Nambung National Park
Nambung National Park is located just north of Perth, the capital of Western Australia.
It’s an easy 2-hour drive on sealed roads from the city (car rental available here).
That makes it a great option for anyone visiting Perth for a few days and wondering what to do outside the city.
The Pinnacles Desert
The Pinnacles are the main (and only) attraction of Nambung National Park.
It’s a sand plateau often called a desert, filled with — let’s be honest — a whole forest of phallic rock formations.
Poetically speaking: a field of stone… manhoods.
Entrance fee: $15 AUD per vehicle.
That gets you access to a network of loop roads through the desert, which you can drive at your leisure.
The roads are one-way and clearly marked with boulders. There are pull-off spots for taking photos.
You’re welcome to park and explore on foot — but honestly, it’s tiring and hot.
Might be worth it only for hardcore night-sky photographers. In that case, skip the entrance fee — park outside and walk in through the bush.
That said — hiking through the bush at night is neither fun nor safe.
Beware of creatures like this guy (just kidding — it’s a harmless bearded dragon).
Best light for photos: sunrise or sunset.
I lugged a tripod out there for astrophotography, but got unlucky with the weather.
Cervantes
A small town nearby.
Famous for lobsters — and the Lobster Shack restaurant.
Personally? I do not recommend it: tourist buses full of noisy crowds, mediocre food.
For takeaway lobster and prawns, check the seafood shop at the town entrance.
Lancelin Sand Dunes
On your way back to Perth, swing by the village of Lancelin for some sand dune action.
The locals put their heads together and figured out how to catch the traffic from the Pinnacles — and nailed it.
Now it’s a tourist hot spot.
You can rent buggies or boards (like snowboards, but sand-friendly).
If you decide to spend the night, I recommend the Endeavour Tavern and this guesthouse: Salty Shack Lancelin – Two Bedroom.
Yanchep National Park
Yanchep is very close to Perth.
More of a weekend picnic park than a wild national park.
Its star attraction: a few hand-fed koalas munching eucalyptus within arm’s reach of the boardwalk.
Also: plenty of kangaroos.
Also worth visiting: the historic pub at Yanchep Inn.
It’s a classic British-style pub with more than just fish & chips.
Try the pulled meat burgers (amazing) and battered scallops.
One-Day Trips Around Perth
So — what to do near Perth in just one day?
Everything above is fair game.
A packed but doable road trip — and you won’t be exhausted.
And remember, always follow the local etiquette:
