Pinnacles Sunset (WA) Preview

Welcome aboard Autopia Tours!

Before you set off on your adventure in Western Australia, I'd like to share some important safety information with you so you can have a safe and enjoyable experience.

Seatbelts and safety:

In Australia, it is a legal requirement to wear a seatbelt whenever the vehicle is in motion. This is all the more important as our wildlife is unpredictable and animals can sometimes appear on the roads unexpectedly. Wearing a seatbelt is also an essential safety measure in the unlikely event of an accident, as it protects you and those around you.

Emergency exits:

In the event of an emergency, if I am unable to help you directly, please note the following emergency exits:

• The door you entered through
• The roof exit (which can be freed by pushing it upwards)
• Either of the emergency windows, which can be broken with the red glass hammer on board.

First aid kits:

This vehicle is equipped with two first aid kits:

• A large kit, which remains on board
• A smaller kit, which your guide will take with him on hikes or excursions outside the bus.
• Your guide is fully trained in first aid, so if you need help, please let him know immediately, and he will help you if necessary.

Communication in remote areas:

Some of the areas we visit can be very remote and the telephone service is not always available. To ensure your safety, we have satellite phones on board, stored in an orange box at the front of the vehicle. In an emergency, your guide will usually use the satellite phone, but if he or she is unavailable or unable to do so, you can use the phone by following the instructions inside the box. Simply dial 000 (Australian emergency number) or use one of the pre-recorded numbers to reach Autopia management.

The satellite phone will also be carried on hikes and carried in your guide's backpack, alongside the first aid kit.

Adventure activities:

Some of the activities we will take part in may be considered adventurous by some, while others will find them light. Before each activity, your guide will give you a full briefing. Please listen carefully and assess your own abilities before taking part. If you have any concerns or would like more information to make an informed decision, please ask your guide.

Remember that your guide's priority is your safety, but it is important that you also take responsibility for your own well-being.

Dehydration and heat stroke:

The most common conditions we treat on tour are dehydration and heat-related illnesses. Heat and physical activity can sometimes take you by surprise, so stay alert.

Be sure to follow your guide's instructions on how much water to take on tour, and if you start to feel unwell, let them know immediately.

We recommend drinking 2 to 3 litres of water a day to stay hydrated. It's also a good idea to wear light clothing that covers the body, wear a hat when outdoors and take breaks in the shade whenever possible.

Your guide will carry electrolytes to help you if you feel unwell.

Comfort on board:

The air conditioning and music are there to keep you comfortable during your journey. If you wish to change the temperature or the music, don't hesitate to let the driver know.

With that, sit back, relax and get ready for an unforgettable adventure on our journey today. We're delighted to have you on board and look forward to showing you the beauty of Western Australia!

Welcome to Autopia’s Pinnacles Sunset Tour.

So, a little about the city you are staying in. Perth began as the Swan River Colony in 1829 under the leadership of Captain James Stirling. Of course, our history dates back much further than that. Nearly 30-40,000 years in the time of the First Nation. So we’d like to start the tour by acknowledging the traditional custodians of the Perth area and lands we will be travelling through today, the Whadjuk, Yued and Nambung Noongar people and pay respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.

The Noongar Nation is the First Nation people that live in the South West of Australia, with lands expanding from Geraldton in the North to Esperance in the South-East. The Noongar are made up of fourteen different groups, known as mobs, each with their own lands. The Whadjuk Noongar are the people of the Perth area and we still have many districts listed under traditional names in a nod to our past heritage.

The first European visitors didn’t come until the 1600s. This was the time of the Dutch explorers. Back then the Dutch had a booming spice trade in Indonesia and would travel to and from there in wooden tall ships. This journey could take several long months at sea until it was discovered that by sailing up Western Australia’s coastline (known then as New Holland) they could cut their journey nearly in half. This was thanks to strong prevailing winds across the Indian Ocean. It wasn’t an easy journey though.

You may have heard of West Australia being called ‘The Shipwreck Coast’. This name comes from the many dangerous limestone reefs that travel along our coastline and these reefs have claimed many ships over the years. The Dutch were no exception. In the 1690’s several ships had gone missing and Captain William De Vlamingh was hired to search for them. By the time he got to our coast though the ships were long gone. He was also tasked with the side mission of mapping safe routes and identifying safe harbours for future ship repairs and resupply. Many of the places he named we still recognise today, including Rottnest Island and the Swan River.

If you haven’t yet visited Rottnest Island we highly recommend it for its calm clear waters and excellent cycle paths and of course the cute, furry quokkas. If you haven’t seen a quokka before it’s a small marsupial, meaning it has a pouch like a kangaroo. Imagine a kangaroo that only comes halfway up your calf, with big round legs, a big round body, little round ears and a big smile. This is a quokka. Today we see them as very cute but in De Vlamingh’s time not so much. He thought they were giant rats so he named it Rottnest meaning Rat Nest Island.

Of course, Rottnest is also recognised by its traditional name Wadjemup. In Noongar Wadjemup translates to ‘the land across the sea where the spirits lie’. This name comes from the belief that when they died their spirits would fly on the wings of a seagull to the island where they would remain until the whales came on their migration. The spirits would then ride the whales into the afterlife. This beautiful story is known as part of the Dream Time and is a bit nicer than Rat Nest Island.

De Vlamingh is also credited with naming the Swan River, the river that runs through the heart of Perth and the reason the city is where it is today. De Vlamingh, you may have noticed, wasn’t the most imaginative with his naming. He explored the river and found it full of black swans so he called it The Swan River. The funny thing is that, since he was Dutch, De Vlamingh had never seen a black swan before, only white. For him to see these black swans he could not believe his eyes and so he thought the swans must be dirty. So, what did he do? He caught a couple, took them back to the ship and tried to give them a bath. That must have been an interesting situation but yes, the swans were indeed black, so The Swan River got its name.

Of course, like Rottnest with Wadjemup, the Swan River also has a traditional name. In Noongar, the river is known as Derbarl Yerrigan which means river of freshwater turtles. Before European settlement, the Swan River was shallow wetlands with fresh water and thousands of freshwater turtles. During settlement, they dredged the river (made it deeper) and removed several reefs near the ocean entrance to allow for the big ships to enter with people and supplies. This brought in the tide and the salt water so, unfortunately, there are no longer freshwater turtles in the Swan River. There are a few surviving populations in the freshwater lakes near the city and further inland but today the Swan River has dolphins, the occasional bull shark and many Swan River jellyfish. Even though there may no longer be turtles in the Swan River we still recognise it as both Derbarl Yerrigan and The Swan River.

Recognising places by both their traditional and modern name is a system called dual-naming which was put in place in Western Australia in 2016 and is a great way to acknowledge our heritage and history.

We’ll leave De Vlamingh behind and fast-forward the timeline to the 1800s. This is where Captain James Stirling finally comes in. You may have noticed a few things named after him, including the district of Stirling, Stirling Highway and Stirling College.

He founded the settlement for the British because the French were interested in the west coast of Australia and the British wanted to lay claims to the land first.

Now, although Perth is the capital city of WA it wasn’t the first settlement. That title goes to Albany which was founded as a convict colony in 1826 a few years before Perth. It was a major port for imports and exports but ultimately Perth was the larger settlement and easier to defend against invasion thanks to Mt Eliza, the large rocky cliffs that make up the edge of today’s Kings Park

That didn’t mean things were easy. Unlike Albany, the Swan River Colony was built as free men and not a penal colony. People paid to come over here to live and were promised the world as they signed up. But they didn’t get it. It was more of a shanty town in the early years, with little food and poor soil and lots of sickness. Stirling himself had to live in a tent with his family near where today’s supreme courthouse is.

After about two decades of struggling Stirling admitted they needed convicts to do the hard work in 1842. It was thanks to these convicts that we now have the infrastructure and city today.

Yanchep National Park, located about 45 minutes north of Perth, is a wonderful destination to explore if you have some spare time. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including kangaroos, koalas, and emus. It features several walking trails that offer stunning views of both the coastline and the surrounding bushland.

For those interested in outdoor activities, Yanchep provides a range of trails varying in length from 500 meters to 52 kilometers. These trails showcase diverse landscapes, from collapsed cave systems and gorges to coastal wetlands and historic remains. Additionally, the park has picnic areas and barbecues, making it an excellent spot for a family outing or a day with friends.

One of the park's highlights is Crystal Cave, which is open daily for tours and presents a captivating subterranean experience. Another unique feature is Cabaret Cave, available for hire for special occasions. This purpose-modified cave has been used for functions since the 1930s and offers a visually stunning, acoustically perfect, and naturally air-conditioned setting for up to 200 guests.

While our itinerary does not include a stop at Yanchep National Park, it’s a great option to consider for your own exploration if you’re looking to experience more of the natural and cultural beauty of the region.

While exploring Western Australia's diverse and stunning landscape, it’s essential to highlight the region's remarkable wildlife and spectacular wildflowers. The area is known for its unique flora and fauna, which will become increasingly evident as we continue our journey.

Be on the lookout for the Western Grey Kangaroo, particularly active in the early morning and late afternoon. You might spot them grazing as we venture into the Pinnacles for sunset. Another notable resident is the Emu, these large, flightless birds are often seen roaming freely and are known for their distinctive, curious behaviour. Moving closer to the Pinnacles Desert, we might also encounter the friendly, inquisitive Wedge-tailed Eagle, soaring above. These majestic birds are one of Australia’s largest raptors and are often seen gliding on the thermal currents.

The stretch between Perth and Cervantes is part of the renowned Wildflower Country, and depending on the time of year, you’ll witness an incredible display of colour. During spring, which is the prime wildflower season, the landscape transforms into a vibrant tapestry. Look out for the ever-popular Banksias, with their spiky, cylindrical flowers that range from yellow to orange. Another highlight is the Everlastings, which create a golden carpet over the land, and the Purple Lechenaultia, known for its stunning blue and purple hues. As we approach Cervantes, we’ll see the famous Kingia plants. These hardy, grass-like plants produce a striking flower spike that adds to the diversity of our floral encounters.

In summary, from the lush wildflowers to the fascinating wildlife, the journey from Perth to Cervantes is a feast for the senses. Feel free to ask any questions or share your observations as we go—there’s so much to see and appreciate on this amazing adventure!

Welcome to Lancelin, a lovely sleepy holiday town north of Perth. The town of Lancelin came about in 1951 when it began life as a shanty town for crayfishermen. Back then crayfish or western rock lobster were, as they are today very popular and all through the oceans of WA’s coastline. People would flock to an area like Lancelin with their cray pots and boats and fish to their heart's content then sell the crayfish at the market.

Although popular it was quickly realised we were over-fishing our waters and the lobster populations were declining. The government put in laws to conserve the lobster populations including having a crayfish season and size and catch limitations. Now the crayfish industry in Perth is one of the most sustainable fishing industries in the world.

Eventually, Lancelin grew into a town and was gazetted in 1951. The name Lancelin comes from the Island seen from the lookout. Lancelin Island was named back in 1801 during the Baudin Expedition, a French exploration expedition. Scientific writer and author of the World Map of Sciences, P F Lancelin sighted the island and it was named after himself.

The traditional name for the area is Wangaree, meaning ‘fish’ and is on the southern corner of the Yued Noongar lands.

Today Lancelin is a popular holiday spot, especially during our warm, dry summers. Fishing, boating, and swimming are popular and since it is almost always windy here wind sports like kite surfing and windsurfing are also popular.

What Lancelin is really known for though is its sand dunes. The sand dune system is about 2 kilometres long and is nestled directly inland from Lancelin Township. The loose sands mean very few plants can grow here giving the appearance of a white sandy desert. The Lancelin sand dunes were formed over 4000 years ago along with other dunes in the Quindalup system when water levels rose following the end of the last ice age. The dunes are visible from many kilometres away and have provided a useful landmark for travellers and mariners who used to regularly pass through the area.

Sand dunes move forced by wind through different mechanisms. They can move through a mechanism known as “saltation”, where the particles of sand are removed from the surface and are carried by the wind, before landing back to the surface. This gives them the nickname ‘migrating sand dunes’ as they slowly move over a long period of time.

*Customer Alert – Temporary Closure of Lancelin Lookout

Due to ongoing coastal erosion and safety concerns, the Lancelin Lookout is currently closed until further notice. Authorities have not provided a reopening date as they await assessments from state engineers and the necessary funding for repairs.

Alternative Experience – Guilderton Lookout

In place of Lancelin, we’ll be visiting the Guilderton Lookout, a stunning vantage point offering panoramic ocean views and spectacular sunsets.

Please note: The lookout is accessed via 83 steps (15 more than Lancelin) and takes around 7 minutes to reach the top at a moderate pace. Facilities available at Guilderton include toilets and a café conveniently located at the carpark.

We appreciate your understanding and look forward to sharing this equally memorable coastal experience with you!

This beautiful walk trail and lookout is called the Nilgen Lookout inside the Nilgen Reserve, a class A conservation reserve.

We say the Nilgen lookout is well named because it was named after a well. From 1850 - 1894 the road we’ve been travelling along, Indian Ocean Drive, was part of a long stock route by which many thousands of cattle and sheep were herded to and from Perth for food, wool, leather and other resources. Stockmen would travel on horseback for many days. The Nilgen Well, named for a swamp originally in the area, was an important rest point along the journey to water the cattle and horses and give the stockman a rest. Today the well no longer exists, now there is farmland and a beautiful 600-metre nature walk loop filled with beautiful flowers, native plants and local animals.

As we descend the hill from Nilgen Lookout you will see a windfarm on the other side of Indian Ocean Drive. This is called the Karakin Windfarm. You could say WA actually stands for ‘windy always’ as s strong coastal wind is constantly over the land here. Many farms in the area have turned to wind power as a form of renewable energy. This wind farm currently has 10 turbines on its land and produces an average of 5000kW! The electricity from this wind farm supplies power to the carrot farm just yonder.

Wanju nidja Nambung Noongar boodja. Welcome to Nambung Noongar land. We are finally here. Welcome to the Pinnacles. The Pinnacles are one of the natural wonders of Australia. These strange, much-photographed, limestone pillars are unique. They have the quality of a moonscape and, without geological understanding, seem completely otherworldly.

They are also surrounded by mystery even today as we are still not a hundred per cent sure of their age or how they formed. Though it is currently agreed they are likely around 23, 000 years old they could easily be 500, 000 years old!

There are several ongoing theories of how they formed but the three major ones are; the forest theory, mass vegetation flow theory and the sand theory.

The forest theory tells of a time thousands of years ago when there was a grand forest here where there now is a desert. As time went on the climate changed and the forest died off. While they were still alive though, the trees sucked up water into their trunks. This water was very high in calcium due to the limestone in this area. A migrating sand dune was blown over the land, covering the bases of the trees. As the trees died the water remained, mixing with the sand and creating a cast of the tree trunks. The wind then blew away the sand, exposing the hardened rocks and thus pinnacles.

The mass flow plant theory is similar and yet not. This theory says the sand dune came first and during this era, there were plants that liked high calcium water. The plants congregated in the ground, with their roots all sucking up the water at the same time. Over time the water mixed with the limestone forming calcrete (hard limestone rock) and the plants died off. Again, the sand dune blew away over thousands of years, revealing the pinnacles.

The sand dune theory is simpler. A migrating sand dune came over the area. We had a high period of rain where areas beneath the sand dune hardened. This process is called karstification. Again, over time the sand dune blew away, revealing pinnacles.

So many theories that are both similar and different at the same time. Of course, there is always the traditional telling of how the pinnacles came to be. In the Dreamtime of the Nambung Noongar people the Pinnacles were created a long time ago. Back then the land the Pinnacles now lie was a special and Taboo place. They weren’t allowed to enter. One day a group of children disobeyed the Elders' warning and entered the land. When they did the spirits became angry and buried them beneath the sand. The children tried to dig their way out, reaching for the surface. As they did, they turned to stone. What we see as the Pinnacles today are the children’s fingers still reaching for the sky, trying to dig their way out.

As night falls and the sky darkens, take a moment to look up. One by one, the stars begin to appear. Above you are countless stars forming constellations—patterns that cultures around the world have used to tell stories, navigate, and understand the seasons.

Stretching across the sky is the Milky Way, our home galaxy. It appears as a soft, glowing band, like a brushstroke of light. This is because we are looking along one of its spiral arms, filled with billions of distant stars.

One of the most recognisable constellations in the southern sky is the Southern Cross. Look for four bright stars forming a cross shape. Just beside it are two bright “Pointer” stars, which help guide your eye toward it.

Not far away, you may notice a curved line of stars—this is commonly known as Scorpio, the scorpion. In Māori tradition, this same shape is seen as Maui’s fishhook, a powerful symbol also shared in stories like Moana.

Among these stars is something unique to Australian First Nations astronomy—the Emu in the Sky. Unlike most constellations, it is not formed by stars, but by the dark spaces between them. Look near the Southern Cross for a dark oval shape—the Emu’s head—while its long neck and body stretch across the Milky Way.

For First Nations peoples, the Emu was far more than a story. Its position in the sky acted as a seasonal calendar, indicating when emus were laying eggs, when plants were ready for harvest, and when animals were moving across the land.

Looking toward the western horizon, you may see Orion—appearing upside down from this part of the world. In First Nations stories, the three stars of Orion’s Belt represent three brothers in a canoe, placed in the sky as a reminder of law and consequence.

Nearby is a small cluster of stars known as the Pleiades, or the Seven Sisters. Many cultures share stories of these sisters being chased across the sky, forever just out of reach—an enduring story seen around the world.

These constellations are more than patterns of light. They are stories, guides, and knowledge systems that have connected people to the land and sky for thousands of years.

Welcome back to Perth. Here at Autopia Tours we thank you for choosing us for your Pinnacles sunset experience and we do hope you enjoyed yourselves. Please enjoy the rest of your night and we hope to see you again on future adventures.

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