Australian Pinnacle Tours Pinnacles Stargazing Tour

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An afternoon and evening coach trip from Perth to the Pinnacle Desert, timed so you see the limestone spires turn colour at sunset, have dinner at a country tavern in Cervantes, then come back to the park after dark to look at a sky with no city light.

Days

About 9 hours, afternoon to late evening

Group size

6 to 48 people

Start / finish

Perth / Pinnacle Desert / Perth
Perth, about 11pm

Return

Perth, about 11pm

Transport

Air-conditioned coach with seat belts, hotel pick-up

Meals

Dinner at a tavern in Cervantes

Route

Map of Australian Pinnacle Tours Pinnacles Stargazing Tour

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Included experiences

Yanchep National Park — look for koalas and kangaroos
Pinnacle Desert — walk among the limestone pillars at sunset
Cervantes — dinner at a traditional country tavern
Pinnacles observation deck — stargazing away from city light

Australian Pinnacle Tours Pinnacles Stargazing Tour

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Itinerary

Map

AFTERNOON: PERTH TO YANCHEP NATIONAL PARK

Hotel pick-ups start in the early afternoon, and by about 2pm the coach is heading north out of Perth. The first stop, a short one, is Yanchep National Park, where wetlands and tuart woodland give you a chance to spot western grey kangaroos grazing on the lawns. Look up into the trees too: koalas aren't native to Western Australia, but a colony has lived here since they were brought in during the 1930s.

LATE AFTERNOON: THE PINNACLE DESERT AT SUNSET

The coach runs on up the coast to Nambung National Park and the Pinnacle Desert, where thousands of limestone pillars rise out of yellow sand, some taller than a person. They formed from ancient seashells that turned to limestone and were later uncovered by the wind. You arrive late in the afternoon, when the heat and the day-trip crowds have gone. Walk among the spires as their shadows stretch out, the sun drops into the Indian Ocean and the moon comes up over the sand.

EVENING: DINNER IN CERVANTES

Once it's dark, you head to Cervantes, a small crayfishing town on the coast nearby, named after the American whaling ship Cervantes, which was wrecked offshore in 1844. Dinner is included, at a traditional Western Australian country tavern.

NIGHT: STARS OVER THE PINNACLES

After dinner you go back into the national park to the Pinnacles observation deck, far from any city light. On a clear night the sky is crowded: the Southern Cross, the band of the Milky Way and, in the south, the two Magellanic Clouds, small galaxies you can only see from the Southern Hemisphere. It's a relaxed evening of looking up rather than an astronomy class, so binoculars and a stargazing app help. Then the coach makes the long run home, reaching Perth at about 11pm.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Pick-up from selected Perth CBD and Northbridge hotels between about 1:10pm and 1:50pm, including 180 William Street, Barrack Street Jetty and Crown. Be at your stop 10 minutes early and look for an Australian Pinnacle Tours or Grayline coach. Your pick-up point and time are set when you book.
Departure time: About 2pm from Perth. Runs Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday.
Finishes: Back in Perth at about 11pm.
Suits: Couples, families and anyone who wants the Pinnacles without driving 500 km at night. The operator says most of its tours suit children aged 4 to 12.
Please note: Weather decides the evening: sunset and stars can't be guaranteed, bad weather can shorten the tour, and the order of stops shifts with the season. Summer days are hot; winter nights get cold quickly.

What to bring

Comfortable walking shoes
A jumper or warm layer for the evening
Camera
Binoculars and a stargazing app, if you have them
Hand luggage only

What is included

Pick-up from selected Perth CBD and Northbridge hotels
Return coach travel with a driver guide
Stop at Yanchep National Park
Sunset and stargazing at the Pinnacle Desert
Dinner at a tavern in Cervantes

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.