The Pinnacles are an absolute must-visit for all grey nomads heading up or down the west coast of Australia on the fully-sealed Indian Ocean Drive … and with good reason.
Natural limestone structures of varying sizes and shapes create an other-worldly landscape over a huge area.
Located in Nambung National Park near the village of Cervantes, a couple of hours north or Perth, the pillars – some of which stand 3.5 metres tall – have long left visitors awe-struck. Indeed, legend has it that when Dutch sailors first came to the area, they thought they had discovered a lost, ancient city.
Covering an area of nearly 200 hectares, the Pinnacles desert contains thousands of these ‘mysterious’ formations.
In fact, geologists say the pinnacles started to be created after sea shells were broken down into lime-rich sands long ago and then blown inland to form dunes.
WA’s National Parks and Wildlife Service says some of the pinnacles are jagged, sharp-edged columns rising to a point, while others resemble tombstones. It says that other pinnacles have a mushroom-like shape due to remnants of a calcrete capping. The mushroom shape was apparently formed because the capping is harder than the limestone below it and therefore weathers at a slower rate.
The area is very much set up for visitors to explore at their own pace and in their own way. There is a 4.5-kilometre drive trail with has many parking bays along the route to allow people to stop and stroll for a bit.
Caravans and trailers can be left in the car park as the loop is not suitable for towing. There is also a 1.2-kilometre Desert View Walk Trail which starts from the Pinnacles Desert Discovery Centre and leads to the Pinnacles View Lookout.
From here, in the desert, visitors can actually see across the dunes to the ocean some six kilometres away.
The Discovery Centre itself is fascinating and offers a great insight into the history and geology of this truly unique area.
Another great way to truly get an appreciaton of this staggering landscape is to take a scenic helicopted flight over it.
While the pinnacles are truly amazing to see in the daylight, a visit after dark adds another thrilling element to the experience. A lack of light pollution here makes the views of the stars and constellations sparkling above the ancient pillars truly unforgettable.
Entry to the 17,000-hectare Nambung National Park costs $15 per vehicle, or $8 for concession card holders. Away from the Pinnacles themselves, the park, which is rich in birdlife and wildlife, is well worth exploring … particularly in wildflower season.
And, at Lake Thetis, visitors can take a walk above some of the Earth’s oldest living fossils … the thrombolites. While there is no camping in the national park, there are some great options at caravan parks in nearby Cervantes and further south in the delightful town of Lancelin.
Both places make great bases for grey nomads to explore the Pinnacles … and the many other attractions in this wonderful region.
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