The Pinnacles are striking limestone pillars that rise from the golden sands of Nambung National Park in Western Australia. Julie and I were heading north along the Indian Ocean Drive (part of the Coral Coast route), approximately 200km out of Perth. With Exmouth at the northwest tip of Australia as our ultimate goal, the park served as the perfect first stop on our adventure. Located roughly halfway between Perth and Kalbarri, this site promised a truly unique landscape—and it did not disappoint.
Ancient Spires
The Pinnacles Desert features thousands of these stunning formations, estimated to be between 25,000 and 30,000 years old. They were created as the sea receded, leaving behind shell deposits that eventually solidified into limestone. We purchased a Western Australia Park Pass at the gate and navigated the sandy loop in our Subaru Outback rental. Despite numerous warning signs about the soft terrain, our vehicle handled the sandy road with ease.
A Surreal Stroll
Driving and walking through this otherworldly terrain, we marveled at the distinct shapes and sizes of the pillars jutting from the sand. While many are about 1 meter (3 feet) tall, some tower up to 3.5 or even 5 meters (11–16 feet). These thousands of pillars have been weathered and sculpted by coastal winds over millennia. Wandering through the stones, I was struck by the profound silence, broken only by the whistling wind and the soft rustle of shifting sand.
Coastal Colors
Though the park is adjacent to the Indian Ocean, my camera couldn’t quite capture the breathtaking contrast between the vibrant desert and the nearby azure waters. The warm, golden tones of the sand and the pale limestone pillars stood out beautifully against the deep blue of the sky.
Nambung National Park is truly a one-of-a-kind destination that feels more like a scene from a science fiction movie than a typical desert.
Traveler’s Tips
- Golden Hour Photography – The best times for photography are sunrise and sunset. Low-angled light creates long, dramatic shadows that highlight the textures of the limestone pillars against the glowing golden sand. Early morning visits also offer the benefit of fewer crowds and cooler temperatures.
- Astro-Photography – Because the park has minimal light pollution, it is a premier spot for stargazing. Many photographers stay after dusk to capture the Milky Way arched over the eerie landscape.
- Nearby Stop: Cervantes – Just 20 minutes north of the park, the fishing town of Cervantes is famous for its Lobster Shack, where you can enjoy fresh Western Rock Lobster.
- Hangover Bay – Located within Nambung National Park, this is a great spot for a coastal picnic or a quick swim to see the contrast of the turquoise Indian Ocean.
- Lancelin Sand Dunes – If you have time on the drive back to Perth, stop at the Lancelin Sand Dunes for sandboarding or 4WD adventures on massive white peaks
