What are the Pinnacles in Western Australia?
The Pinnacles are thousands of limestone pillars rising from yellow sand in Nambung National Park, about 200 kilometres north of Perth near the town of Cervantes.
Some pillars are only a few centimetres high, while others rise up to about 3.5 metres. They formed from seashells broken down into lime-rich sand, which hardened into limestone and was later exposed by wind.
Scientists believe the pillars were formed over tens of thousands of years. The surrounding desert landscape looks almost otherworldly, especially at sunrise and sunset when shadows stretch across the sand.
Visiting the Pinnacles
A scenic drive and walking trails wind among the pillars. The Pinnacles Desert Discovery Centre explains the area's geology, plants and animals. Emus and kangaroos are often seen in the park.
The park is popular for stargazing because it is far from city lights. Nearby, Lake Thetis has living stromatolites, rock-like structures built by microbes.
Cervantes, the nearest town, is known for crayfish. The Indian Ocean Drive makes the trip from Perth easy.
Did You Know?
Dutch sailors in the 1600s may have mistaken the Pinnacles for the ruins of an ancient city.