A Lifelong Dream Realised at the Pinnacles
Despite residing in Perth for my entire life, I had never visited the iconic Pinnacles. My excuses were numerous and unconvincing, including a failed childhood attempt due to an unsuitable family car. However, the day finally arrived when I boarded an Australian Pinnacle Tours bus for their full-day Pinnacles Stargazing Tour, a journey that operates five days weekly from 2 pm to 11 pm.
Journey Through History and Nature
The tour accommodates up to 48 guests, with our group comprising around 30 visitors, mostly from interstate and overseas. After pickups from various city hotels, I boarded at Crown Perth, ensuring a convenient drop-off later. Our driver-guide, Chris Rankin, provided an enthusiastic narration, tracing Western Australia's history from the 1600s with explorers like Dirk Hartog and Willem de Vlamingh.
We paused at Yanchep National Park to observe the koala colony and use facilities before continuing toward Lancelin. Chris shared tales of the Rabbit-Proof Fence, Wheatbelt exports, native flora, summer temperatures, and the geological formation of the Pinnacles.
Dining and Desert Delights
On the bus, we pre-ordered meals, and I opted for a $25 upgrade to lobster and chips, while options like fish and chips or a chicken burger were included. At Cervantes Bar & Bistro, 250 km from Perth on the Turquoise Coast, dishes arrived hot and swiftly, offering a tasty and efficient dining experience.
Arriving at the Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park, about 16 km away, I was awestruck, though the formations appeared smaller than imagined. Guests raced to capture perfect shots before sunset, with some using tripods for otherworldly views and others aiming for ideal selfies.
I missed the instruction to view the sunset over the Indian Ocean at 6:34 pm, but the warm glow and serene atmosphere provided ample incentive to return.
Stargazing Under a Dark Sky
The Pinnacles offers world-class dark-sky stargazing with minimal light pollution. Australian Pinnacle Tours pioneered stargazing tours here in 2018, focusing on relaxed sightseeing rather than professional astronomy. While capturing the Pinnacles with stars from the observation area proved challenging, I managed decent night sky photos with my iPhone 15 Pro.
Chris, joined by colleague Grant Thornett, used a laser pointer to identify constellations, satellites, nebulas, and star systems, reminding us that we are all made of stardust. Their passion was palpable, though we departed at 8:30 pm for the long journey home, grateful for the experience without the driving hassle.
Sue Yeap was a guest of Pinnacle Travel Group, with no influence on this story or pre-publication review.
Tour Details and Pricing
Fact File: The tour costs $249 for adults, $224 for concession holders, and $139 for children aged four to 12. For more information, visit australianpinnacletours.com.au and visitpinnaclescountry.com.au.
