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The Pinnacles
The Pinnacles · Nambung National Park, Western Australia
Thousands of limestone spires in the desert, like the surface of the moon
Know before you go
- Don't climb the pillars (they're fragile)
- don't leave the track (vehicles can get stuck in the sand)
- keep quiet when stargazing at night.
This article is Not yet verified. Please check official announcements for prices, opening hours and dates.
Culture
Culture & customs
Background
Limestone pillars up to 3.5 m tall, formed from shell deposits tens of thousands of years ago, scattered across yellow desert like alien ruins. Legends of the Indigenous Yued people and the golden changes of the pillars at sunrise and sunset fill the place with mystery; at night the Milky Way arches over the pillars — one of the most stunning starry skies in Western Australia.
Local customs
- The national park requires a pass
- bring plenty of water and sun protection in the desert
- follow the marked route (you can drive through).
Religion & beliefs
- Yued land, and the pillars are linked to Indigenous legends
- be respectful — don't climb them or take stones.
Etiquette
Etiquette & taboos
Rules that apply here
Australian beaches: swim between the red and yellow flags
- Swim only between the red and yellow flags where lifeguards are on duty
- If you don't know the conditions, ask a lifeguard
- Swimming at unpatrolled beaches or outside the flags
Outside the flags there may be rip currents, and lifeguards cannot reach you in time.
Not yet verifiedSource: Surf Life Saving Australia: beach safety signs
Uluru: climbing is not allowed
- Walk the base track around Uluru and learn about Anangu culture
- Climbing Uluru
The climb closed permanently on 26 October 2019; climbing breaks the federal Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act and is punished.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park: climb closure
Entering Australia: food, plant and animal products must be declared
- Truthfully declare all food (even small, packaged snacks), plants and animal products on your arrival card
- If in doubt, declare it
- Bringing fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, seeds or wooden souvenirs without declaring them
You can be issued an infringement notice; your visa may be cancelled, you may be refused entry and barred from returning for up to 3 years.
Not yet verifiedSource: Australian Department of Agriculture: travelling to Australia
Don’t DON'T
- Don't climb the pillars (they're fragile)
- don't leave the track (vehicles can get stuck in the sand)
- keep quiet when stargazing at night.
Locals appreciate DO
Western Australians recommend going at sunset (when the pillars turn golden), and appreciate visitors who stargaze quietly without high beams.
Plan your visit
Practical info
| Best time | Most beautiful in the August–October wildflower season, and sunset is the most stunning |
|---|
Travel tips
- Most beautiful in the August–October wildflower season, and sunset is the most stunning. Entry is about AUD 15 per vehicle
- it's about 2.5 hours' drive from Perth
- combine with sandboarding at Lancelin for a day trip.
Eat nearby
What to eat nearby
There's no food inside the Pinnacles — eat in Cervantes
Must-try
- Western rock lobster
- Fish and chips
- Seafood
Western rock lobster (a speciality of places such as the Lobster Shack), fish and chips, seafood
| Where to eat | Lobster restaurants and cafés in Cervantes, restaurants in Jurien Bay |
|---|---|
| Dining etiquette | Leave no trace in the national park; don't climb the rocks or feed wildlife |
| Typical price per person | AUD 30–60 ≈ CNY 141–282 (more for lobster) |
| Tips | Lobster season (November–June) is freshest; if driving, bring food and water (there are no supplies along the way). |
Prices are typical rates as of October 2026, not exact quotes; CNY equivalents are approximate where exchange rates fluctuate.
WestOz · CC BY-SA 3.0
Photos
Photos
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Michael_Spencer from Perth, WA, Australia · CC BY 2.0
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badjonni from Adelaide, Australia · CC BY-SA 2.0
W. Bulach · CC BY-SA 4.0
Sources & verification notes
Compiled from Parks and Wildlife Service WA official information
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