The Pinnacles
Limestone Spires in a Yellow Desert
schedule 1 min read / Updated Jun 2026
Thousands of weathered limestone columns rising from the yellow sand of Nambung National Park, two hours north of Perth. Formed over tens of thousands of years from the seashell remains and plant roots that built the underlying limestone bed.
The Pinnacles are a field of thousands of weathered limestone columns rising from the yellow sand of Nambung National Park, two hours north of Perth. Most are between one and three metres tall, but the largest reach roughly 3.5 metres. They are the eroded cores of an ancient limestone bed that formed from windblown shell sand cementing together over tens of thousands of years.
The origin of the Pinnacles is still debated. The most widely accepted theory is that plant roots from a forest of trees, growing on top of the calcified dunes, created vertical channels in the soft limestone. After the trees died and the soil washed away, the columns of harder rock were left standing. Other theories suggest they may be the remains of ancient termite mounds or stalagmites.
Nambung National Park covers 178 square kilometres of coastal heath and dunes. There is a short loop drive through the Pinnacles desert and a separate walking track. Sunrise and sunset are the most photogenic times. The wildflower season from August to October adds colour to the surrounding heath.
Tourist locations
Places to visit in The Pinnacles.
6 locations to explore
Hangover Bay
Sheltered beach, marine park waters
$17 per vehicle (Nambung National Park entry)
Full guide arrow_forwardLake Thetis Stromatolites
Living fossils, ancient lake
Free
Full guide arrow_forwardPinnacles Desert Discovery Centre
Geology and culture interpreted
$17 per vehicle (park entry, includes centre)
Full guide arrow_forwardSea Lion Charters Jurien Bay
Swim with wild sea lions
From $115 per person
Full guide arrow_forwardThe Lobster Shack
Rock lobster straight from the sea
Factory tour $15 adult, $10 senior, $7.50 child
Full guide arrow_forwardThe Pinnacles Desert
Ancient limestone pillars, vast desert
$17 per vehicle
Full guide arrow_forwardScenic views
Lookouts near The Pinnacles.
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Attribution
Sources & credits
Content (1)
Images (3)
- 00 1737 Nambung National Park - Westaustralien.jpg · W. Bulach · CC BY-SA 4.0
- 1184 Nambung National Park.jpg · W. Bulach · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Nambung National Park The Pinnacles.JPG · BoundaryRider · CC BY-SA 3.0
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