Autopia Tours Pinnacles Lobster Yanchep Day Tour

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A day trip from Perth to some of Western Australia's natural wonders: the Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park, lunch at the Lobster Shack in Cervantes, and morning tea at Yanchep.

Days

Full day, 9 hours

Age

6 and over

Group size

Small group, max 28

Start / finish

Perth / Perth
Perth, around 7pm

Return

Perth, around 7pm

Transport

Air-conditioned mini-coach with driver guide, Perth inner-city pick-up

Meals

Morning tea included; lunch at own expense

Route

Map of Autopia Tours Pinnacles Lobster Yanchep Day Tour

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Included experiences

Pinnacles Desert — guided walk among the limestone pillars
Nambung National Park Discovery Centre
Cervantes — lunch at the Lobster Shack
Lake Thetis — stromatolites boardwalk
Yanchep — Lavender Farm or Chocolate Drops Tearoom morning tea

Autopia Tours Pinnacles Lobster Yanchep Day Tour

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

MORNING: PERTH TO YANCHEP

Pick-up is mid-morning in central Perth, then it's north along the coast to Yanchep, whose name comes from the Noongar word for the bulrushes that grow in its lakes. Morning tea is included at either the Yanchep Lavender Farm, where the lavender ice cream and fresh scones are the pick, or the Chocolate Drops Tearoom, with its handmade chocolates and sweets. From there the road becomes Indian Ocean Drive, opened in 2010, which runs between white dunes, coastal heath and glimpses of the sea. Your guide shares the Aboriginal creation stories of this country as you go.

MIDDAY: LOBSTER AT CERVANTES AND THE STROMATOLITES

Lunch is in Cervantes, a fishing town named after an American whaling ship wrecked off this coast in 1844. The Lobster Shack here is a working lobster factory with a restaurant on top, and its western rock lobster comes straight off the local boats (lunch is at your own cost). Afterwards, stroll the boardwalk at Lake Thetis, a lake saltier than the sea, to see stromatolites. These rocky mounds are built by microbes, a form of life whose fossils go back about 3.5 billion years. In spring the heath around them fills with banksias, bottlebrush, grass trees and kangaroo paws.

AFTERNOON: THE PINNACLES DESERT

The last stop is Nambung National Park. At the Pinnacles Desert Discovery Centre you learn how the formations were made, then walk a few hundred metres with your guide in among them. Thousands of limestone pillars, some up to 3.5 metres tall, stand in the yellow sand. They formed from seashells broken down into lime sand, cemented by rain and roots, then uncovered as the wind blew the loose sand away. In the afternoon light their shadows stretch out across the desert. You're back in Perth around 7pm.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Selected Perth inner-city pick-up points. Be ready at least 10 minutes before the pick-up time.
Finishes: Back in Perth around 7pm.
Minimum age: 6 years; not suitable for infants or children 5 and under.
Fitness: A moderate level of fitness is needed for the walks.
Dietary needs: Let the operator know of dietary needs or medical conditions before departure.
Please note: Storage is limited: one 5 kg day bag per guest. Not suitable for mobility impaired travellers, wheelchairs, walkers or strollers. Itineraries may change with the seasons or park closures. Tours go ahead in rain unless you're contacted. Private touring is available on request.

What to bring

1 litre refillable water bottle
Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
Warm clothes and a windbreaker for the evening, as the desert gets cold at night
Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes with tread
Small day pack (5 to 7 kg)
Money for snacks and meals
Camera

What is included

Pick-up and drop-off at selected Perth inner-city points
Air-conditioned mini-coach with an experienced driver guide and commentary
Morning tea and local produce tasting at Yanchep
Pinnacles guided walk
National park entry

Not included

Lunch at the Lobster Shack and other meals not listed
Hotel transfers
Personal expenses

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

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.

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 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.

Reviews

5.0

Based on 1 review

Verified from

Real reviews from travellers who've done this tour, gathered from around the web and paraphrased.

How we collect and publish reviews

Where they come from. Our reviews are gathered from independent review sites and from guests who share feedback with us directly after their trip. They come from people who have actually travelled on the tour. Some longer trips are made up of shorter tours we also sell, run back to back — where a review was written about one of those legs, the review says so.

Why some are edited. Many of our guests travel in their second or third language. Where a review is hard to read, we lightly edit spelling, grammar and punctuation, or paraphrase a sentence for clarity. We never change the rating, the meaning or the sentiment, and we never write a review on a guest's behalf.

Reading the originals. Reviews sourced from public review sites appear there in their original form, and can be read in full at their original source at any time.

(5/5)

A fantastic day with a great guide whose knowledge made it fun and educational. Highly recommended.

Kevin Verified· Travelled 18th April 2025

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