Ruqayyah Snyder
The Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park, Australia, is a renowned tourist destination for daytime visits, but it is also becoming increasingly popular for stargazing at night. The best way to experience stargazing at the Pinnacles on your own is to drive to the Pinnacles via the fishing town of Cervantes, which Astro Tourism Western Australia named an official Astro Tourism town in 2018 due to its low levels of artificial light. Once there, you can set up your telescope in parking lots or wilderness areas, such as the Chaparral Trailhead Parking, to stargaze without light pollution. If you don't want to hike, you can visit the Peaks View Picnic Area for a good view of the High Peaks and the stars. There are also stargazing tours available that include sandboarding and a traditional Australian barbeque dinner.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Pinnacles Desert, Nambung National Park, Western Australia |
| Nearest city | Perth |
| Distance from Perth | 1.5–2 hours |
| Stargazing spots | South Wilderness Trail, Peaks View Picnic Area, Chaparral Trailhead Parking, Jawbone Parking Area, Observation deck, Lake Thetis |
| Accommodation | Inn at the Pinnacles, Paicines Ranch |
| Tour companies | Lumineer Adventure Tours, Adams Pinnacle Tours, Australian Pinnacle Tours, Wildlife Tours, Happy Travels |
| Tour duration | 8 hours |
| Tour inclusions | Meals, drinks, sandboarding, guided walks, stargazing equipment |
| What to bring | Binoculars, stargazing app, jumper, walking shoes, camera |
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What You'll Learn
- Pinnacles National Park has two entrances, one on the west and another on the east
- Astro Tourism WA named Cervantes an official Astro Tourism town in 2018
- The Pinnacles Desert is renowned for its ancient landscape and dark skies with zero light pollution
- The South Wilderness Trail is popular for bird and wildlife viewing and stargazing
- The best time to photograph the Pinnacles is late afternoon
Pinnacles National Park has two entrances, one on the west and another on the east
The Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park is a renowned tourist destination for daytime and night-time visits. The Pinnacles National Park has two entrances, one on the west side and another on the east side. The west side is accessible from Highway 101 near Soledad, then east along Highway 146 to the Chaparral area. The west entrance is also where you'll find the Peaks View Picnic Area, which offers a great view of the High Peaks and the stars. The picnic area is 1.4 miles southwest of the visitor centre, and you can drive there by turning left at the stone entrance sign.
The east entrance is via Highway 25, south of Hollister, then west on Highway 146. The Paicines Ranch, a complex of comfortable rooms and cottages, is a 30-minute drive from this entrance. This is a good option for families. The Pinnacles Campground, where camping is available, is also on the east side.
If you're looking for a stargazing spot without hiking, the Jawbone Parking Area is a great option within the park. You can access it by hiking the Jawbone Trail or by going to the Chaparral Trailhead and taking the 0.3-mile connector trail. The South Wilderness Trail is another excellent option for stargazing, as it has minimal traffic and no significant elevation changes.
For a relaxed sightseeing experience, you can join a stargazing tour that includes a meal at a classic Australian tavern in Cervantes, a fishing town known for its low levels of artificial light, perfect for stargazing and astrophotography. These tours typically last about eight hours and include stargazing equipment such as computerized telescopes.
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Astro Tourism WA named Cervantes an official Astro Tourism town in 2018
The Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park is a popular tourist destination in Australia, renowned for its unique landscape and clear night skies. The best way to experience the beauty of the Pinnacles is by stargazing at night. Astro Tourism WA named the small fishing town of Cervantes, the gateway to the Pinnacles Desert, an official Astro Tourism town in August 2018.
Cervantes has low levels of artificial light, making it an ideal location for stargazing and astrophotography. The town offers a range of stargazing spots and activities for visitors. Lake Thetis, located just 2km from Cervantes, is one of the best places to set up a telescope and enjoy the night sky. The lake is also home to ancient stromatolites, the oldest and largest living fossils known to man.
For those seeking a guided stargazing experience, companies such as Adams Pinnacle Tours and Lumineer Adventure Tours offer stargazing tours in the Pinnacles Desert. These tours typically include transportation, a traditional Australian meal, and the use of stargazing equipment such as telescopes. The tours usually begin during the day, allowing visitors to explore the Pinnacles and the surrounding areas before settling in to watch the stars at night.
In addition to Cervantes, Astro Tourism WA has named several other towns in Western Australia as official Astro Tourism destinations. These include Darkan, Northam, Perenjori, Three Springs, Wongan Hills, and Carnamah, each offering their own unique stargazing experiences and attractions.
When planning a stargazing trip to the Pinnacles, there are a few things to keep in mind. The Pinnacles National Park has two entrances, one on the west side and another on the east side, with various accommodation options nearby. The South Wilderness Trail is a popular choice for stargazers as it offers easy access and minimal traffic, ensuring a peaceful experience. Additionally, bringing binoculars and downloading a stargazing app can enhance your night sky viewing experience.
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The Pinnacles Desert is renowned for its ancient landscape and dark skies with zero light pollution
The Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park is renowned for its ancient landscape and dark skies with zero light pollution. Located roughly two hours from Perth, the Pinnacles Desert is a popular destination for daytime and night-time visitors. The best time to visit the Pinnacles Desert is at night, when you can stargaze without any light pollution. The Pinnacles are believed to be dissolution remnants of the Tamala Limestone, formed over 30,000 years ago from karstification. The local Aboriginal community considers the Pinnacles a spiritual site, believing them to be fossilized ghosts.
There are several stargazing tours available that will take you to the Pinnacles Desert. These tours typically include a meal, such as a traditional Australian barbeque dinner, and some even offer sandboarding at the Lancelin Sand Dunes. The tours also provide stargazing equipment, such as telescopes and binoculars, and some tours include an observation deck for stargazing.
If you prefer to stargaze on your own, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is important to know the different alternatives to reach the Pinnacles National Park, which has two entrances, one on the west side and another on the east side. The South Wilderness Trail is a popular option for bird and wildlife viewing, and it is also great for stargazing as it has minimal traffic and no elevation changes. The Peaks View Picnic Area is another good spot for stargazing, as it offers a view of the High Peaks and the stars without requiring any hiking.
Additionally, parking lots that are far from artificial lights can be good areas to set up a telescope and stargaze. The Chaparral Trailhead Parking and the Jawbone Parking Area are recommended spots within the park. It is also recommended to bring binoculars and download a stargazing app to enhance your experience.
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The South Wilderness Trail is popular for bird and wildlife viewing and stargazing
The Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park is a renowned tourist destination for daytime and night-time visits. The South Wilderness Trail is a popular spot for bird and wildlife viewing and stargazing. The trail is quite easy for less adventurous stargazers as it has minimal elevation changes and traffic, making it a peaceful stargazing location. To access the trail, you need to head to The Bench Trail, which starts from the southwest corner of the Pinnacles Campground.
If you want to avoid hiking, the Peaks View Picnic Area is a great option. It offers a beautiful spot for a picnic and a clear view of the High Peaks and the stars without stepping onto a trail. This picnic area is located on the west side of the park, a short drive from the visitor centre.
There are other great stargazing spots within Pinnacles National Park, such as the Jawbone Parking Area and the Chaparral Trailhead Parking. The Jawbone Parking Area can be accessed by hiking the Jawbone Trail or via a connector trail from the Chaparral Trailhead. The Chaparral Trailhead Parking is surrounded by wilderness, ensuring no light pollution interferes with your stargazing experience.
When planning your trip, keep in mind that the Pinnacles National Park has varying opening times for its east and west entrances. The East Side offers 24-hour access, while the West Side has trail access from 7:30 am to 8 pm. Autumn, winter, and spring are generally the best seasons for stargazing, and it's recommended to visit before or after a new moon to avoid moonlight washing out the stars.
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The best time to photograph the Pinnacles is late afternoon
The Pinnacles, located in Nambung National Park, Western Australia, are a popular destination for photographers. These ancient limestone pillars, reaching up to four metres tall, were formed thousands of years ago through the sculpting forces of wind, rain, vegetation, sun, and time. The result is a visually striking landscape that changes with the light of day, offering unique photographic opportunities.
While the Pinnacles can be visited year-round, the best time for photography is during the golden hours, just after sunrise and before sunset, typically in the late afternoon. At these times, the soft, warm light enhances the textures and shadows of the formations, creating a dramatic contrast against the landscape. The play of light brings out the colours of the Pinnacles, and the extended shadows cast by the formations create depth and dimension in your images.
If you're looking to capture the Pinnacles at their most photogenic, aim for a clear, sunny day during the spring months from August to October. The mild weather and blooming wildflowers add to the beauty of the landscape. However, it's worth noting that the busiest time at the Pinnacles is usually mid-to-late morning when tour buses and day-trip visitors arrive. For photographers seeking solitude and the perfect lighting conditions, the late afternoon is ideal.
To make the most of your visit, consider packing a picnic with food and drinks, as there are limited options to purchase supplies along the way. The Nilgen Lookout, located about 20 km after the Lancelin turnoff, offers picnic tables, stunning views of the surrounding sand dunes, and the opportunity to see wildflowers during springtime. After your picnic, you can embark on the scenic 4-kilometre Pinnacles drive, which loops around the limestone formations.
For those interested in stargazing and astrophotography, the Pinnacles Desert is a renowned destination. The small fishing town of Cervantes, located near the Pinnacles, has been named an official Astro Tourism town due to its low levels of artificial light. The clear, dark skies above the Pinnacles provide the perfect setting for capturing stunning night shots, especially during a full moon when spectacular lunar views can be seen.
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Frequently asked questions
The best time of day to visit the Pinnacles Desert is at night, when the landscape transforms under the dark sky. However, it is also worth visiting during the late afternoon, when the shadows of the Pinnacles create remarkable patterns and shapes on the desert sands.
There are two entrances to the Pinnacles National Park, one on the west side and one on the east. If you are driving, parking lots that are far from artificial lights are good spots to set up a telescope. The Jawbone Parking Area is a great option, which can be accessed by hiking the Jawbone Trail or via a connector trail from the Chaparral Trailhead.
It is recommended to bring binoculars and a stargazing app on your phone to enhance your stargazing experience. You should also wear comfortable walking shoes and warm clothes, as it can get cold in the desert at night.
