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  1. Home
  2. Nambung National Park
  3. Pinnacles Desert Lookout and Drive

Pinnacles Desert Lookout and Drive

We recognise and acknowledge Yuat people as the traditional owners of Nambung National Park.

Thousands of huge limestone pillars rise from a stark landscape of yellow sand to form one of Australia’s most intriguing landscapes.

No dogs

Park entry fee

Pinnacles Desert Lookout and Drive
Radha Deepchand

About this place

Some pinnacles reach up to 3.5m tall. Some are jagged, sharp-edged columns, rising to a point, while others resemble tombstones. There are features that provide clues to the origin of the Pinnacles which can be seen by the astute observer. For example, many pinnacles display cross-bedding structures, where the angle of deposition of the sand changes very abruptly. This indicates that the dunes, from which the limestone bed was formed, was originally laid down by the wind. Some pinnacles have a mushroom-like shape, due to remnants of a calcrete capping. The mushroom shape has formed because the capping is harder than the limestone below it and therefore weathers at a slower rate.

Parking bays are provided at various points along a one-way drive for those wishing to stop and explore the fascinating Pinnacles Desert on foot.

Please treat the pinnacles with respect and never climb on these fragile structures.

 

Back to Nambung National Park

Safety information

Plan when to visit. Consider travelling with a personal location beacon (PLB). In the event you need to be rescued it could save your life!

Gallery

Image
Pinnacles Drive
Pinnacles Desert Lookout and Drive
Bronwyn Wells

Image
unusual rock formations at the Pinnacles Lookout and Drive
Pinnacles Desert Lookout and Drive
Radha Deepchand

Image
driving on the trail around the pinnacles
Pinnacles Desert Lookout and Drive
Tourism WA

Image
Pinnacles landscape with clouds and a blue sky
Pinnacles Desert Lookout and Drive
Tourism WA

Image
view of unusual pointed rock formations in a dune landscape
Pinnacles Desert Lookout and Drive
Amanda Smith

Image
close up of an unusual rock formation in a desert landscape with the ocean in the far distance
Pinnacles Desert Lookout and Drive
Amanda Smith

Image
two people walking around unusual rock formations in a dune landscape
Pinnacles Desert Lookout and Drive
Tourism WA

Image
two people standing on yellow sand surrounded by tall yellow rock structures coming up from the sand
Pinnacles Desert Lookout and Drive
Tourism WA

The Pinnacles

Facilities

Toilet

Plants, wildlife and fungi

Visit the Atlas of Living Australia for a list of species recorded within a 5km radius of Pinnacles Desert Lookout and Drive.

Traditional Owners

We recognise and acknowledge Yuat people as the traditional owners of Nambung National Park.

Need to know

No dogs

No pets allowed

Park entry fees apply

Standard park entry fees apply for Nambung National Park.

Toilets

Toilets are available.

Park office / Contact

Pinnacles Desert Discovery Nambung National Park

(08) 9652 7913 
pinnacles@dbca.wa.gov.au

Location

Australia's Coral Coast
Jurien Bay

Trails

Pinnacles Desert Lookout and Drive Trail, Nambung NP

Pinnacles Desert Lookout and Drive Trail

4.3km
View this trail

Acknowledgement of Country

The Government of Western Australia acknowledges the traditional owners throughout Western Australia and their continuing connection to the land, waters and community. We pay our respects to all members of the Aboriginal communities and their cultures; and to Elders both past and present.

Connect with us

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Main navigation

  • Home
  • Explore WA's parks

    All parks

    Park Finder Map

    Attractions and places to visit

    Trails

    Regions of WA

    • Australia's South West
    • Australia's Coral Coast
    • Australia's North West
    • Australia's Golden Outback
    • Destination Perth
  • Experiences
  • Activities
  • Know before you go

    Know before you go

    Get the practical ‘know how’ to adventure into Western Australia’s national parks confidently, responsibly and safely.

    Safety

    Natural area hazards

    Plan your activity

    Be prepared

    Travelling in remote locations

    Bushfires and prescribed burns

    Bushwalking safety

    Camping safety

    Mountain biking safety

    Swimming safety

    Adventure safety

    Beaches and coastal areas

    Rivers, lakes and lagoons

    Fishing, boating, paddling, snorkelling and diving

    Access friendly places

    Access to nature north of Perth

    Access to nature south of Perth

    Access to trails

    Caring for our parks

    Marine conservation

    Fees

    Park entry fees

    Park passes

    Camping fees

    Attraction fees

    Other fees

    Concessions

    Fee waivers

    Camping

    Where and when to camp

    Campground facilities

    Campfires, firewood and cooking appliances

    Powered campsites and generators

    Group camping

    Online campsite booking terms and conditions

    Current campfire conditions

    Campgrounds availability for non-bookable campgrounds

    When to go

    Adventure activities

    Drones in parks

    Tours and accommodation

    Conducting an event in a park

    Pets in parks

    Getting around

    Park visitor guides, maps and itineraries

    Park visitor guides

    Aboriginal cultural heritage in parks

  • Get inspired
  • Where to stay
  • Park alerts

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