The Pinnacles of Nambung National Park are the major natural attraction in the Coral Coast region, found between Cervantes and Jurien Bay.
A visit to Australia’s Nambung National Park and the Pinnacles is a must. The Pinnacles had approximately 653,000 visitors recorded by Parks and Wildlife from during the 2017/2018 financial year, making it Western Australia's most visited attraction.
The park is located roughly 200 kilometres north of Perth and covers an area of 17,487 hectares, providing natural habitat for an extensive array of native animals and bird life.
These amazing natural limestone structures, some standing as high as five metres, were formed approximately 25,000 to 30,000 years ago, after the sea receded and left deposits of sea shells. Over time, coastal winds removed the surrounding sand, leaving the pillars exposed to the elements.
Travelling to the Pinnacles
From Perth head north along Wanneroo Road which will become the Indian Ocean Drive and turn right at the sign for the Pinnacles OR From Perth head north along the Brand Highway and then turn left at the sign to 'Cervantes'. From Cervantes head south two kilometres to the Nambung National Park boundary and continue a further fourteen kilometres to the Pinnacles car park.
The extraordinary ancient rock formations that make up the Pinnacles are located about a two-hour drive north of Perth near the coastal town of Cervantes.The Pinnacles are easy to access by car or you can take a coach tour from Perth with ADAMS Pinnacle Tours.
Conventional two wheel drive vehicles can access Nambung National Park by road, south from Cervantes. A scenic drive is also available for light vehicles, but you must remain on the marked track. The little Painted Desert and unusual white dunes can also be viewed from the Pinnacles Lookout and is a pleasurable 4-5 kilometre walk through the Nambung National Park. If you’re planning an extended walk of this kind, please contact the Ranger Station in Cervantes on +61 8 9545 7043.
Access to the Pinnacles
No camping is allowed in Nambung National Park, but barbeque facilities and toilets are available. Be sure to bring along a hat, sturdy footwear and bottled water as no drinking water is available.
The road is sealed bitumen from Cervantes to Hangover Bay, then a rough limestone gravel road heads south through the park. This road is unsuitable for caravans and rental vehicles. These can be left in the parking bay at the park boundary.
Open all year round from 9am. Last entry is at 4:30pm. Vehicles can access the park for $12.
Pinnacles Desert Discovery Centre
The Pinnacles Desert Discovery Center has interpretive displays that provide an insight into the natural processes that formed the amazing pinnacle structures as well as information on the biodiversity of the park including its unique flora and fauna. You’ll also find details about other national parks and nature reserves on Australia’s Coral Coast, as well as general Parks and Wildlife information. From August to October the vegetation at Nambung National Park springs to life with colourful wildflowers.
Image credit: Michael Goh