Driving in Western Australia is a very pleasurable experience on its own. Driving towards Nambung National Park is a double joy! The Indian Ocean Highway from Perth to the Park is a very quiet, smooth and scenic road. The more it leads away from the city, the more the observance of wilderness becomes open and natural. Of course, how else can it be in Western Australia?
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Perth is the capital and the largest city in Western Australia. It is the most populated city of the continent's West, counting 2.2 million citizens according to the 2016 survey. In spite of the big amount of land available, the vast majority of Sandgropers live in the city area, barely settling further than the established neighborhoods.
Nambung National Park is located 2.5 hours away from the city of Perth, but it will only take thirty minutes until you already start to observe open fields on both sides of the road, surrounded by nothing but nature. A mob of kangaroos is no surprise here, therefore buckle up and enjoy the drive! The occasional farm with cows and goats will quickly pass by, disturbed only by the rare gas stations, where visitors can use a restroom and grab a cup of coffee. Approximately one hour and a half later the scenery will change to the absolute emptiness, even farmers' lands are no longer seen from this point. It is a true moment of experience where you, a human, feel yourself as a guest.
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Somewhere 30 minutes before entering the territory of the National Park, a traveler can see an interesting visual effect. The effect is most vivid during sunny days, which are the majority in this part of Australia. It starts to feel as though you are approaching the ends of the Earth! It is as though if you kept driving, you will soon be able to touch the clouds. Isn't it amazing? This effect comes from a very simple fact, which people who live in a city might not ever have experienced: there are no physical barriers anywhere at all! No buildings, no construction, no mountains (this part of Australia does not have mountains and the majority of the land is flat).
This effect brings a freshness and openness to the mind, letting the traveler appreciate the "no borders" moment.
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Shortly after this experience you arrive at the entrance to the Park. The entrance fee at most National Parks in Western Australia is $12 Australian per vehicle. Thus the entrance to Nambung National Park is $12. In opposition to the famous National Parks in USA, like Grand Canyon or Acadia, there is no waiting line. A higher amount of vehicles can be present during the main tourist season (September - January), but even then the parking lot is not over full and crowded.
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The National Park itself, which includes The Pinnacles Desert, beaches at Kangaroo Point and Hangover Bay as well as unique coastal dunes is an open area - no gates, no fences. Even though The Pinnacles Desert might be too small to be called a desert in a way tourists are familiar with, it has enough space for each guest to find a personal spot and take a nice photo without other people in the back. There are no dedicated walking paths - simply respect the nature and walk everywhere you wish. The Desert also has driving paths designated by small stones and, fortunately, they are not overcrowded by cars. There is no feeling of a road at all. The silence and the magic of the place remains untouched. Visitors can touch the limestones, of course with respect to the nature. The Park allows each guest to enjoy the connection with the creations, only prohibiting pets on the territory. This rule is understandable as the Park is full of wildlife who are, by the way, not afraid to show their presence. No one can guarantee that you will see local animals at the time of the visit, but if you happen to see one congratulations! Among local animals that can be seen are kangaroos, wedge-tail eagles, bustards and emus.
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The Pinnacle sculptures vary in their height, shape and colour. Like us, each of them have their own story of their formation. Do not forget that the Pinnacles are made from shells and millions of years ago they were under the sea. Just imagine how surreal it is!
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Even though the park is getting more and more tourists each year, it has not lost its naturalness and authenticity. Arriving without expectation and rush the Park will certainly leave you with the satisfied feeling that you have been somewhere where the soul and the spirit are still alive.
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Before leaving the park (or before entering the park), stop by the visitor centre and take a look at the displays to read about the history of the Pinnacles, their geology and also to look at mesmerizing, professionally taken photographs. The gift shop next door has many natural locally made items. I personally really liked "Wild Flower" alcohol-free perfume made in Australia, which every time I put it on, now reminds me of my visit to the Park.
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Enjoy your driving and the visit to the naturally created beauty - the Pinnacles!
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