Pinnacles desert tour timings: Best time to visit, tour timings & more

Timings

Each Pinnacles Desert experience has its own schedule as different tours run at different times of the day to highlight the changing light and landscapes. Here’s a quick overview of the tour timings.

Pinnacles desert tour timings

Sunset & stargazing tour (Tavern dinner)

Sandboarding & wildlife spotting 4WD tour

Pinnacles wildflowers spotting tour (Half-day)

Lancelin 4WD sandboarding adventure

Guided Pinnacles tour (with lunch + hotel transfers)

Lobster shack & lavender farm tour

Sunset & stargazing tour (Picnic-style dinner)

Tours start at: 2pm
Last tour starts at: 2pm (single departure slot)
Tour frequency: Available on selected dates (check the calendar)
Tour duration: 9 hours

Tours start at: 8am
Last tour starts at: 8am (single departure slot)
Tour frequency: Available on selected dates.
Tour duration: 11 hours 30 minutes.

Tours start at: 7:30am
Last tour starts at: 7:30am (single departure slot)
Tour frequency: Available on selected dates (wildflower season affects availability). Check the calendar.
Tour duration: 6 hours

Tours start at: 10am
Last tour starts at: 3pm
Tour frequency: Daily
Tour duration: 45 minutes

Tours start at: Hotel pickup from Perth (exact pick-up times depend on your hotel).
Last tour starts at: Only one departure window listed per day.
Tour frequency: Runs on selected dates (check live calendar)
Tour duration: 10 hours

Tours start at: 9:30 am from Perth
Last tour starts at: 9:30 am (single departure).
Tour frequency: Daily
Tour duration: 9 hours

Tours start at: 1:30pm.
Last tour starts at: 1:30pm (single departure slot)
Tour frequency: Available on selected dates (check the calendar).
Tour duration: 9 hours

Best time to visit Pinnacles Desert

Weekdays vs. weekends

The Pinnacles Desert gets busier on weekends, especially around sunset, when most stargazing and sunset tours reach Nambung National Park. Viewing areas and photo stops can feel crowded from 4pm to 7pm.

For a calmer experience, visit on weekdays, when tour groups are smaller and the desert stays quieter throughout the day. If you want the most relaxed visit, choose a morning or midday tour such as these generally have fewer crowds than sunset-specific departures.

Peak season vs. low season

Peak season runs from September to April, with clear skies and warm weather drawing the most visitors. Sunset and stargazing tours often sell out, so booking a week in advance is recommended.

Low season (May–August) is cooler and less crowded, making day tours easier to book and more peaceful. Expect chilly evenings, especially if you’re joining a sunset or stargazing tour, layering up is essential.

How long do I spend at the Pinnacles Desert?

Most visitors spend 45 minutes to 2 hours inside Nambung National Park, depending on the tour and how much time you want for photos and short walks among the limestone formations.
Typical visit time: Standard day tours include 45–60 minutes at the Pinnacles, enough for a walk through the desert, lookout stops, and good photo opportunities.
Extended experiences: Some tours include additional activities like sandboarding in Lancelin, wildlife spotting, Swan Valley visits, or sunset + stargazing at the Pinnacles. For these, you’ll spend 1.5 to 2.5 hours in and around the Pinnacles area, including sunset viewing, dinner setups, and telescope sessions.
Full-day tours: Most Pinnacles experiences listed on Perth-Tickets are full-day tours, running 9–11.5 hours in total. This includes travel from Perth, sightseeing stops, lunch breaks, and time at the national park. If you’re planning to pair Pinnacles with sandboarding, wine tasting, wildlife spotting, or coastal lookouts, expect a full day out.

Plan Your Visit

Self-Guided vs. Guided Tour

Pinnacles Desert

Getting There

Frequently asked questions about Pinnacles desert tour timings

When is the best time to visit the Pinnacles Desert?

Sunset is the most popular time, offering golden light and cooler temperatures. If you prefer quieter moments, mid-afternoon weekday departures tend to be less crowded.

What time do Pinnacles Desert tours usually depart from Perth?

Most tours leave late morning to early afternoon, depending on whether they include Lancelin, wildlife stops, or dinner. Sunset and stargazing tours typically depart after midday.

How long do Pinnacles tours take?

Tours generally last 8–11 hours, depending on your route. Experiences with stargazing or multiple stops such as Lancelin sandboarding or Swan Valley tastings run longer.

Are there seasonal changes to departure times?

Yes. Summer departures may start slightly later due to longer daylight hours, while winter departures often begin earlier to catch the golden hour before sunset. Always check the exact schedule before booking.

Do tours operate daily?

Most Pinnacles Desert tours run year-round, but extreme heat, storms, or low visibility may affect specific dates. Operators will notify you of weather-related changes.

Is the Pinnacles Desert open at night?

The desert itself doesn’t have fixed closing hours, and stargazing tours regularly visit after dark. Independent visitors should check park entry times for the surrounding Nambung National Park.

Can I enter the Pinnacles Desert at any time?

There’s no fixed sunset “closing time” for all visitors, but self-drive access and organized tour entry are subject to national park rules.

Do I need to pay a park entry fee?

Yes, there is a per-vehicle entry fee for Nambung National Park.

Are there any restrictions for accessing the formations?

To protect the delicate limestone pillars, visitors are asked to stay on marked trails and avoid climbing or leaning on the pinnacles.