Western Australia’s Pinnacles Desert—an eerie collection of limestone spires rising from red-orange desert sands—is undeniably dramatic by day.
Yet for many visitors, nightfall is when it casts its true spell. Here’s why booking a sunset and stargazing tour is the ideal way to discover one of WA’s most popular natural wonders.
👉 Book your Pinnacles Sunset & Stargazing tour now
Escape the crowds and catch the best light
Daytime visits tend to draw large tour groups, and the noon sun flattens the sculpted textures of the Pinnacles.
Timing your visit for sunset transforms the landscape: the low, golden light adds depth and contrast, enhancing the desert’s natural artistry.
As the sun dips, shadows stretch and the atmosphere becomes quietly transformative—a more intimate experience, free from the midday bustle and heat
👉 Check availability for the sunset tour here
Combine sundown with stargazing and stories
Once the sky clears, the Pinnacles Desert becomes a window into the cosmos.
Far from urban light pollution, the desert sky reveals a dense carpet of stars.
The tour includes telescopes and astro-binoculars, allowing guests to spot constellations, planets, the Milky Way—and to hear stories that link the stars to Indigenous Dreamtime knowledge.
👉 Reserve your sunset and stargazing experience
A thoughtfully planned evening tour
The Pinnacles Sunset and Stargazing tour includes multiple stops en route from Perth:
- Lancelin sand dunes – offering a chance to sandboard or just enjoy the shifting landscape.
- Nilgen Nature Reserve or Hangover Bay – both scenic stops, chosen based on seasonal highlights.
- Dinner under the stars – typically a relaxed picnic or barbecue, with wine included.
Everything is timed to ensure you arrive at the Pinnacles just before sunset, then linger for the full night-sky experience.
👉 See full itinerary and book your tour
Why night turns natural history into storytelling
Evening brings out two sides of the desert: its geological mystery and its connection to the stars.
Watching the stone pillars bathed in the last rays of daylight is great for photography, and it brews a sense of wonder.
Later, under the stars, your guide connects the constellations above with ancient Aboriginal storytelling—offering a deeper cultural context to the land.
Practical tips for your evening at the Pinnacles
- Duration: Around 9 hours, departing early afternoon and returning at night.
- Group size: Small to mid-sized, typically around 16 people.
- Inclusions: Entry fees, sandboarding, scenic stops, dinner with a glass of wine, and use of telescopes for stargazing.
- Pickup: Perth hotel pickup and drop-off are included.
- What to bring: Layers for warmth after sunset, comfortable shoes, and a camera with night settings.
👉 Don’t miss your chance to see the Pinnacles at their most magical
More Western Australia travel
Other Western Australia travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- A tale of mutiny and murder on the Houtman Abrolhos Islands.
- 6 reasons to add Perth to your Australian holiday.
- What it’s like to swim with whale sharks.
- Why I enjoyed the notorious drive across the Nullabor.
- The cities and regions of Australia that have really improved.
