The Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park is a spectacular destination, but it’s also surrounded by several other unique attractions that make for great day trips. Whether you’re seeking coastal beauty, sand dune adventures, or encounters with wildlife, the region around the Pinnacles offers a variety of experiences to enhance your visit. Here’s a guide to the best nearby attractions you can explore on a day trip from the Pinnacles Desert.
1. Cervantes
Distance from the Pinnacles: 20 km / 15-minute drive
Located just a short drive from the Pinnacles Desert, Cervantes is a small coastal town known for its stunning beaches, fresh seafood, and laid-back atmosphere. The town is a perfect spot to unwind after exploring the desert, with plenty of places to grab a bite to eat or relax by the ocean.
Things to Do in Cervantes:
- Visit Lake Thetis: One of only a few places in the world where you can see living stromatolites, ancient microbial life forms that are some of the Earth’s oldest. A short boardwalk trail surrounds the lake, offering views of these fascinating structures.
- Enjoy Fresh Seafood: Cervantes is famous for its rock lobster, also known as crayfish. Head to Lobster Shack, a popular seafood restaurant, for a fresh lobster meal and a tour of the local lobster processing facility.
- Relax at Thirsty Point Lookout: This peaceful beach offers soft sand and clear waters, making it a great spot for swimming or picnicking.
Best for: Seafood lovers, nature enthusiasts, and beachgoers.
Image © Tourism Western Australia
2. Jurien Bay
Distance from the Pinnacles: 45 km / 35-minute drive
Jurien Bay is a popular coastal town known for its pristine beaches, fishing spots, and marine wildlife. If you’re looking to add some adventure to your day trip, Jurien Bay is the perfect place to enjoy water sports, snorkeling, or wildlife tours.
Things to Do in Jurien Bay:
- Snorkel with Sea Lions: Jurien Bay is famous for its playful Australian sea lions. Join a sea lion snorkeling tour to swim alongside these curious creatures in their natural habitat.
- Skydive Jurien Bay: For thrill-seekers, Skydiving Jurien Bay offers one of Australia’s most scenic skydiving experiences, with stunning views of the turquoise waters and coastline as you descend onto the beach.
- Explore Sandy Cape Recreation Park: Located just north of Jurien Bay, Sandy Cape offers beautiful beaches, sand dunes, and campgrounds. It’s a great spot for swimming, fishing, and picnicking, with calm waters perfect for families.
Best for: Adventure seekers, wildlife lovers, and beach enthusiasts.
Image © Tourism Western Australia
3. Lancelin
Distance from the Pinnacles: 80 km / 1-hour drive
Lancelin is known for its massive sand dunes and is a haven for outdoor activities like sandboarding, quad biking, and 4WDing. The coastal town also offers beautiful beaches, making it a perfect spot for both adrenaline-pumping adventures and relaxation.
Things to Do in Lancelin:
- Sandboarding on the Lancelin Dunes: The Lancelin Sand Dunes are the largest in Western Australia and are ideal for sandboarding. You can rent boards locally and spend the day sliding down the dunes. For a more thrilling experience, you can also explore the dunes in a 4WD or quad bike.
- Lancelin Beach: After a day in the sand dunes, head to Lancelin Beach for a swim or relax on the soft white sand. The beach is also popular for kitesurfing and windsurfing, thanks to its consistent winds.
- Fishing: Lancelin is a well-known fishing destination. Cast a line off the beach or join a fishing charter for a chance to catch snapper, whiting, and other local fish.
Best for: Adventure sports, sandboarding, and beach activities.
Image © Tourism Western Australia
4. Yanchep National Park
Distance from the Pinnacles: 130 km / 1.5-hour drive
On your way back to Perth from the Pinnacles, a stop at Yanchep National Park is well worth the detour. This scenic park offers a mix of natural beauty, wildlife, and cultural experiences, making it an ideal day trip for families or nature lovers.
Things to Do in Yanchep National Park:
- Koala Boardwalk: One of the highlights of Yanchep National Park is its Koala Boardwalk, where you can see koalas lounging in eucalyptus trees. It’s one of the few places near Perth where you can view these iconic animals in a natural setting.
- Cave Tours: The park is home to a network of limestone caves. Join a guided tour of Crystal Cave to explore its fascinating rock formations and learn about the region’s geological history.
- Aboriginal Cultural Experiences: Learn about the Noongar people, the traditional custodians of the land, through cultural tours that showcase Indigenous art, dance, and storytelling.
Best for: Families, wildlife lovers, and cultural experiences.
Image © Tourism Western Australia
5. Lesueur National Park
Distance from the Pinnacles: 55 km / 45-minute drive
Lesueur National Park is a must-visit for nature lovers, particularly during the wildflower season from August to October, when the park bursts into color with more than 900 species of wildflowers. It’s also a haven for birdwatchers and hikers, with several trails that showcase the park’s biodiversity.
Things to Do in Lesueur National Park:
- Wildflower Viewing: Lesueur National Park is one of Western Australia’s premier wildflower destinations, with species like banksia, grevillea, and kangaroo paw carpeting the landscape in spring. Take a scenic drive or walk along one of the park’s trails to see these beautiful blooms.
- Birdwatching: The park is home to over 100 species of birds, including the rare Carnaby’s black cockatoo. Bring binoculars for a chance to spot these and other native bird species.
- Lesueur Walk Trail: The Lesueur Walk Trail is a moderate hike that takes you to the summit of Mount Lesueur, offering panoramic views of the surrounding park and coastline.
Best for: Wildflower enthusiasts, birdwatchers, and hikers.
Image © Tourism Western Australia
6. Stockyard Gully National Park
Distance from the Pinnacles: 80 km / 1.5-hour drive
Stockyard Gully National Park is a hidden gem known for its limestone caves and peaceful bushland. The park’s main attraction is the Stockyard Gully Cave, an ancient limestone tunnel that was once used as a hideout by early settlers and stockmen.
Things to Do in Stockyard Gully National Park:
- Explore Stockyard Gully Cave: The Stockyard Gully Cave is an easily accessible cave with a sandy floor that stretches for about 300 meters. It’s a great spot for an easy, family-friendly adventure. Don’t forget to bring a flashlight to explore the darker parts of the cave.
- Bushwalking: The surrounding area offers scenic bushwalking trails where you can enjoy the park’s tranquil environment and observe native wildlife, such as kangaroos and wildflowers in bloom during the spring.
Best for: Cave exploration, bushwalking, and family-friendly adventures.
Final Thoughts
The Pinnacles Desert offers more than just stunning limestone formations — its surrounding area is filled with diverse attractions that make for exciting day trips. Whether you’re seeking coastal beauty, wildlife encounters, adrenaline-pumping activities, or serene nature walks, there’s something nearby for every type of traveler.