Pinnacles Desert: Day Trips and Tours from Perth

Once mistaken for the ruins of an ancient city by Dutch sailors, the dramatic limestone pinnacles of the Pinnacles Desert are an iconic feature of Western Australia’s natural landscape.

A Pinnacles Desert day trip from Perth is the ideal way to get out of the city and immerse yourself in Australia’s incredible natural beauty.

Enjoy the breathtaking views of the desert’s pinnacles and dunes, which are best seen at dusk or dawn, and explore everything that the famous Nambung National Park has to offer.

All the information you need to know about Pinnacles Desert, an incredible destination for day trips from Perth, can be found below.

How to get to Pinnacles Desert from Perth?

Pinnacles Desert is located in Western Australia in the Nambung National Park, which is roughly 200 kilometers north of Perth. The closest town to the Pinnacles Desert is the coastal town of Cervantes, which is around 17 kilometers away.

From Perth to Pinnacles Desert by car

Driving from Perth to the Pinnacles Desert is relatively straightforward. Simply head north on State Route 60 and follow signs to Nambung National Park. The drive takes approximately 2 hours.

From Perth to Pinnacles Desert by bus

There is a bus that goes from Wellington Street in Perth to Cervantes 3 times a week. Cervantes is still around a 20-minute drive from Pinnacles Desert so you’d need to get a taxi from the bus station to the national park.

Guided tour to Pinnacles Desert from Perth

Make the most of your time in the Pinnacle Desert with a guided tour. You’ll be driven to your destination in a private vehicle with a professional tour guide and spend the day exploring the desert.

Most tours are full-day tours and last roughly 8 hours, including transportation time.

How much does the entrance ticket to Pinnacles Desert Cost cost?

There is an entrance fee of AUD15 (US$10) per vehicle entering the Pinnacles Desert.

What is the typical itinerary of a day tour to Pinnacles Desert from Perth?

Most day tours from Perth offer a free pickup service from selected hotels. Once you’ve been picked up and met your guide, you’ll be transported to Pinnacles Desert in a 4WD vehicle.

Your guide will provide you with interesting information about the area on the way up, and once you’ve arrived at the Pinnacles Desert you’ll get some time to walk around, explore and take photographs of the limestone pillars.

Your guide will take you for a drive through the desert, showing you points of interest along the way. Most Pinnacles Desert day tours make a stop for lunch in Cervantes on their way back to Perth, and may stop at other attractions such as Yanchep National Park or New Norcia.

There are also many evening tours available that begin in the afternoon and include a stargazing session in the desert.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Pinnacles Desert?

There are many different types of Pinnacle Desert tours available, including guided tours, private tours, sunset tours and more.

Guided tours to Pinnacles Desert from Perth

Join a group tour with a professional guide as you make your way from Perth to Pinnacles Desert in a private vehicle. Your guide will provide you with information and commentary along the way, and ensure that you don’t miss any of the desert’s best sights.

Private tour to Pinnacles Desert from Perth

Enjoy a personalized itinerary when you choose to take a private tour to the Pinnacles Desert from Perth. With just you and your group on the tour, you’ll enjoy a hotel pickup and drop-off and have many opportunities to ask your guide questions about the region.

Sunset tour to Pinnacles Desert from Perth

Without the light pollution of a big city, Pinnacles Desert is the perfect place to stargaze. Sunset tours to the Pinnacles Desert are extremely popular.

Leave with your guide in the evening to experience the sunset over the desert, and enjoy looking at the constellations, before being driven back to Perth after dark.

Day trip to Pinnacles Desert plus New Norcia from Perth

Many day trips to Pinnacles Desert make a stop at New Norcia before or after the visit to the desert. New Norcia is on the way to the Pinnacles Desert and is around 130 kilometers north of Perth.

New Norcia is a small town with a unique heritage and makes for a very interesting visit, even if you’re just making a short stop there.

Day tour to Pinnacles Desert plus Yanchep National Park from Perth

Yanchep National Park is just north of Perth and makes for a great stop on your way to the Pinnacles Desert— especially if you want to see some of Australia’s native animals.

The national park is home to koalas, kangaroos, and many other animals and attractions. Choosing a tour that includes a stop at Yanchep National Park is the perfect way to break up the 2-hour drive to the Pinnacles Desert.

How much does a tour to Pinnacles Desert from Perth cost?

Guided group tours cost anywhere between US$120 and US$200 per person. Guided tours on the lower end of the price spectrum, for example sunset tours, are usually shorter in length and don’t make any additional stops.

Guided tours costing closer to US$200 per person are usually limited to six people and may include additional stops. For example, the day tour to Pinnacles Desert plus Yanchep National Park costs US$200 per participant.

Most private day tours cost between US$280 and US$300 per person depending on the itinerary. Private tours usually include hotel pickup and drop-off.

What will you see and do on a Pinnacles Desert day trip from Perth?

The most fascinating part of the Pinnacles Desert is undoubtedly the limestone pinnacles that are scattered throughout the area. There is a 4-kilometer loop that you can drive that provides you with great views of the pinnacles from various angles.

Along the 4-kilometer loop, there are many places to park so that you can get out of the vehicle, take photos and explore the area on foot.

The Nambung National Park also offers a pinnacle trail. This walk is roughly 5 kilometers and leads to a lookout point that provides picturesque views over the Indian Ocean.

As the desert is so remote, it is the ideal spot for stargazing. There are many evening tours available that offer stargazing in their itinerary.

While the desert does not have much plant life, during the springtime you’ll have the opportunity to see the beautiful desert flowers in bloom.

When is the best time to visit Pinnacles Desert?

Pinnacles Desert can be visited during any month of the year, but it is best to check the weather and choose a clear, sunny day.

Many people prefer to visit the desert at dusk or dawn, as the shadows of the pinnacles create a dramatic view over the dunes.

Between August and October, the desert flowers are in full bloom and make for stunning photographs.

Travel tips

• Protect yourself from the desert sun by bringing a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses.
• Book your Pinnacles Desert day trip in advance to guarantee your spot.
• Remember to pack a bottle of water.
• Bring your camera as there will be many amazing photo ops.