Pinnacles Desert, New Norcia and Wildflowers Day Tour from Perth

Perth, Australia

History buffs and the nature lovers will enjoy this tour from Perth. Visit just a few of Western Australia's hidden treasures. Eerie pinnacles punctuate the otherwise flat and barren plain of the Nambung National Park. History looms itself in Australia's only Benedictine Abbey at New Norcia and the wildflowers come to life along the path of this journey.

Our morning journey takes us through historical Guildford and Swan Valley, past Perth's Pearce Air Force Base through the orange growing district of Bindoon to reach fascinating New Norcia. First settled in 1846 as a mission to the regions Aborigine, New Norcia is home to Australia's only Benedictine Abbey. A local guide escorts our drive through town explaining the intriguing history and culture of the community before visiting the local museum housing artifacts and priceless pieces, many being treasured gifts to the monastery from Popes and Royalty of Spain. We also visit a local produce shop for the chance to purchase Benedictine Community goods including olive oil, fruit wine, delicious New Norcia nut cake and fresh breads.

Heading onwards, we arrive at the rock lobster fishing town of Cervantes for lunch.. These highly prized Rock Lobster are caught by local fishermen, primarily for export to Japan.

Afterwards travel into Nambung National Park, home of the mystical Pinnacles Desert. Here your driver guide takes you for an easy paced walk through parts of this fascinating landscape covering some 404 hectares. Ensure you wear comfortable footwear, bring a hat and plenty of film. Before making our return trip to Perth you will visit a local store featuring a range of dried wildflowers. Stops to view spring wildflowers are available from August to December only.

USD $212.62

Review by: Colin B	March 2012
Fascinating trip, could have spent longer at New Norcia but because of distance to be travelled in day we had to cut short. Packed lunch was really good and Pinnacles were wonderful to see.

Review by: pat	October 2011
The entire day was very well organised and informative. The Pinnacles was well worth the trip.

Review by: Leanne W	October 2010
the tour did not live up to the expectation in places. as the tour was running late our tour of the Abbey was rushed but still very interesting and I did enjoy the guides talk. the wildflower tour was quite misleading and I was under the impression that the wild flowers are in bloom October through November but all there was was a wee shop and a very rushed and not at all enthusiastic talk crammed into eight minutes. again the Pinnacles was the high light of the day but still running late the information centre was closing as we arrived On a high note the bus driver was informative and ran an interesting commentary!

Review by: Jennefer S, Australia	January 2010
I would love to go back and see it in full bloom! Would liked to have had a little more time at New Norcia! The dinner stop was terrible, the food was cold and greasy. The lunch provided by the bus company was excellent though!

Review by: Jenni S	January 2010
I would love to go back and see it in full bloom! Would liked to have had a little more time at New Norcia! The dinner stop was terrible, the food was cold and greasy. The lunch provided by the bus company was excellent though!

Review by: Jane-Louise C, Australia	November 2009
I thoroughly enjoyed the trip, however, the information on the website differed to the itinerary on the day. We were so close to Cervantes it seemed a shame not to drive there for a look even if the lobster lunch wasn't available! New Norcia was a revelation, the Pinnacles were great and the Visitors Centre there was impressive. In particular, the bus driver was very informative.

Review by: Anonymous	November 2009
I thoroughly enjoyed the trip, however, the information on the website differed to the itinerary on the day. We were so close to Cervantes it seemed a shame not to drive there for a look even if the lobster lunch wasn't available! New Norcia was a revelation, the Pinnacles were great and the Visitors Centre there was impressive. In particular, the bus driver was very informative.

Review by: Kathy B, New Zealand	April 2009
Good trip and long day. With it not being wildflower season in April another point of interest should be included. Great lobster lunch.

Review by: Daniel H, United States of America	January 2008
The Abbey at New Norcia was really the highlight of the tour! It would have been great to have had more time there. The Pinnacles are also really impressive but make sure to properly hydrate, it is really hot and sandy out there!