Things to Do at The Pinnacles WA – Desert, Lookouts & Visitor Guide

The Pinnacles are one of Western Australia’s most recognisable natural attractions, known for thousands of limestone formations rising from yellow sand within Nambung National Park.

This guide highlights the best things to do at The Pinnacles WA, including the Pinnacles Desert, scenic drives, walking areas, Cervantes, Lake Thetis, nearby beaches and Coral Coast day trips.

Quick Answer:

Popular things to do at The Pinnacles include exploring the Pinnacles Desert, driving through Nambung National Park, visiting Cervantes, seeing Lake Thetis, stopping at Hangover Bay and combining the area with nearby Coral Coast attractions.

Top Attractions at The Pinnacles

Pinnacles Desert

The Pinnacles Desert is the main attraction and features thousands of limestone pillars spread across a striking sandy landscape.

Nambung National Park

Nambung National Park protects the Pinnacles Desert along with coastal dunes, beaches, bushland and wildlife habitat.

Pinnacles Desert Drive

The desert drive allows visitors to experience the landscape from a vehicle while stopping at viewing points and photo areas along the route.

Pinnacles Walking Areas

Short walking areas allow visitors to explore the formations up close and view the desert from different angles.

Cervantes

Cervantes is the closest town to The Pinnacles and provides accommodation, food, beaches and visitor services.

Nearby Natural Attractions

  • Lake Thetis — coastal lake near Cervantes known for stromatolites and thrombolites.
  • Hangover Bay — beach and picnic area within Nambung National Park.
  • Thirsty Point — coastal lookout and beach area near Cervantes.
  • Cervantes Beach — relaxed town beach and foreshore area.
  • Jurien Bay direction — beaches, marine park areas and coastal tourism north of Cervantes.

Family-Friendly Things to Do

  • Explore the Pinnacles Desert.
  • Drive the desert loop through Nambung National Park.
  • Take photos among the limestone formations.
  • Visit Cervantes for food and beach access.
  • Stop at Lake Thetis.
  • Visit Hangover Bay for a coastal picnic.
  • Combine the trip with nearby Coral Coast towns.

Best Areas to Explore

  • Pinnacles Desert — main limestone formation area.
  • Nambung National Park — desert, dunes, beaches and bushland.
  • Cervantes — nearest town and visitor base.
  • Lake Thetis area — natural and geological interest.
  • Hangover Bay — beach and picnic area.
  • Coral Coast route — road-trip connection between Perth, Cervantes and Jurien Bay.

Day Trips from The Pinnacles

Cervantes

Cervantes is the easiest nearby town to visit and is useful for meals, accommodation, beaches and access to Lake Thetis.

Jurien Bay

Jurien Bay is a popular coastal destination north of Cervantes, known for beaches, marine activities and sea lion experiences.

Lancelin

Lancelin is a coastal town south of The Pinnacles, known for beaches, dunes and road-trip stops.

Perth

The Pinnacles can be visited from Perth as part of a longer day trip or overnight Coral Coast itinerary.

Suggested One-Day Pinnacles Itinerary

Start with the Pinnacles Desert and allow time for the scenic drive, walking areas and photography.

After visiting the desert, continue to Cervantes for food, the foreshore and Lake Thetis, then consider Hangover Bay or a longer drive toward Jurien Bay.

Related Pinnacles Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What are The Pinnacles WA best known for?
    The Pinnacles are known for thousands of limestone formations rising from the desert landscape within Nambung National Park.
  • What are the best things to do at The Pinnacles?
    Popular things to do include exploring the Pinnacles Desert, driving through Nambung National Park, walking among the formations and visiting nearby Cervantes.
  • Is The Pinnacles worth visiting?
    Yes. The Pinnacles are one of Western Australia’s most iconic natural attractions and a popular Coral Coast destination.
  • How long do you need at The Pinnacles?
    Many visitors spend one to three hours in the main desert area, while a longer visit allows time for Cervantes, Lake Thetis and nearby beaches.
  • Can you visit The Pinnacles from Perth?
    Yes. The Pinnacles can be visited from Perth as a long day trip or as part of an overnight Coral Coast itinerary.
  • What town is closest to The Pinnacles?
    Cervantes is the closest town and is commonly used for food, accommodation and visitor services.

This page is provided for general informational purposes only. Attraction access, park conditions, road conditions, weather, opening hours and visitor information may change without notice. Always verify current details with official sources before travelling.