos.
Early morning or late afternoon is usually more comfortable and better for photos due to the light and shadows.
Water, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, closed shoes, and a light layer. Add a warm layer if you’re doing sunset or stargazing tours.
Costs vary depending on whether you self-drive or take a tour. National park entry fees apply (often referenced as ~$17 per vehicle, but confirm before you go). Tours range widely based on inclusions.
It can get busy, especially around peak times. Aim for off-peak windows, be patient, and use the loop to spread out rather than staying at one hotspot.
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Planning more WA adventures? Explore more WA trip ideas from an international student.
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