So the question “Is Pinnacles open 24 hours?” gets asked a lot, and it’s a fair one. I’m Paul Beames, and I’ve lost count of how many times travellers have asked me about the gates at Nambung National Park and the Pinnacles Desert. Let’s get this cleared up, because knowing the hours makes all the difference if you want to avoid the crowds, catch the sunrise or hang around for stargazing.
Opening Times & Access
You can drive into the Discovery Centre and the surrounding loop between 9 am and 5 pm daily, but here’s the secret: the actual desert area is open 24 hours. So you can get in early in the morning or after the bus tours have left, as long as you’ve got your park entry fee sorted. Many visitors do a 1 Day Pinnacles Tour with local operators, which times the trip perfectly to catch the best light across the desert.
- Discovery Centre: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Pinnacles Desert Drive and Walks: 24 hours
- Best Times to Visit: Early dawn, late afternoon or after dark for stargazing
Quick Reference Table
| Area | Hours of Access | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Discovery Centre | 9 am – 5 pm | Good for info, maps, displays, and the interpretive centre |
| Pinnacles Desert Drive | 24 hours | Accessible anytime with a park entry fee |
| Walking Trails (Lookouts, etc) | 24 hours | No lights – bring a torch if visiting at night |
Why Go Outside Normal Hours?
Going to The Pinnacles outside daylight hours isn’t just for bragging rights. It changes the whole experience. At sunrise, the limestone spires throw long shadows across the golden sand, no tour buses in sight. At night, you’re in one of WA’s darkest accessible skies, perfect for stargazing and astrophotography.
I’ve been out there with groups who stayed past sunset, and the quiet is something else. No flies buzzing, no car engines, just the desert cooling off under the Milky Way. Be warned, though — the lack of lighting means you’ll need to be confident in finding your way back. Some travellers use guided Pinnacles Tours designed specifically for stargazing to take the stress out of navigating at night.
Entry Fees and Passes
Even if you’re rolling in at 2 am, you’ll still need a valid WA Parks Pass or to pay the standard entry fee. There are self-registration stations and online payment options, so you can’t sneak in without contributing to the upkeep.
- Day Entry Fee (per vehicle): Around $15 (up to 12 people)
- Annual WA Parks Pass: From about $120 (worth it if you’re touring the state)
- Payment Options: Online, cash at honesty boxes, or via the Parks WA app
- Verification Step: Keep your receipt or pass handy for a possible security check.
Practical Tips for After-Hours Visits
- Bring a head torch or lantern (no lights on tracks)
- Pack water — it’s dry as chips
- Wear sturdy shoes — sand hides holes and loose rock
- Tell someone your plans if heading out at night
- Watch for roos and emus on the road in and out
Weather and Seasonal Considerations
The Pinnacles are in WA’s Coral Coast region, so the weather can swing wildly. Summer days hit 40°C, and the sand reflects every bit of it. Nights in winter can be chilly enough to fog up your camera. Here are some tips to help you plan your visit:
- Summer (Dec–Feb): Hot, dry, bushfire risks
- Autumn (Mar–May): Warm days, cool nights, fewer crowds
- Winter (Jun–Aug): Cold nights, clear skies for stargazing
- Spring (Sep–Nov): Wildflowers around Cervantes and Jurien Bay bloom
Cultural and Environmental Awareness
The Pinnacles are in Nambung National Park, a land of great cultural significance to the Yued Aboriginal people. Traditional stories link the limestone formations to the Dreaming. Every time I take groups out there, I remind them — don’t climb the formations, don’t take the sand or sea shells and don’t wander off the tracks. Respect keeps this place safe for everyone.
Getting There and Staying Nearby
The Pinnacles are about 2 hours north of Perth, just outside the fishing town of Cervantes. You can base yourself there or in Jurien Bay. Both towns have a pub, a roadhouse and accommodation ranging from caravan parks to motels. There’s also a growing food scene with seafood at the forefront, thanks to the local lobster industry. If you don’t want to self-drive, book a 1 Day Pinnacles Tour with a company like Pinnacles Tours, and the journey is easy.
- Take Indian Ocean Drive — a scenic coastal drive
- Watch out for road trains and wildlife at dawn/dusk
- Fuel up before leaving Perth or stop at Cervantes
- The Pinnacles are only 5 minutes from Cervantes town centre
Local Hacks I’ve Learnt
- Get in just before sunset, pay your entry and hang back until the stars come out
- Bring a tripod — the spires make great silhouettes against the night sky
- Bring a jumper, even in summer — desert nights get cold quickly
- Skip the midday slot unless you like baking
More Than Just Desert: Linking Itineraries
The Pinnacles are often part of bigger itineraries along WA’s Coral Coast. On the same stretch, you’ll find Coral reefs, the Ningaloo artificial reef project and marine encounters that make this coastline famous. Think Whale shark swims at Exmouth, Humpback whales off Ningaloo and playful Sea lions around Jurien Bay.
Further north, Kalbarri’s Nature’s Window and cultural hub with its interpretive centre adds to the circuit. It’s easy to combine desert, ocean and culture into one trip. Tourists often book packages that combine a 1 Day Pinnacles Tour with coastal add-ons to see both desert and marine life in one trip.
Tour Operators and Access
There are many tour operators from Perth and Cervantes that offer day trips and multi-day tours along the Coral Coast. Pinnacles Tours is one of them, offering day trips, stargazing packages and add-ons to other coastal adventures. Whether you want a half-day trip or a longer trip linking reefs and national parks, there’s plenty of choice. Some even include snorkelling with marine life or trying local seafood.
Stats That Might Surprise You
- The Pinnacles get over 150,000 visitors a year, making it one of WA’s most popular natural attractions.
- Nambung National Park is 192 square kilometres, but the Pinnacles Desert is just a small part of it.
- Some of the limestone pillars are up to 3.5 metres tall and took thousands of years to form.
Wrapping It Up
So, is Pinnacles open 24 hours? The desert itself is. The Discovery Centre closes at 5 pm, but you can drive or walk among the limestone spires any time of day or night with a valid park entry. For my money, the best experiences happen outside those “normal” hours — sunrise shadows and desert stargazing beat a midday coach stop every time. Whether you self-drive or join a 1 Day Pinnacles Tour with Pinnacles Tours, the key is timing it right.
Got your own Pinnacles yarn or late-night photo tip? Drop it in the comments — I’m always updating my field notes. And if you’d rather not wrangle the logistics yourself, check out the small group adventures we run at Get Lost Travel Group. We’ll make sure you see the desert at its best — mozzies, roos and all.
FAQ
Can I camp overnight in the Pinnacles Desert?
No, camping is not allowed in the desert. Stay in Cervantes or Jurien Bay instead.
Do I need a 4WD to visit the Pinnacles?
No, the desert drive is a compacted limestone and sand loop suitable for 2WD vehicles.
Are there toilets after hours?
Yes, basic facilities are near the Discovery Centre, but they may not be serviced overnight.
Can I bring my dog?
No, pets aren’t allowed in WA’s national parks.
Is it safe to visit at night?
Yes, but bring lights, be careful on unlit paths and watch out for wildlife on the access roads.