The Pinnacles are limestone formations within Nambung National Park, near the town of Cervantes, Western Australia.
Hidden away among the lonely dunes and windswept heathland of Western Australia’s Turquoise Coast there is a barren, otherworldly desert of stone pillars rising up out of the golden sand.
Attracting over 190,000 visitors each year, the Pinnacles of Nambung National Park are the major natural attraction in the Coral Coast region of Cervantes and Jurien Bay. The park is located roughly 200 kilometres (125 miles) north of Perth and covers an area of 17,487 hectares (43,212 acres), providing natural habitat for an extensive array of native animals and bird life.
The Pinnacles
Practically unknown to the wider public until the late 1960's, the Pinnacles Desert is part of the Nambung National Park. The Pinnacles Desert was added to the existing National Park that was named after the winding Nambung River. Nambung means crooked in the local Aboriginal tribal language. It is a park with a 26 km (16 mile) stretch of sparkling coastline bordered by rolling ancient sand dunes that extend inland into banksias woodlands. Pretty red river gum trees line the banks of the Nambung River until it disappears into limestone caves. Massive sand dune fields characterise the area near the coast where the Pinnacles Desert lies.
Thousands of eerie limestone pillars form the Pinnacles Desert. The moonscape scenery is made by the pillars rising out of the stark desert landscape of yellow quartz sand. It is a favourite subject for photographers.
The Pinnacles at Nambung National Park
The limestone formations of the Pinnacles vary in size and shape; some are as small as a mouse whilst many are as big as 5 metres (16.5 feet) high. These unusually shaped rocks have been likened to tombstones, termite mounds and even fingers. The Pinnacles Desert is best seen at dawn or dusk when they cast long, strange shadows over the rippling yellow sand dunes. Although the desert teems with wildlife, most animals are nocturnal. However, it is not uncommon to see western grey kangaroos, emus and many sorts of reptiles and birds like black-shouldered kites hanging around the strange stones.
How were the Pinnacles formed?
The raw material for the limestone of the Pinnacles came from seashells in an earlier era that was rich in marine life. These shells were broken down into lime-rich sands that were blown inland to form high mobile dunes. However, the manner in which such raw materials formed the Pinnacles is the subject of debate. Three major theories have been proposed:
The Pinnacles
The first theory states that they were formed as dissolutional remnants of the Tamala Limestone, i.e. that they formed as a result of a period of extensive solutional weathering (karstification). Focused solution initially formed small solutional depressions, mainly solution pipes, which were progressively enlarged over time, resulting in the pinnacle topography. Some pinnacles represent cemented void infills (microbialites and/or re-deposited sand), which are more resistant to erosion, but dissolution still played the final role in pinnacle development.
A second theory states that they were formed through the preservation of tree casts buried in coastal aeolianites, where roots became groundwater conduits, resulting in the precipitation of indurated (hard) calcrete. Subsequent wind erosion of the aeolianite then exposed the calcrete pillars.
The Pinnacles
A third proposal suggests that plants played an active role in the creation of the Pinnacles, based on the mechanism that formed smaller “root casts” in other parts of the world. As transpiration drew water through the soil to the roots, nutrients and other dissolved minerals flowed toward the root—a process termed "mass-flow" that can result in the accumulation of nutrients at the surface of the root, if the nutrients arrive in quantities greater than that needed for plant growth. In coastal aeolian sands that consist of large amounts of calcium (derived from marine shells), the movement of water to the roots would drive the flow of calcium to the root surface. This calcium accumulates at high concentrations around the roots and over time is converted into a calcrete. When the roots die, the space occupied by the root is subsequently also filled with a carbonate material derived from the calcium in the former tissue of the roots, and possibly also from water leaching through the structures. Although evidence has been provided for this mechanism in the formation of root casts in South Africa, evidence is still required for its role in the formation of the Pinnacles.
Visiting The Pinnacles
A visit to Australia’s Nambung National Park and the Pinnacles is a must. These amazing natural limestone structures, some standing as high as five metres, were formed eons ago, after the sea receded and left deposits of sea shells. Over time, coastal winds removed the surrounding sand, leaving the pillars exposed to the elements.
Conventional two wheel drive vehicles can access Nambung National Park by road, south from Cervantes. Alternatively, visitors travelling from Perth can take the new Indian Ocean Drive which winds its way from Lancelin to Cervantes, adjacent to the national park.
Visiting The Pinnacles
A scenic drive is also available for light vehicles, but you must remain on the marked track. The little Painted Desert and unusual white dunes can also be viewed from the Pinnacles Lookout and is a pleasurable 4-5 kilometre (2.5-3.1 mile) walk through the Nambung National Park
The scenic walk and drive trail winds past the ancient limestone pillars of the Pinnacles, some several metres tall. They're scattered across the desert in their thousands, creating an eerie, alien-like landscape. Some are as high as three and half metres, and some finish in a jagged point, while others have rounded domes, resembling tombstones.
The Pinnacles
Watch wild emus, galahs and other wildlife stalking through the spires and see the landscape lit in spectacular sunset colours from the lookout point. Visit the interpretive discovery centre to learn how the Pinnacles evolved and about the region's biodiversity.
Mob of Emus at The Pinnacles
The park is also fringed by secluded, white beaches great for swimming, snorkelling and surfing. Go fishing from Thirsty Point Lookout or swim in the turquoise waters of Hangover Bay. Less than 8 km (5 miles) from the park's entrance, scenic Kangaroo Point is named after the mobs of kangaroos who gather on the beach at dawn and dusk. The park, like much of this coastline, is ablaze with the colours of seasonal wildflowers from August to October.
Located within the park, the Pinnacles Desert Discovery Centre houses fascinating interpretative displays focused on the region’s unique flora and fauna. You’ll also find details about other national parks and nature reserves on Australia’s Coral Coast, as well as general Department of Parks and Wildlife information and a retail outlet offering a range of regional souvenirs and gifts.
The Pinnacles Desert Discovery Centre
Video: The Pinnacles are a natural landscape spot representing the Western Australia. It is an oddly shaped rock area where seashells were collected in an area that was submerged by the ocean in primeval times, formed into limestone formations, and was lifted. Rooted primary forests have died out and the ground weathered over time and now only the limestone parts remain as a tower.
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Hidden away among the lonely dunes and windswept heathland of Western Australia’s Turquoise Coast there is a barren, otherworldly desert of stone pillars rising up out of the golden sand.
Attracting over 190,000 visitors each year, the Pinnacles of Nambung National Park are the major natural attraction in the Coral Coast region of Cervantes and Jurien Bay. The park is located roughly 200 kilometres (125 miles) north of Perth and covers an area of 17,487 hectares (43,212 acres), providing natural habitat for an extensive array of native animals and bird life.
The Pinnacles
Practically unknown to the wider public until the late 1960's, the Pinnacles Desert is part of the Nambung National Park. The Pinnacles Desert was added to the existing National Park that was named after the winding Nambung River. Nambung means crooked in the local Aboriginal tribal language. It is a park with a 26 km (16 mile) stretch of sparkling coastline bordered by rolling ancient sand dunes that extend inland into banksias woodlands. Pretty red river gum trees line the banks of the Nambung River until it disappears into limestone caves. Massive sand dune fields characterise the area near the coast where the Pinnacles Desert lies.
Thousands of eerie limestone pillars form the Pinnacles Desert. The moonscape scenery is made by the pillars rising out of the stark desert landscape of yellow quartz sand. It is a favourite subject for photographers.
The Pinnacles at Nambung National Park
The limestone formations of the Pinnacles vary in size and shape; some are as small as a mouse whilst many are as big as 5 metres (16.5 feet) high. These unusually shaped rocks have been likened to tombstones, termite mounds and even fingers. The Pinnacles Desert is best seen at dawn or dusk when they cast long, strange shadows over the rippling yellow sand dunes. Although the desert teems with wildlife, most animals are nocturnal. However, it is not uncommon to see western grey kangaroos, emus and many sorts of reptiles and birds like black-shouldered kites hanging around the strange stones.
How were the Pinnacles formed?
The raw material for the limestone of the Pinnacles came from seashells in an earlier era that was rich in marine life. These shells were broken down into lime-rich sands that were blown inland to form high mobile dunes. However, the manner in which such raw materials formed the Pinnacles is the subject of debate. Three major theories have been proposed:
The Pinnacles
The first theory states that they were formed as dissolutional remnants of the Tamala Limestone, i.e. that they formed as a result of a period of extensive solutional weathering (karstification). Focused solution initially formed small solutional depressions, mainly solution pipes, which were progressively enlarged over time, resulting in the pinnacle topography. Some pinnacles represent cemented void infills (microbialites and/or re-deposited sand), which are more resistant to erosion, but dissolution still played the final role in pinnacle development.
A second theory states that they were formed through the preservation of tree casts buried in coastal aeolianites, where roots became groundwater conduits, resulting in the precipitation of indurated (hard) calcrete. Subsequent wind erosion of the aeolianite then exposed the calcrete pillars.
The Pinnacles
A third proposal suggests that plants played an active role in the creation of the Pinnacles, based on the mechanism that formed smaller “root casts” in other parts of the world. As transpiration drew water through the soil to the roots, nutrients and other dissolved minerals flowed toward the root—a process termed "mass-flow" that can result in the accumulation of nutrients at the surface of the root, if the nutrients arrive in quantities greater than that needed for plant growth. In coastal aeolian sands that consist of large amounts of calcium (derived from marine shells), the movement of water to the roots would drive the flow of calcium to the root surface. This calcium accumulates at high concentrations around the roots and over time is converted into a calcrete. When the roots die, the space occupied by the root is subsequently also filled with a carbonate material derived from the calcium in the former tissue of the roots, and possibly also from water leaching through the structures. Although evidence has been provided for this mechanism in the formation of root casts in South Africa, evidence is still required for its role in the formation of the Pinnacles.
Visiting The Pinnacles
A visit to Australia’s Nambung National Park and the Pinnacles is a must. These amazing natural limestone structures, some standing as high as five metres, were formed eons ago, after the sea receded and left deposits of sea shells. Over time, coastal winds removed the surrounding sand, leaving the pillars exposed to the elements.
Conventional two wheel drive vehicles can access Nambung National Park by road, south from Cervantes. Alternatively, visitors travelling from Perth can take the new Indian Ocean Drive which winds its way from Lancelin to Cervantes, adjacent to the national park.
Visiting The Pinnacles
A scenic drive is also available for light vehicles, but you must remain on the marked track. The little Painted Desert and unusual white dunes can also be viewed from the Pinnacles Lookout and is a pleasurable 4-5 kilometre (2.5-3.1 mile) walk through the Nambung National Park
The scenic walk and drive trail winds past the ancient limestone pillars of the Pinnacles, some several metres tall. They're scattered across the desert in their thousands, creating an eerie, alien-like landscape. Some are as high as three and half metres, and some finish in a jagged point, while others have rounded domes, resembling tombstones.
The Pinnacles
Watch wild emus, galahs and other wildlife stalking through the spires and see the landscape lit in spectacular sunset colours from the lookout point. Visit the interpretive discovery centre to learn how the Pinnacles evolved and about the region's biodiversity.
Mob of Emus at The Pinnacles
The park is also fringed by secluded, white beaches great for swimming, snorkelling and surfing. Go fishing from Thirsty Point Lookout or swim in the turquoise waters of Hangover Bay. Less than 8 km (5 miles) from the park's entrance, scenic Kangaroo Point is named after the mobs of kangaroos who gather on the beach at dawn and dusk. The park, like much of this coastline, is ablaze with the colours of seasonal wildflowers from August to October.
Located within the park, the Pinnacles Desert Discovery Centre houses fascinating interpretative displays focused on the region’s unique flora and fauna. You’ll also find details about other national parks and nature reserves on Australia’s Coral Coast, as well as general Department of Parks and Wildlife information and a retail outlet offering a range of regional souvenirs and gifts.
The Pinnacles Desert Discovery Centre
Video: The Pinnacles are a natural landscape spot representing the Western Australia. It is an oddly shaped rock area where seashells were collected in an area that was submerged by the ocean in primeval times, formed into limestone formations, and was lifted. Rooted primary forests have died out and the ground weathered over time and now only the limestone parts remain as a tower.
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Pinnacles_(Western_Australia)
http://www.australia.com/en/places/wa/wa-pinnacles-nambung-national-park.html
https://www.discoveraustralia.com.au/western_australia/pinnacles_desert.
http://www.westernaustralia-travellersguide.com/pinnacles-western-australia.html
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