Pinnacles Desert 4WD & Sand Boarding Small Group Tour

Drive into the Pinnacles, walk among thousands of limestone formations, and sand board the dunes in one day

A small group 4WD tour from Perth exploring the Pinnacles Desert, Lake Thetis stromatolites and Lancelin Sand Dunes, with a local guide, park entry, morning tea and sundowner included. The group stays under six travelers, allowing direct vehicle access into the desert and time to roam at your own pace among the formations. Lunch is at your own expense at the Lobster Shack. Children are welcome from age 8.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. The Bell Tower10m
2. Lancelin Sand Dunes1h · entry included

Pinnacles Desert and Sand Boarding Adventure

• Photo at The Bell Tower
• Drive to Nambung National Park
• Explore Pinnacles Desert 4.5km trail
• Visit Pinnacles Discovery Centre
• Walk Lake Thetis Stromatolites boardwalk
• Morning tea at secluded beach
• Lunch at The Lobster Shack
• Sand board at Lancelin Dunes
• Enjoy sundowners before return

The experience

The day starts early, 6:45am departure from Perth, so you beat the heat and the crowds to the Pinnacles. The drive north takes you straight into Nambung National Park, where the 4WD van goes off-road and onto the 4.5km driving trail that winds through the desert itself. Once there, you walk among thousands of surreal limestone structures rising from golden sand, then stop at the Pinnacles Discovery Centre to learn how the formations were shaped and what the area means to the local Noongar people.

From the Pinnacles, you head to Lake Thetis to see stromatolites: ancient microbial rock structures dating back over 3.5 billion years. An easy boardwalk trail gets you close to these living fossils. Morning tea follows at a secluded beach chosen for the day's weather and conditions. Your guide brings hot coffee or tea and biscuits while you unwind on the sand or wade in the water. Lunch is your choice at the Lobster Shack, a local institution overlooking the Indian Ocean, where you can order fresh lobster, prawns, oysters or smaller bites: vegetarian and gluten-free options are available, as are local beers, wines and cocktails.

The afternoon takes you south to the Lancelin Sand Dunes, where white sand stretches to the horizon. You can grab a sand board and ride the dunes, or sit back and watch the view of sand meeting sea and sky. Before heading back to Perth, arriving just after 5pm, you stop for a sundowner, sinking into a deck chair with a chilled local beer, gin and tonic with WA botanicals, or fresh Australian orange juice. The early return gives you the evening to explore Perth.

What’s included

• All National Park admission and entry fees.
• air-conditioned 4WD vehicle with a local guide.
• morning tea with coffee and biscuits.
• complimentary beer, local gin or orange juice at sundowner.
• bottled Australian spring water and sunscreen.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to ThursdayDeparts at 06:45

Book up to10h before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Child (8 to 17 years) · Under 8: can't be booked

GroupUp to 5

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 34 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by take you there tours

Is this one for you?The 10-hour day leaves you back in Perth by early evening, so you can still explore the city or rest after a full day of driving, walking and sand boarding. The small group size, no more than five guests, means shorter waits at each stop and more time to roam the Pinnacles at your own pace, but the early start and active afternoon suit travelers with at least moderate fitness who are comfortable in a moving vehicle and on uneven sand.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (8 to 17 years). Children under 8 can't be included in the booking.

What's the Pinnacles Desert actually like when you get there?

The Pinnacles are thousands of limestone formations rising dramatically from golden sand in Nambung National Park. You drive the 4.5km trail through them in the 4WD, then get out and walk at your own pace among the structures. The Pinnacles Discovery Centre explains how they formed and their cultural significance.

Can I actually sand board at Lancelin, or is it just watching?

You can choose your own adventure at Lancelin Sand Dunes. Grab a sand board and ride the dunes yourself, or relax and take in the views. Both are options on the day.

What are the stromatolites at Lake Thetis?

Stromatolites are ancient rock-like structures formed by microbial communities, among the earliest signs of life on Earth and dating back over 3.5 billion years. You walk an easy boardwalk trail to see them up close.

Is lunch included, or do I need to pay separately?

Lunch is at your own expense at the Lobster Shack, where you choose from fresh seafood, lobster platters, prawns, oysters, or smaller bites: vegetarian and gluten-free meals are available too. Drinks are your choice as well.

How early do we leave Perth, and what time do we get back?

Departure is 6:45am from the Bell Tower in Perth to maximize daylight and avoid the heat. The tour returns to Perth just after 5pm, leaving you the evening to explore the city.

What's included in the price, and what do I need to bring?

The tour includes all National Park entry fees, air-conditioned 4WD transport, a local guide, morning tea with coffee and biscuits, a complimentary beer, gin or orange juice at sundowner, bottled water and sunscreen. Lunch at the Lobster Shack is separate. Wear comfortable clothes, sunscreen and closed shoes for walking and sand boarding.