The Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park offers a stunning landscape to explore, but the surrounding region is also an adventure seeker’s paradise. From sandboarding down giant dunes to 4WDing along rugged coastal tracks, the area around the Pinnacles provides thrilling outdoor activities that will get your adrenaline pumping. Here’s a guide to the best adventure activities near the Pinnacles, including sandboarding, quad biking, snorkeling, and more.
1. Sandboarding in Lancelin
Distance from the Pinnacles: 80 km / 1-hour drive
The Lancelin Sand Dunes are the largest in Western Australia and are the ultimate destination for sandboarding. These towering white dunes rise up to 30 meters high, offering plenty of slopes for both beginners and experienced sandboarders. Whether you’re sliding down on a board or taking in the breathtaking views of the dunes and ocean, Lancelin is a must-visit for thrill-seekers.
You can rent sandboards from shops in Lancelin, and no experience is necessary to enjoy this exhilarating activity. The smooth, shifting sand makes for a fun and safe ride down the dunes.
Other Activities in Lancelin:
- 4WDing and Quad Biking: The vast sand dunes are also perfect for 4WD adventures and quad biking. You can either bring your own vehicle or join a guided tour to explore the dunes in style. The undulating terrain and expansive views make for a thrilling off-road experience.
- Kitesurfing and Windsurfing: Lancelin is known for its strong winds, making it one of the best spots in Western Australia for kitesurfing and windsurfing. The wide bay and consistent winds provide perfect conditions for water sports enthusiasts.
Best for: Sandboarding, 4WDing, quad biking, and kitesurfing.
Image © Tourism Western Australia
2. Snorkeling with Sea Lions in Jurien Bay
Distance from the Pinnacles: 45 km / 35-minute drive
For an unforgettable marine adventure, head to Jurien Bay and experience the thrill of snorkeling with Australian sea lions. Known as the "puppies of the sea" due to their playful nature, sea lions love interacting with snorkelers, making this an incredible wildlife encounter.
Several tour operators in Jurien Bay offer snorkeling trips to the sea lion colonies located on nearby islands. These tours provide all the necessary gear and a guided experience, ensuring you get up close to these curious and friendly animals in their natural habitat.
Other Activities in Jurien Bay:
- Skydiving: For those seeking the ultimate adrenaline rush, Skydiving Jurien Bay offers one of the most scenic skydiving experiences in Australia. You’ll jump from up to 14,000 feet and enjoy stunning views of the coastline and turquoise waters as you descend to the beach.
- Fishing and Boating: Jurien Bay is a great spot for fishing and boating, with the opportunity to catch species like snapper, whiting, and dhufish. You can rent a boat or join a fishing charter for a day out on the water.
Best for: Snorkeling, marine wildlife encounters, and skydiving.
Image © Tourism Western Australia
3. 4WD Adventures and Camping at Sandy Cape
Distance from the Pinnacles: 65 km / 1-hour drive
Sandy Cape Recreation Park, located just north of Jurien Bay, is a popular spot for 4WD enthusiasts and those looking to enjoy a camping adventure by the beach. The park is known for its stunning coastal scenery, soft sandy beaches, and calm turquoise waters, making it a perfect place for both relaxation and exploration.
The 4WD tracks around Sandy Cape take you through coastal dunes, bushland, and beach stretches, offering scenic views and a bit of off-road fun. It’s an excellent place to practice 4WD skills and discover hidden spots along the coast.
Other Activities at Sandy Cape:
- Camping: Sandy Cape has a beautiful, well-maintained campground right by the beach. It’s the perfect spot to set up camp and enjoy a night under the stars after a day of adventure. The calm waters also make it a great spot for swimming and snorkeling.
- Bushwalking: There are several short walks around Sandy Cape that offer beautiful views of the coastline and dunes. The gentle trails are perfect for exploring the natural beauty of the area at a slower pace.
Best for: 4WDing, beach camping, and exploring the coastal landscape.
Image © Tourism Western Australia
4. Quad Biking at Wedge Island
Distance from the Pinnacles: 55 km / 45-minute drive
If you’re looking for a mix of adrenaline and coastal beauty, a quad biking tour to Wedge Island is the perfect adventure. Wedge Island is known for its untouched beaches and sand dunes, which provide an ideal backdrop for quad biking through rugged terrain.
Several tour operators in the area offer guided quad biking tours, which take you along the coastline and through the dunes. You’ll have the opportunity to ride through sand tracks, climb dunes, and take in the stunning views of the Indian Ocean. Wedge Island is a secluded spot, and these tours offer a sense of adventure combined with the tranquility of an isolated beach.
Other Activities at Wedge Island:
- Surfing: Wedge Island’s beaches are known for their good surf conditions, particularly for intermediate and experienced surfers. The waves here are consistent, and the beaches are much less crowded than more popular surf spots further south.
- Fishing: Wedge Island is also a great spot for beach fishing, with plenty of fish species like tailor, whiting, and herring to catch.
Best for: Quad biking, surfing, and beach fishing.
Image © Tourism Western Australia
5. Yanchep National Park: Caves and Adventure Trails
Distance from the Pinnacles: 130 km / 1.5-hour drive
If you want a change of pace from the coastal dunes and beaches, head inland to Yanchep National Park, which offers a range of adventure activities in a lush, forested environment. The park is known for its limestone caves, scenic walking trails, and abundant wildlife.
Adventure Activities in Yanchep National Park:
- Crystal Cave Tours: Explore the underground beauty of Crystal Cave, a limestone cave with stalactites, stalagmites, and shimmering crystal formations. Guided tours are available, providing insights into the cave’s geology and history.
- Abseiling and Rock Climbing: For adrenaline junkies, abseiling and rock climbing opportunities are available within the park’s limestone cliffs. Guided tours and lessons are offered for those looking to experience the thrill of scaling the cliffs or descending into the gorge.
- Adventure Trails: Yanchep National Park offers several walking and hiking trails of varying lengths. The Ghost House Trail is a popular 12.4-kilometer loop that takes you through wetlands, bushland, and past the ruins of an old homestead.
Best for: Cave exploration, hiking, abseiling, and rock climbing.
Image © Tourism Western Australia
6. Stockyard Gully Caves and 4WDing
Distance from the Pinnacles: 85 km / 1.5-hour drive
For those seeking a combination of adventure and natural beauty, Stockyard Gully National Park offers an exciting day trip with its limestone caves and 4WD tracks. The highlight of the park is the Stockyard Gully Cave, a natural tunnel formed by an ancient river, providing an exciting underground adventure.
The Stockyard Gully Caves are accessible via a sandy 4WD track, so it’s a perfect spot for those who want to combine off-road driving with cave exploration. The park is peaceful and relatively remote, giving you the chance to experience nature in solitude.
Other Activities at Stockyard Gully:
- Cave Exploration: The main cave is about 300 meters long and has a sandy floor, making it easy to explore for families or first-time cavers. Bring a torch to explore the darker parts of the cave.
- Picnicking and Wildlife Spotting: The surrounding bushland offers scenic spots for picnicking and the chance to spot local wildlife such as kangaroos, lizards, and native birds.
Best for: 4WDing, cave exploration, and picnicking in nature.
Final Thoughts
The area surrounding the Pinnacles Desert offers a wide variety of adventure activities, from the thrill of sandboarding on the towering dunes of Lancelin to the excitement of quad biking along coastal tracks. Whether you’re exploring the underwater world in Jurien Bay, embarking on a 4WD adventure, or discovering hidden caves, there’s no shortage of exciting things to do.