Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Integrity (
Click here
) runs daily along the coast between Perth and Geraldton and
overnight twice a week to and from Exmouth.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Cervantes & Pinnacles Desert
POP 480
Heading north from Lancelin on Indian Ocean Dr, you will pass the tiny fishing-shack vil-
along the beach. Pressure from developers and government mean the future of these com-
munities is uncertain, and although there are no facilities for tourists, you're welcome to
wander.
The laid-back crayfishing town of
Cervantes
, 198km north of Perth, makes a pleasant
overnight stop for enjoying the
Pinnacles Desert
and a good base for exploring the flora of the
Kwongan
, the inland heathland of Lesueur National Park (
Click here
) and
Badgingarra Na-
tional Park
. There are also some lovely beaches on which to while away the time.
Grab a copy of the
Turquoise Coast Self Drive Map
from Cervantes' combined
post office
and visitor centre
( 08-9652 7700, freecall 1800 610 660;
www.visitpinnaclescountry.com.au
; Cadiz St;
8am-5pm; )
, which also supplies accommodation and tour information. The town's gen-
eral store and liquor shop are also on this strip.
Just before town, turn off for Lake Thetis, where living stromatolites - the world's old-
est organisms - inhabit the shoreline. Nearby
Hansen Bay Lookout
has excellent views across
the coast. In town, walkways wend along the coastline and provide beach access.
1
Sights & Activities
o
Nambung National Park
(per car $11)
Situated 19km from Cervantes, Nambung is home to the spectacular
Pinnacles
Desert
, a vast, alien-like plain studded with thousands of limestone pillars. Rising eerily
from the desert floor, the pillars are remnants of compacted seashells that once covered
the plain and, over millennia, subsequently eroded. A loop road runs through the forma-
tions, but it's more fun to wander on foot, especially at sunset, full moon or dawn, when
the light is sublime and the crowds evaporate.
NATIONAL PARK
