Things to do in Nambung

No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Cervantes

The Pinnacles Desert

The Pinnacles Desert is located in the heart of the desert in Nambung National Park, Western Australia, adjacent to the coastal town of Cervantes. Thousands of weathered limestone pillars rise from the golden sand dunes, varying greatly in size and shape: some are several meters high and slender like towers, others are only knee-high and blunt like short steles, and some have a mushroom shape with a wide top and narrow base. The pillars densely cover the sandy ground, resembling a frozen stone army. Legend has it that early navigators, when viewing them from the sea, mistakenly thought they had discovered the ruins of an ancient city. The raw material for these pillars comes from shells in ancient shallow seas: after the seawater receded, the shells were broken down into fine, lime-rich sand, which was piled up by the wind into shifting sand dunes. As for how the pillars were formed, there is no consensus in the academic community—one theory is that they are residual pillars left after the limestone layer was eroded by rain over a long period, and another is that plant roots calcified in the sand, only to be exposed after the sand dunes were shifted by the wind. Regardless of the cause, walking through the stone forest and seeing the alien landscape composed of yellow sand, gray stone, and blue sky is truly breathtaking. You can take a self-drive tour along the loop scenic drive, or walk along the trails to get a closer look at the texture of the pillars and the sandy ground. The low-angle light in the early morning and at dusk stretches the shadows of the pillars, making it the golden hour for photography; in the Southern Hemisphere spring (approx. August–October), wildflowers are in full bloom, and you may even encounter wildlife such as kangaroos and emus. After nightfall, there is almost no light pollution, and the Milky Way is clearly visible, attracting many stargazing enthusiasts who come specifically for this. Before it was designated as a protected area in the 1960s, this stone forest was little known, but today it is one of the most recognizable natural landscapes in Western Australia.

No. 1 of Night Attractions in Cervantes

Nambung National Park

Nambung National Park is located in the coastal region of Western Australia. The park's signature attraction is The Pinnacles Desert: thousands of yellow limestone pillars rise from the shifting sands, some tall and slender like spires, others short and round like steles; walking among them feels like strolling on an alien planet. The raw material for these pillars comes from shells in ancient oceans, which broke down into lime-rich sand grains, piled up by the wind into coastal dunes, and were sculpted into this wonder through long periods of cementation and erosion. The park features a scenic drive and walking trails through the stone formations, allowing you to tour by car or walk to get a closer look at the texture and shape of the pillars. The park's attractions go beyond the stone formations. Lake Thetis is located within the park, and the boardwalk around the lake allows for close-up observation of the reef-like stromatolites in the water. These rock structures, built with the participation of microorganisms, date back to the dawn of life on Earth and are considered "living fossils." On the coastal side, there are white sandy beaches and azure bays suitable for swimming, snorkeling, and shore fishing; Hangover Bay is equipped with picnic tables and barbecue facilities, as well as a boat ramp, making it a popular spot for picnics, boating, and windsurfing. Every spring (approx. August–October), the low shrub wilderness in the park is covered with various wildflowers, and wattle stretches into the distance. In the early morning, you can often encounter foraging grey kangaroos and emus near the stone formations; at sunset, the pillars cast long shadows, and after nightfall, the light pollution is very low, making it a great time for astrophotography.

Thirsty Point lookout

Thirsty Point Beach extends 700 meters from the southern end. The beach stretches westward across a shallow sandy seabed, a few hundred meters from the reef, and is covered in a series of vegetation, with car parks at either end of the beach. This is one of the two main swimming beaches in town.

View Point at The Pinnacles

Hangover Bay

No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Perth

Caversham Wildlife Park

Caversham Wildlife Park is located in Whiteman Park on the northern outskirts of Perth, an interactive wildlife park featuring native Australian animals such as koalas, kangaroos, wombats, possums, Tasmanian devils and quokkas. Its signature experience is the open kangaroo and wallaby activity area, where visitors can walk in and interact with kangaroos face-to-face, gently stroking their backs. Hand-feeding kangaroos is also a long-standing interactive activity in the park, with specific availability subject to on-site arrangements for the day. Koalas are the stars of the park. During multiple daily meet-and-greets, koalas perch on waist- or shoulder-height branches, allowing visitors to take photos freely with their own phones. For those who wish to hold a koala for a photo, spots are limited each day and require on-site registration at the park on a first-come, first-served basis. During peak season, these spots are often snapped up early in the day, so it's best to plan ahead if you want the experience. Additionally, you can see the ever-smiling quokkas and rare Tasmanian devils without having to travel to remote islands. The wombat meet-and-greet is also worth making time for, allowing close observation of these round little creatures and photo opportunities with them. The farm show features activities like sheep shearing, cow milking and sheepdog herding, with audience members invited to feed lambs - particularly popular with family-friendly travelers. The daily scheduled little penguin feeding is quite popular too, followed immediately by pelican feeding. Lizards and snakes in the reptile house can be examined in detail through display windows. The entire park has a relaxed pace, perfect for a half-day leisurely visit.

Jurien Bay

Jurien Bay is a small town located in the Wheatbelt region of Western Australia, facing the Indian Ocean. This beautiful town was discovered by Europeans as early as the 17th century, and has attracted numerous British explorers since 1822. It is also a natural, relaxing fishing village perfect for unwinding, featuring stretches of pristine white beaches, colorful offshore coral reefs, vibrant marine life, and fresh, delicious seafood.

No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Perth

Rottnest Island

Rottnest Island is a small island suitable for short trips. In addition to the colorful salt lakes and beautiful sea views, it is also home to a vulnerable species, the "quokka." In addition, you can rent a bicycle to travel around the island, or stroll along the paths at your leisure. Rottnest Island is an island that combines sandy bays and surfing beaches. Visitors who enjoy water sports or prefer leisure and quiet can find suitable activities here. You can experience exciting activities such as fishing, diving, and surfing. In addition, many rare tropical fish can be seen on Rottnest Island.

Kangaroo Point

Lake Thetis Stromatolites