Perth to Pinnacles drive
Cervantes, the gateway to the Pinnacles, is about two hours north of Perth via Indian Ocean Drive. Nambung National Park has a short drive trail through the desert, but entry fees apply and the hire agreement should allow the road surface you intend to use.
Updated
Key facts
- Perth to Cervantes
- About two hours via Indian Ocean Drive
- Pinnacles location
- Within Nambung National Park near Cervantes
- Desert driving trail
- About 4.5 km through the Pinnacles landscape
- Walking option
- The Desert View Walk Trail is 1.5 km
- Park entry
- Standard Nambung National Park entry fees apply
- Perth Airport pickup
- Rental counters are in T1 Arrivals or the baggage reclaim areas of T1 Domestic and T3/T4
Perth to Pinnacles Desert, Nambung National Park
about 2 hours to Cervantes
Cervantes
The town is the gateway to the Pinnacles, about two hours from Perth.
Pinnacles Desert Discovery
Nambung National Park entry fees apply before exploring the desert.
Desert drive trail
A 4.5 km drive trail winds through the formations.
- Pinnacles Desert, Nambung National Park
Can the Pinnacles be a day trip from Perth?
Yes. Cervantes is about two hours north of Perth on Indian Ocean Drive, and Nambung National Park makes a day trip from Perth. A stop in town is useful before entering the park.
Do you drive through the Pinnacles?
Nambung has a drive trail of about 4.5 km through the limestone formations and a separate 1.5 km Desert View walking trail. Choose the walking trail if your hire agreement does not cover the drive surface.
What does Nambung entry require?
Nambung National Park has a standard vehicle entry charge or accepts a valid park pass. Check the current entry terms before leaving Perth; this cost sits outside the rental price.
Where should you collect the car?
Perth Airport has car hire counters in the T1 International public Arrivals hall, the T1 Domestic baggage area and the T3/T4 baggage area. Confirm the terminal on the booking, then check Main Roads WA for any closure affecting Indian Ocean Drive.
What is a sensible order for the day?
Drive north on Indian Ocean Drive to Cervantes, then visit the Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park. The park has a discovery centre, a 4.5 km driving trail and a separate walking option. Lake Thetis is on the approach into Cervantes and has a 200 m accessible boardwalk, so it makes a short stop rather than another long drive.
Keep the desert drive trail separate from the highway drive. If your rental agreement excludes its surface, use the walking trail and lookout instead. The park entry charge is a separate cost, and a valid park pass covers it, which may suit an itinerary that includes other WA parks.
Can you add Jurien Bay or make it an overnight trip?
Jurien Bay is farther along Indian Ocean Drive than Cervantes. Add it only if the Pinnacles visit leaves enough daylight for the return to Perth; otherwise overnight near Cervantes and make the coastal stop the next day. For a simple Pinnacles day trip, the desert and Lake Thetis already give two distinct stops without converting the outing into a long regional loop.
Compare cars at Perth Airport
Prices are shown in Australian dollars. Check the pickup point and what the agreement allows on the roads in this guide before you book.
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Questions people ask
How long is Perth to the Pinnacles?
Cervantes, the gateway town, is about two hours from Perth via Indian Ocean Drive.
Can a hire car drive into the Pinnacles?
Nambung has a 4.5 km desert drive trail, but whether your rental car may use that surface depends on its agreement.
Is there a walking alternative?
Yes. The Desert View Walk Trail is 1.5 km.
Is there an entry fee at the Pinnacles?
Standard Nambung National Park entry fees apply unless covered by a valid pass.
Is Lake Thetis near the Pinnacles?
Yes. It is on the approach into Cervantes, with a 200 m accessible boardwalk for viewing the thrombolites.
Can I see the Pinnacles without driving the desert trail?
Yes. Nambung has a walking trail and the Discovery Centre as alternatives to the drive loop.