If you’re looking for a day trip that combines striking natural scenery with a touch of history and culture, the Full Day Pinnacles Desert and New Norcia tour is worth considering. While we haven’t experienced it firsthand, this guided excursion promises a well-rounded glimpse into two of Western Australia’s most intriguing sites.
From the mystical limestone pillars of the Pinnacles to the monastic serenity of New Norcia, this tour offers a mix of landscapes, architecture, and stories that can leave a lasting impression.
What makes this experience particularly appealing are the depth of its highlights—you’ll visit New Norcia’s museum and art gallery, home to artifacts gifted by popes and royalty, and get to explore the Abbey Church with one of only two large Moser organs in the world. The other show’s stopper is the Pinnacles Desert, where towering limestone spires create a landscape as surreal as a fantasy film set.
One potential consideration? The day is quite full, and if you’re hoping for more free time at each stop, you might find yourself wishing for longer. But if efficient, guided exploration appeals, this trip is suited for curious travelers eager to see a snapshot of Western Australia’s diverse offerings. It’s especially great for those who enjoy a mix of scenic drives, cultural insights, and authentic Australian landscapes.
Key Points
1 / 4
2 / 4
3 / 4
4 / 4- Authentic Sites: Combines a historic monastic town with natural limestone formations.
- Guided Experience: Knowledgeable guides enhance understanding of each location.
- Scenic Drive: Traveling along Indian Ocean Drive offers stunning coastal views.
- Cultural Insights: Learn about New Norcia’s history, architecture, and artifacts.
- Natural Wonder: The Pinnacles Desert features towering limestone pillars up to several meters high.
- Practicality: The full-day tour includes lunch, transportation, and hotel pickup.
An Overview of What to Expect
This tour is designed to maximize your day, taking you through some of Western Australia’s most captivating sights. Starting from Perth, you’ll journey through the Swan Valley before arriving at New Norcia, Australia’s only monastic town. Here, the blend of Spanish-inspired architecture, art, and history makes it a unique stop. As you explore, you’ll discover artifacts presented by popes and Spanish royalty, adding a regal touch to the town’s humble charm.
The guided tour of the Benedictine Community is a highlight, providing insights into monastic life and the history behind this spiritual enclave. Visiting the museum and art gallery, you’ll find relics that tell stories of Aboriginal missions and the monastery’s evolution. For many, the Abbey Church stands out, home to a large Moser organ—one of only two in the world—crafted in Germany, which adds a musical note to the experience.
A stop at St Gertrudes College offers a peek into early 20th-century architecture, with its Gothic style that was once a girls’ boarding school. Lunch comes at the historic New Norcia Hotel, where you can enjoy local breads, olive oil, and fresh fish and chips—simple but satisfying fare that complements the trip’s authentic vibe.
Next, the journey takes you to Nambung National Park for the iconic Pinnacles Desert. Here, the landscape is so unusual that it feels like wandering through a limestone fairy tale. You’ll walk through the desert and enjoy sweeping views from the lookout, which offers incredible photo opportunities. If time allows, a visit to the Pinnacle Desert Discovery Centre gives added context and background.
The drive back along Indian Ocean Drive provides more stunning coastal scenery, culminating in your return to Perth around 7:30 pm.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Perth
Transportation, Timing, and Practicalities
This is a full-day tour, lasting approximately 11.5 hours, which means you’ll spend a good chunk of the day on the road. The coach is equipped for comfort, and the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for a broader range of travelers. Pickup is included, so just plan to be ready outside your accommodation 10 minutes prior to your scheduled pickup time.
The tour includes lunch—a simple, tasty meal featuring local produce, bread, and fish and chips—paired with an optional local wine selection, which many reviews mention positively. The tour has a small group feel, led by a live English-speaking guide who is praised for their knowledge and engaging storytelling.
What the Reviews Say
The overall rating of 4.4/5 across 15 reviews suggests most travelers find the tour enjoyable and worthwhile. Many praise the guides, with one reviewer calling a guide “very knowledgeable,” and others noting how the guide’s commentary added depth to the experience. The scenery at the Pinnacles consistently receives high marks for its surreal beauty, with travelers describing it as “fantastic” and “scenic.”
Some travelers mention that the wildflower component was absent or limited, which might be disappointing if you’re expecting a floral display—one reviewer noted they were advised the best wildflowers view was in Kings Park instead. Others appreciated the well-organized itinerary but also mentioned that the limited time at each stop might feel rushed, especially at the Pinnacles.
A few reviews highlight good value for the price, especially considering the inclusion of lunch, transportation, and guide. On the other hand, some found the long bus ride tiring but acknowledged that the scenic views made up for it. One reviewer emphasized that the knowledgeable guides and the approachability of the driver made the day more enjoyable.
Deep Dive into the Itinerary
Starting from Perth, the early morning pickup gets you out of the city and into the countryside. The drive through Swan Valley offers scenes of the lush, fertile landscape that’s renowned for wines and orchards, even if the tour doesn’t include wine tastings.
Arriving at New Norcia, you’ll appreciate the Spanish-inspired architecture, which gives this small town a European feel. The museum and art gallery showcase artifacts that span centuries, including relics from the papal and royalty gifts, offering a tangible connection to the town’s unique history.
The Abbey Church is a highlight, especially for music lovers, as it houses an impressive Moser organ. This piece of craftsmanship adds a sense of gravitas and beauty to the space. The visit to St Gertrudes College offers a glimpse into early 20th-century education architecture, with its Gothic features.
Lunchtime at the New Norcia Hotel is a chance to savor local flavors—fresh bread, olive oil, and seafood—before heading to the Nambung National Park. The Pinnacles Desert is the star here. The limestone pillars, shaped over thousands of years, reach up several meters and create a landscape that feels almost alien. Many visitors love the lookout, which offers panoramic views of this surreal terrain.
If time and energy permit, the Pinnacle Desert Discovery Centre provides further explanations of how these formations came to be, enriching your understanding of their natural history. The return journey along the coast offers scenic views of the Indian Ocean, and many travelers find the day’s experiences linger in their memories long after.
More Great Tours NearbyFinal Thoughts
This tour offers a well-balanced mix of cultural discovery and natural beauty. It’s particularly suitable for travelers who want an efficient way to see two distinctive sites without the hassle of organizing their own transport or guides. The guided aspect ensures you gain insights you might miss exploring alone, and the comfortable transport makes the long day manageable.
While some may find the limited free time at each stop a challenge, those who enjoy learning about history, architecture, and geology will find plenty to appreciate. The scenery at Pinnacles alone makes the trip worth it, but the added richness of the monastic town provides context and depth.
For travelers with a curiosity for authentic Australian landscapes, a taste for history, and an appreciation for well-organized tours, this experience strikes a good balance of value and memorable sights.
FAQ
Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, but it’s best to check with the provider for specific mobility requirements.
How long are the stops at each location?
The tour is designed to cover multiple sites in one day, so the stops are timed for guided visits with limited free exploration. It might feel a bit rushed if you like long, unstructured visits.
Does the tour include meals?
Yes, lunch is included, featuring local produce, bread, and fish and chips. You can also inform the provider of any dietary requirements.
What should I bring on this tour?
Comfortable walking shoes, a hat, your camera, and any personal necessities. The tour is outdoors at scenic sites, so dress appropriately.
How early do I need to be ready for pickup?
Please wait outside your accommodation 10 minutes before the scheduled pickup time to ensure a smooth start.
Are there any optional activities or additional costs?
The tour itself covers the main highlights, and no mention was made of optional extras. The Pinnacles Desert Discovery Centre may have an entry fee if you choose to visit.
What is the duration of the entire trip?
Approximately 11.5 hours, making it a full-day outing from Perth.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Is alcohol available during the trip?
While the tour mentions a good wine selection, it’s likely limited to the stops that serve alcohol. Check with the provider if you want to know about specific beverages.
Full Day Pinnacles Desert and New Norcia
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This experience appeals most to curious, culturally inclined travelers who enjoy a blend of natural wonder and historic storytelling. It’s perfect for those who appreciate guided tours for in-depth insights but are comfortable with a full-day schedule. If you love landscapes that seem otherworldly, combined with a chance to learn about monastic life and local history, you’ll find this tour offers a satisfying slice of Western Australia.
Families with older children, couples, or solo travelers seeking a comprehensive day trip from Perth will find it a practical way to see diverse highlights without the stress of planning each stop independently. Just remember, it’s a long day, so come prepared for a fair bit of sitting and walking.
This tour offers a thoughtful, well-paced way to experience some of Western Australia’s most distinctive sights. Whether you’re captivated by the limestone towers or intrigued by monastic traditions, you’re sure to come away with a richer appreciation of this diverse region.
You can check availability for your dates here:
