If you’ve taken the 2 hour drive north of Perth, Western Australia, to explore Cervantes you must put the Desert View Walk Trail on your things to do list. This short walk 1.2km walk trail takes you through the Pinnacles Desert amongst stunning limestone pinnacles formations, within in the Nambung National Park.
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Where does the Desert View Walk Trail start?
The Desert View Walk Trail starts with a 200m sealed walk path from the Discovery Centre carpark, found just inside the Nambung National Park main entrance. At the end of the path is The Pinnacles View platform and from here you can walk down from the platform onto the start of the sandy walk trail.
How long is the Desert View Walk Trail?
It’s about a 1.2km walk from the Pinnacles View to the View Point Lookout Deck and back. There are signs each with an emu print on them to follow. You can go off the track a little and get in amongst the formations, but just remember not to touch them or climb on them to help preserve their natural state. Depending on how long you take to take in the view and take photos, the Desert View Walk Trail should take you around 45min – 1 hour.
What are the Pinnacles made of?
The Pinnacles are made from limestone.
How were the Pinnacles formed?
They were formed 25,000 – 30,000 years ago when the sea receded and over the years. The coastal winds removed the surrounding sands and left these limestone pillars exposed. The tallest stands at approximately 3.5m tall.
What is there to see along the way?
In addition to the limestone pinnacles, the flat firm sandy trail takes you to lookout platform that looks out over the Pinnacles Desert and to the west are views of the ocean. It’s mostly sand and rocks but you may spot a few wildflowers here and there during the wildflower season.
Can I bring my dog on this trail?
No. The Pinnacles are located within the Nambung National Park so no dogs or pets are permitted within the park.
Is there an entry fee to The Pinnacles?
Yes. You will need to pay a per car entry fee to enter the Nambung National Park. Find the latest fee schedule here.
Are there toilets or any other facilities?
There are toilets at the Discovery Centre carpark. Here you can also find an Art Gallery & Gift Shop. There are no water fountains however, so be sure to bring your own water along (1-2 litres per person).
Do you need a 4WD to access The Pinnacles?
No. It’s a sealed road to the Nambung National Park entrance and carpark. The drive track around The Pinnacles in unsealed but is accessible by 2WD. The National Park on occasions may close the drive track if it’s effected by heavy rains.
Desert View Walk Trail Map
Summary
The Desert View Walk Trail is only short and on a firm sandy track, making it an accessible walk for most ages and abilities. It’s not far off the main road to access the Nambung National Park, so it’s definitely a must do if you are visiting The Coral Coast and Cervantes area. And really are you even West Australian or have you really explored Western Australia if you haven’t been to the Pinnacles? It took me 45 years to get here, but I’m glad to have this one ticked this one off my bucket list.
Looking for somewhere to stay in the Cervantes? Check out the RAC Cervantes Holiday Park!
Start: at the Discovery Centre carpark
Distance: ~1.2km
Difficulty: Grade 2. Suitable for families with young children. No hiking experience required. Trails have harder, compacted surface. Gentle hills and occasional steps. Generally less than 10km.
Time: ~45mins – 1 hour
Toilets: at the Discovery Centre Carpark
Water: 1-2 litres per person (bring your own, no drinking water facilities)
Dogs: Not permitted as this walk is located within a National Park
Bikes: Yes (however probably better to ride on the vehicle track)
Map: See above
More information: parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au
Lauren Angove is an adventurous Perth (Western Australia) Mum of two boys who loves to blog about her experiences to inspire other mid-lifers to choose their most adventurous lives now. Keep up to date with her latest adventure inspiration and advice at Always Adventure Ready on facebook.