The Pinnacles Desert is one of Western Australia’s most extraordinary natural attractions. Thousands of ancient limestone pillars rising from golden sand in Nambung National Park create a landscape that looks unlike anywhere else on earth. It makes for one of the best day trips or overnight getaways from Perth, and the drive up the coast to reach it is worth the journey in its own right.
This guide covers everything you need to plan your Pinnacles trip by hire car from Perth. Burswood Car Rentals has been helping Perth visitors and locals get on the road for over 42 years, with no hidden fees and RAC roadside assistance included on every rental.
Hire a Car from Burswood Car Rentals for Your Pinnacles Day TripFrom $25/day. No hidden fees. RAC roadside assistance. Near Perth Airport. Call (08) 9362 4777. |
The Drive: Distance and Time
The Pinnacles are located in Nambung National Park, approximately 245 kilometres north of Perth. The most direct route is via the Brand Highway (Indian Ocean Drive is the more scenic alternative along the coast, adding around 30 to 40 minutes to the journey). Driving time from Perth is approximately 2.5 to 3 hours each way without stops.
| Route | Distance | Drive time | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brand Highway (direct) | ~245km | ~2.5 hours | Inland route, more direct, quicker |
| Indian Ocean Drive (coastal) | ~270km | ~3 to 3.5 hours | Scenic coastal route, passes Lancelin, recommended for the return leg |
What to Do at the Pinnacles
Pinnacles Lookout Drive
A 4-kilometre one-way sealed loop road winds through the heart of the Pinnacles formation, allowing you to drive slowly through the limestone pillars and stop at designated pull-off areas for photographs. The loop takes about 45 minutes to an hour if you stop frequently. This is the main Pinnacles experience and it is accessible to all hire car types, including standard sedans.
Walking trails
There is a short walking trail through the Pinnacles formation that allows you to get closer to the limestone pillars than the road allows. The trail is flat and takes approximately 30 minutes at a relaxed pace. Sturdy footwear is recommended.
Pinnacles Desert Discovery Centre
The visitor centre at the entrance to the Pinnacles includes displays on the geological formation of the limestone pillars, the history of the area, and local wildlife. Entry to the centre is free with your park pass.
Entry Fees and Park Passes
Nambung National Park is a Western Australian national park and requires a park entry fee per vehicle. A standard day pass can be purchased at the park entry gate (card payment accepted) or in advance through the Parks and Wildlife Service of Western Australia (parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au). A WA Holiday Parks Pass or annual pass provides entry to all WA national parks for 12 months and represents good value if you plan to visit multiple parks during your trip.
The Town of Cervantes: Where to Stop
The small coastal town of Cervantes is approximately 3 kilometres from the Pinnacles entrance and is the best base for refreshments, fuel, and a short stop. Cervantes has:
- Fuel stations and a small supermarket for supplies
- Several cafes and restaurants including seafood options featuring local rock lobster
- The Lobster Shack: a popular attraction offering tours of a working rock lobster processing facility and a restaurant with local lobster meals; bookings recommended during school holidays and peak season
What to See on the Way: Lancelin
If you take the Indian Ocean Drive route on the return trip, Lancelin is worth a stop. Located approximately 130km north of Perth, Lancelin is known for its white sand dunes that extend inland from the coast. The dunes are accessible from the town and are popular with sandboarders. It is a good mid-trip break on the return journey.
| 💡 Visit early morning or late afternoon: The Pinnacles are at their most photogenic and most comfortable early in the morning (before 10am) or in the late afternoon (after 4pm). Midday visits in summer can be very hot, and the light is harsh for photography. Early visits also mean fewer fellow travellers in your photos. If you plan a day trip, leaving Perth by 7am puts you at the Pinnacles in the best morning light. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a standard hire car do the Pinnacles loop drive?
Yes. The Pinnacles Lookout Drive is a sealed road and is suitable for any standard hire car. A four-wheel-drive vehicle is not required for the Pinnacles experience. All vehicles in the Burswood Car Rentals fleet are suitable for the Pinnacles day trip on the sealed road.
Is it worth staying overnight in Cervantes?
If you want to catch the early morning light at the Pinnacles without the 2.5-hour pre-dawn drive from Perth, staying overnight in Cervantes puts you right at the gate at opening time. Cervantes has accommodation options including caravan parks and holiday units. Staying overnight also gives you time for a late afternoon visit on the first day and an early morning visit the following day, which is the ideal way to experience the Pinnacles. Burswood Car Rentals offers flexible hire periods to suit both day trips and multi-day itineraries.
Is there fuel available at the Pinnacles?
There is no fuel available inside Nambung National Park. Cervantes, 3km from the park entrance, has a fuel station. Fill up before leaving Perth or at Lancelin on the way up, and top up in Cervantes before the return journey.