With thousands of limestone spires rising out of the desert sands, the Pinnacles WA located in Nambung National Park in Western Australia offers a one-of-a-kind landscape that is both eerie and beautiful. Visiting the Pinnacles WA with kids is a must-see for any nature lover, with these fantastic, unique and otherworldly geological formations sure to fascinate the whole family.
We visited in mid-summer. It was very hot, so an early morning or late afternoon visit is recommended to avoid the heat that seems to intensify during the middle of the day. You will need footwear so you don’t burn your feet, and I highly recommend a hat and sunscreen.
What we did find was an incredible landscape that we were able to explore on foot. The kids love spotting emu poo (it never fails to surprise me what they will find interesting), the various birds and reptiles, and noting which spire was the tallest,
How Were the Pinnacles Formed?
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The Pinnacles are thought to have been formed around 30,000 years ago. The limestone spires were created by the erosion of an ancient sea bed, revealing the skeletons of millions of tiny marine organisms that had settled there around 25,000 to 30,000 years ago.
The erosion caused by wind and water gradually shaped the limestone into the thousands of spires that can be seen today. As the sea receded, the area became a desert, leaving the spires standing in the sand. If you look closely, you can see small items captured in the limestone. The kids loved pointing these out as we looked closely at many of the spires.
What Do the Pinnacles Look Like Today?
With thousands of limestone pillars stretching across the Pinnacles Desert, the kids will no doubt find these absolutely fascinating to explore. No single spire is alike, with some quite small and others reaching over 3.5 metres in height. Some resemble tombstones, others look like church steeples, some look like mushrooms, whilst others are plain curiosities.
Whilst you can not touch the pinnacles as the oils in our skin can lead to their degradation, if you get up close you can spot all kinds of things imprinted in the limestone.
Driving Around the Pinnacles WA
We took the self-guided tour of the Pinnacles. Whilst not sealed, the 4.5 km driving trail that meanders through the limestone structures, appears to be graded regularly and was easily accessible in the small Mitsubishi 2WD SUV that we had hired.
The circuit is a one-way drive and there is no overtaking, however, there are parking bays spread across the drive so you can park, hop out of your car and explore the Pinnacles Desert on foot.
Aboriginal Significance
The Pinnacles have cultural significance for the local Aboriginal people, particularly the Noongar people. The Noongar people have a spiritual connection to the land and the Pinnacles, which they refer to as “Kulju”, hold a special significance for them.
The Pinnacles are considered a sacred place where ceremonies, rituals, and storytelling have been passed down for generations. The area is also a significant source of food and medicine for the Aboriginal people, with the surrounding bushland providing resources such as yams, bush tomatoes, and bush medicine.
It’s important to note that this is a sacred site for the Aboriginal people and should be respected and treated with reverence. There are certain areas that are off-limits to visitors. Visitors should be mindful of this and respect the cultural significance of the Pinnacles to the local Aboriginal people.
What to See and Do
The main attraction at the Pinnacles is, of course, the spires themselves. On entry, you will arrive at a boom gate where you will pay for your access ticket. Make sure you grab a map at the same time.
Your first stop needs to be the Pinnacles Desert Discovery Centre as it offers interactive exhibits and information about the unique flora and fauna of the area, providing you with the information you need to make sense of the space as you move through it.
Visitors can take a self-guided walk through the formations, or take a guided tour for a more in-depth look at the geology and history of the area.
In addition to the Pinnacles, there are also several other things to see and do in the area. The nearby town of Cervantes is a popular spot for fishing and crabbing, and there are also several beautiful beaches nearby for swimming and sunbathing.
When to Visit
The best time to visit the Pinnacles is during the cooler months of the year, from April to October. The summer months can be extremely hot, and the park can get quite crowded. However, we braved the weather in mid-summer and survived, so you can do it!
The Pinnacles Desert Discovery Centre offers a range of refreshments and souvenirs, so you really don’t need to bring much with you.
The Pinnacles offers a one-of-a-kind landscape that is both eerie and beautiful. Whether you’re a nature lover, a photographer, or just looking for a unique and interesting place to visit, the Pinnacles are sure to impress.
Getting There
The Pinnacles are located about two and a half hours north of Perth, the capital of Western Australia. The best way to get there is by car, as the park is not serviced by public transportation. There is a large parking area at the park entrance, and from there it is a short walk to the Pinnacles themselves.
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