Exploring The Pinnacles, Western Australia

The Pinnacles in Western Australia are a humbling reminder of how natural phenomena have existed on this planet long before we were born and will remain here for many thousands of years. If you are looking to be intrigued and enchanted then the Turquoise Coast of WA is home to one of the state’s most well known natural point of interest.   

The Pinnacles, Western Australia

The Pinnacles are located within Nambung National Park, about a three hour drive north of Perth. They are limestone formations that sprout out of the golden desert across 190 hectares.

Some are jagged, finger like protrusions over three metres in height, others are small rounded nodules. Some are reminiscent of sponge like coral you would find on the bottom of the ocean whilst scuba diving, others take on more tree-like form. The Pinnacles date back millions of years from a time when ancient sea shells were broken down into lime rich sands that were blown inland and cemented together. Source. 

Aboriginal History

According to the Nyoongar people of this region, the name “Nambung” means “crooked”. It refers to the river which flows through the park during winter.

I am particularly struck by the thought that the Noongar Aborigines viewed these limestone statues as fossilised ghosts. This sends a delicious shiver down my spine. Evidence of Aboriginal occupation has been discovered and dated to approximately 6000 years ago. Source. 

Time Your Visit

On the first day I visited The Pinnacles the sun reflected off the yellow sand and washed everything with a golden glow. We visited the main lookout point just a short walk from the visitor’s centre and took in the view. Short on time, we only explored a small walkable distance through the alien-like field of thousands of statues.

I was keen to experience this place at different times of day so that the changing light would cast a different picture. I jumped into the van of Jurien Bay Adventure Tours, who run tours to The Pinnacles at different times of the day, and drove the short distance from Jurien Bay to the national park at 5.30 in the morning.

This time we took advantage of the 4 kilometre loop track that circles through the national park. Although a sandy path through the desert, it is suitable for 2WD vehicles and I would strongly suggest driving it as it allows you to appreciate the size of the area and the different shapes, sizes and colours of the pinnacles.

We stopped at a lookout point halfway around the track and checked our watches. We were in time to view first light and then the sunrise.

Unfortunately, it was a morning of heavy cloud so first light was somewhat subdued, but it gave us time to explore some of the nearby pinnacles that looked interesting. As the light changed with the dawn so too did the hues of the pinnacles around me.

Nature’s Little Moments

As the sun rose and dappled the cloudy sky with a soft rose ink, I spotted two pink and grey galah birds sitting on top of a pinnacle.

With their heads together, they cooed gently as they groomed each other. Clearly, they had a secret nest hidden in a recess at the top of the limestone column.

Witnessing endemic wildlife is always a huge bonus of travel, and these two melted my heart with their dawn love for each other.

How To Get There

The Pinnacles are situated just off the Indian Ocean Drive, 17 kilometres from Cervantes. If you’re planning a trip up out of the city it’s worth making an overnight stay of it as there’s plenty of things to see and do in the area: from caves, sealions, wildflowers in the Spring, Mount Lesueur National Park and the small coastal towns along the highway such as Cervantes and Jurien Bay.

Have you visited The Pinnacles? What was your experience like? Do you enjoy visiting natural wonders such as these or do they not appeal? Share your thoughts with me!

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