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Explore the Mysterious Landscape of The Pinnacles, Nambung National Park
Published by Dayle Parker, Writer
Country: Australia 
The Experience
The word "eerie" immediately comes to mind upon sight of The Pinnacles: a natural geological wonder located within Nambung National Park in Western Australia. The intrigue deepens as you weave your way through the huge, mysterious limestone pillars rising from the yellow sand. The yellow desert landscape, seemingly out of place in a country dominated by red earth, lends an otherworldly quality to the scene. You begin to wonder about the origin of the thousands of limestone columns looming in every direction. It's like stepping onto another planet... a planet that's only three hours drive from the city of Perth in Western Australia.
The ancient landscape of the Pinnacles Desert is a must-see natural wonder situated on the west coast of Australia. The peculiar rock formations of the Pinnacles (some of which are nearly four metres high) originated millions of years ago as seashells. Through a series of geological processes they finally emerged from the sand as the eroded remnants of a thick bed of limestone. Once hidden beneath the yellow sands of the Pinnacles Desert, the formations have been gradually uncovered by winds in an ever-changing landscape, and appear to grow from the sand like giant stone trees. The first known European recordings of the Pinnacles were found in the journals of Dutch explorers in the 1600s, although artifacts from ancient Aboriginal cultures dating back 6,000 years have been found in the region.
Just outside the town of Cervantes, and approximately 245 km north of Perth, the 17,491-hectare Nambung National Park is home not just to the fascinating Pinnacles, but as well to gorgeous beaches and coastal dune systems. There’s also plenty of native flora and fauna, including western grey kangaroos, emus, white-tailed black cockatoos and carpet pythons.
Visitors can choose either to drive through the Pinnacles on a dirt track, or walk a winding trail among the strange rocks. Truly the best way to experience this desolate, lunar-like landscape is on foot. The Pinnacles Desert Discovery visitor's centre is a good place to start, where you can find a good introduction to the powerful natural forces at work that helped to form the landscape. And though you've likely already seen The Pinnacles on many a Western Australia postcard, nothing can prepare you for the feeling of submerging your feet in the yellow sands and seeing it up close. Not to mention there are countless great photo opportunities to be found in the Pinnacles Desert, especially close to sunrise and sunset.
After spending some time marvelling at the Pinnacles, don't forget to take time out to visit Nambung National Park’s other great asset: its beautiful beaches. Try Hangover Bay for a white sandy beach with good snorkelling, swimming, windsurfing, surfing and beachcombing. Bottlenose dolphins are common, and sea lions can also be occasionally seen.
The ancient landscape of the Pinnacles Desert is a must-see natural wonder situated on the west coast of Australia. The peculiar rock formations of the Pinnacles (some of which are nearly four metres high) originated millions of years ago as seashells. Through a series of geological processes they finally emerged from the sand as the eroded remnants of a thick bed of limestone. Once hidden beneath the yellow sands of the Pinnacles Desert, the formations have been gradually uncovered by winds in an ever-changing landscape, and appear to grow from the sand like giant stone trees. The first known European recordings of the Pinnacles were found in the journals of Dutch explorers in the 1600s, although artifacts from ancient Aboriginal cultures dating back 6,000 years have been found in the region.
Just outside the town of Cervantes, and approximately 245 km north of Perth, the 17,491-hectare Nambung National Park is home not just to the fascinating Pinnacles, but as well to gorgeous beaches and coastal dune systems. There’s also plenty of native flora and fauna, including western grey kangaroos, emus, white-tailed black cockatoos and carpet pythons.
Visitors can choose either to drive through the Pinnacles on a dirt track, or walk a winding trail among the strange rocks. Truly the best way to experience this desolate, lunar-like landscape is on foot. The Pinnacles Desert Discovery visitor's centre is a good place to start, where you can find a good introduction to the powerful natural forces at work that helped to form the landscape. And though you've likely already seen The Pinnacles on many a Western Australia postcard, nothing can prepare you for the feeling of submerging your feet in the yellow sands and seeing it up close. Not to mention there are countless great photo opportunities to be found in the Pinnacles Desert, especially close to sunrise and sunset.
After spending some time marvelling at the Pinnacles, don't forget to take time out to visit Nambung National Park’s other great asset: its beautiful beaches. Try Hangover Bay for a white sandy beach with good snorkelling, swimming, windsurfing, surfing and beachcombing. Bottlenose dolphins are common, and sea lions can also be occasionally seen.
When to Go to Pinnacles Nambung National Park
The best season to visit the Pinnacles and Nambung National Park is between August and October, when the wildflowers are blooming; although, the park is open to visitors year-round.
From a photographer's standpoint, the Pinnacles are best viewed in the early morning or late afternoon. The morning light highlights the colours and shapes of the formations, and long shadows add visual drama. Wildlife spotting is also popular as there is a lot of activity.
The Pinnacles Desert Discovery visitor's centre is open every day of the year, except December 25, from 9.30a.m–4.30 p.m.
From a photographer's standpoint, the Pinnacles are best viewed in the early morning or late afternoon. The morning light highlights the colours and shapes of the formations, and long shadows add visual drama. Wildlife spotting is also popular as there is a lot of activity.
The Pinnacles Desert Discovery visitor's centre is open every day of the year, except December 25, from 9.30a.m–4.30 p.m.
Odds n' Ends
An $11.00 AUD National Park entry fee applies per vehicle.
Places to Stay Nearby
Search over 900,000 global hotel deals from over 30 merchants. Book via Expedia, Travelocity, Hotels.com, Booking.com, Priceline and the websites of popular hotel chains.
Cervantes Pinnacles Motel is centrally situated on Aragon Street, in the town of Cervantes, about 200 metres from the town centre. Cervantes is a comfortable ... 8 miles away
$160 AUD+
Redgum Village is a multi style accommodation located at Dandaragan, West Australia. If you are simply passing through Dandaragan to other destinations, a holidaying adventure, ... 37 miles away
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