Pinnacles North of Perth
 

Has anyone been to the Pinnacles Desert near Cervantes, North of Perth? It sounds interesting, but my Lonely Planet guide doesn't talk about it that much.

Is it worth driving to? What kinds of things can we see and/or do?

Thanks,
Dave.

The Pinnacles are interesting to visit if you are going to be in that region but not worth driving 250 km from Perth just for that purpose. The nearest town is Cervantes.
I'm trying to remember what makes the formations - it could be calcified trees??? Perhaps some one from WA will know.

G'day. The Pinnacles are limestone pillars.
Some call the drive there long and somewhat boring ( I don't).
However I always use a 4WD and go one way via Lancelin, driving along the beach and through the huge sand dunes.
Blinding white sand, high on silica and it feels like you are walking on fresh crisp Powder Snow.
Beware and don't drive along the beach during rising tide as in places the beach is quite narrow.
Mike

OzMike,

Perhaps there are 4WD tours from Perth to the Pinnacles? That would be perfect.

Dave.

Well worth a visit, but only if in the neighbourhood.

The following I borrowed from the Australia.com website





Thousands of huge limestone pillars rising from the shifting yellow sands make a day trip to the Pinnacles, 245 kilometres north of Perth, well worth the effort. These strange formations - some jagged, rising to a point; others more symmetrical - are in the Red Desert area of Nambung National Park.

Easy park access
The Pinnacles are an easy day trip from Perth. The turn off to the park is on Cervantes Road, which runs off the Brand Highway. Easy. Once there the possibilities are many. more info >







From shells to spires
The raw material for the limestone of the Pinnacles came from seashells. Crushed into sand and blown inland by the wind, forming dunes with a resilient surface that slowly eroded. The Pinnacles today are the harder limestone columns that remained.

Wildlife habitats
On the coastal heathlands and open woodlands of Nambung National Park, western grey kangaroos, wallabies, possums, lizards, emus and white-tailed black cockatoos are often seen. Sometimes the less-common black-shouldered kite can be spotted hunting.


Beautiful Nambung
Nambung National Park, spanning 17,487 hectares, has beautiful beaches, coastal dune systems, shady groves and low heathland rich in flowering plants. Wildflower season is spring (August to October), creating a memorable spectacle. more info >


Worth a walk
At the Pinnacles, there are two- to three-hour walks to desert areas marked on the park brochure. They're not signposted, so seek directions from a ranger. Carry a litre of water per person, wear sturdy footwear, a hat, and maybe take a compass.

Hi Dave,
yes there are Day Tours from Perth.
Go to www.google.com.au and search for Pinnacles Desert Tours.
That should bring up quite a few operators for such tours.

You don't say when you are planning to visit. If it's during our spring then select a tour that also features wildflowers.
Enjoy, Mike