Pinnacles Desert & New Norcia Day Tour from Perth

Exploring Western Australia’s Hidden Gems: Pinnacles Desert & New Norcia Day Tour from Perth

If you’re looking for a full-day adventure that combines breathtaking natural scenery with a touch of cultural discovery, this tour from Perth offers a compelling choice. For around $170, you get to see the otherworldly limestone formations of the Pinnacles Desert, visit the historic New Norcia Benedictine Abbey, and enjoy a relaxed, well-organized day in comfortable, air-conditioned transport. It’s a solid way to step outside Perth’s city buzz and learn about some of Australia’s most distinctive sights.

One of the best aspects of this tour is the mix of natural and cultural experiences—walking among the Pinnacles makes you feel like you’ve stepped onto another planet, while exploring New Norcia reveals a slice of Australian history that many travelers overlook. The included lunch in New Norcia is another highlight, especially if you appreciate hearty, well-prepared fish and chips served in a setting that feels both rustic and hearty.

A potential consideration is the limited time at each stop—particularly at the Pinnacles—where reviews suggest you might only have about an hour, which could leave some wanting more. Also, the wildflower viewing is seasonal, so if you visit outside August to December, you might not see the fields in bloom.

This tour suits travelers who love stunning landscapes coupled with cultural insights, and who are comfortable with a long day on the road. It’s especially popular among those who appreciate a knowledgeable guide, as many reviews highlight the quality of the commentary and the driver’s friendliness. If you’re after a balanced mix of geology, history, and scenic beauty without the hassle of planning, this tour is a good fit.

Key Points

• Natural Wonder: The Pinnacles Desert offers a surreal landscape of limestone spires rising from sandy dunes.
• Cultural Experience: Visiting New Norcia provides insight into Australia’s unique Benedictine monastic community and its artifacts.
• Convenience: Hassle-free hotel pickup and drop-off in Perth save you time and effort.
• Informed Guides: Many reviewers praise the driver/guide for their knowledge and friendly approach.
• Seasonal Wildflowers: Expect fragrant wildflower fields if visiting between August and December.
• Long Day: The trip lasts about 11.5 hours, so be prepared for a full-day commitment.

A Deep Dive into the Tour Experience

When we first look at this tour, what stands out is the combination of geological marvels and cultural history. Starting with hotel pickup, the journey begins comfortably in an air-conditioned vehicle, ideal for the Australian climate and long hours on the road. The onboard commentary adds value, giving context to what you’re seeing—whether it’s explaining the geological formation of the Pinnacles or sharing stories about the historic Benedictine monks in New Norcia.

Visiting New Norcia: A Touch of Spanish-Style Australia

The first significant stop is New Norcia, about an hour and 15 minutes from Perth. This tiny town feels like a slice of Spain transplanted into Western Australia. The museum and art gallery are packed with artefacts from the town’s roots, which began as an Aboriginal mission before becoming a hub for farming and education. According to reviews, the local guide enhances the experience, providing fascinating insights into the monastery’s ongoing role today.

Many travelers find the handmade goods—olive oils, nut cakes, fruit wines, and baked breads—are well worth the small purchase. The fish and chips lunch here is appreciated for its simplicity and quality, with several reviews mentioning how satisfying and hearty it is after the morning’s exploration.

The Pinnacles Desert: A Landscape Like No Other

After lunch, the tour heads to Nambung National Park to experience the Pinnacles Desert. The landscape here is truly alien—tall, jagged limestone formations scattered across the dunes, reaching heights of several meters. It’s a sight that captures the imagination immediately.

The review quotes say it all: “The Pinnacles are spectacular and well worth the drive,” and “Seeing all these rocky spikes in sand was a fantastic sight.” You’ll have about an hour here, which many find sufficient to walk among the formations, take photos, and enjoy the surreal views. If time permits, visiting the Pinnacle Desert Discovery Centre adds an educational element, revealing how these natural structures formed over millennia.

Wildflowers and Other Highlights

Depending on the season, you might also stroll through wildflower fields—a fragrant bonus if visiting between August and December. Several reviews mention wildflower viewing as a highlight, though one noted that when flowers aren’t blooming, this part of the trip feels less compelling.

The drive back to Perth offers more scenic views, and the driver’s commentary continues to enrich the experience, sharing stories about the landscape, local flora, and fauna. The day wraps up with a return to your hotel, making it a convenient, straightforward way to see some of Western Australia’s most iconic sights.

What Reviewers Love (and What Could Be Better)

Many travelers laud the knowledgeable guides, with one describing the driver as “professional and handled unforeseen circumstances well,” even when the air conditioning failed. The scenery at the Pinnacles consistently impresses, described as “a sight to behold” and “like stepping onto another planet.”

The lunch at New Norcia receives praise for being good quality, with some reviewers wishing for more variety or additional sides like a salad. The short time at each stop—particularly at the Pinnacles—comes up as a minor gripe, with some feeling they could have appreciated more time to explore.

Wildflower viewing is hit or miss depending on the season, and a few reviews mention the long hours as a challenge—this is a full-day tour after all, so patience and comfortable footwear are recommended.

Practical Details: Transportation, Timing, and Value

The transportation is modern and air-conditioned, making the long hours much more tolerable. With a maximum group size of 48, the tour isn’t overly crowded, and reviews indicate that the driver/guide makes a concerted effort to keep everyone engaged and comfortable. The 11.5-hour duration means you’ll need a fair bit of energy, but the balance of attractions makes the trip feel well-paced.

At $169.77 per person, the value hinges on the quality of the guide, the inclusions (lunch, museum entries), and the exclusive access to sights that are hard to see without a tour. Many reviewers agree it’s a good value for money given the comprehensive experience.

The Sum Up: Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you’re after a full day of diverse sights, this tour offers a good mix of nature, history, and cultural insights. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate guided commentary, want to avoid the hassle of planning multiple excursions, and enjoy comfortable transportation. It’s ideal for first-time visitors to Perth wanting to see the iconic Pinnacles and learn about local history without the stress of navigating solo.

While the day is long, the scenery and stories make it worthwhile. If you’re interested in geology, Australian history, or simply love discovering quirky landscapes, this tour can add a memorable chapter to your Western Australia adventure.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers hassle-free pickup and drop-off in Perth, making it convenient for travelers staying in the city.

How much time do I get at the Pinnacles Desert?
You’ll have roughly one hour to walk among the limestone formations, take photos, and explore the area.

What is included in the lunch?
The tour provides a Fish and Chips meal at New Norcia, which is generally well-received for its quality and hearty portion.

Can I see wildflowers on this tour?
Yes, if visiting between August and December, you might see fragrant wildflower fields. Outside that season, wildflowers may not be blooming.

How long is the total trip?
The full-day tour lasts approximately 11 hours and 30 minutes, including travel time, sightseeing, and meals.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, it’s designed as a family-friendly experience, but travelers should be comfortable with a moderate physical activity level and long travel hours.

This tour strikes a nice balance between stunning landscapes and cultural insights, making it an excellent choice for travelers wanting to see the best of Western Australia beyond Perth’s city limits. Whether you’re taking photos of alien-like limestone stacks or learning about the Benedictine monks’ legacy, you’re sure to find this day both rewarding and memorable.