Autopia Tours - Western Australia Perth Star Gazing

This tour is affected by daylight savings hours, the departure time changes throughout the year to maximise the sunset experience.

TOUR CODE: PN-S

OPERATES: Sun, Mon, Thu  (departure days will increase based on traveller demand)

TOUR DURATION: 9 Hours

DEPARTS: 12:00 - 14:00pm (seasonal times)

SEASONAL TIMES:

• 13:00 (Oct, Mar-Apr)
• 13:30 (Nov, Feb)
• 14:00 (Dec-Jan)
• 12:30 (May, Sep)
• 12:00 (Jun-Aug)

RETURNS: 21:30 - 23:00pm (seasonal times)

MAIN PICKUP LOCATION & TIME: Criterion Hotel Perth, 560 Hay St, Perth, WA 6000.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Visit the Pinnacles in Nambung National Park without all the day tour crowds
• Watch the sunset over the Indian Ocean panoramic landscape
• Take a stroll along the Hangover Bay coast and spectacular views from Nilgen Lookout.
• Stargaze with our Telescope (conditions permitting)
• Take in the views of the incredible sand dunes from the Lancelin lookout.
• Learn about the Dreamtime and Aboriginal astronomy
• Enjoy a locally sourced Australian picnic dinner under the outback stars

ITINERARY:

Join us on tour for a Pinnacles Day Tour exploring some of the West Coast’s most stunning natural regions.  Enjoy a star-studded adventure of twinkling twilight and wildlife in the native wonderland of the Pinnacles. Leave behind city life for a one-day treat to some of Western Australia’s best natural wonders.  

After 1.5 hours from Perth, we stop to stretch our legs and take in the views from Lancelin lookout, home to the largest network of sand dunes in Western Australia. These gigantic snow-white dunes are a stark contrast to the glistening turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean in the distance. 

Shake the sand out of your shoes, before we travel on to the Nilgen Nature Reserve.  In a region abundant with flora and fauna, we’ll wander through a kaleidoscopic of wildflowers, including the likes of banksias, bottlebrush, heath, grass trees, and kangaroo paws; all bursting with life, when in season.  If the flowers are in hiding, we’ll instead head over to Hangover Bay, where you can dip your toes in the crystal-clear waters or spot the likes of bottlenose dolphins and sea lions.  

With our lungs full of fresh sea air, it’s time to journey on to the Nambung National Park to witness the remarkable Pinnacles desert at sunset.  Made up of shells, the Pinnacles date back millions of years to a time when the land was beneath the sea.  Best explored at dusk when the crowds evaporate and the thousands of limestone pillars rise eerily out of the desert; watch the colours change over the rocks, creating a lunar-like atmosphere.  

Enjoy a Picnic dinner accompanied by a glass of local product wine (all included), while we settle in for a spectacular light show of natural wonder, beneath the sky.  As the darkness sets, it’s time to marvel at the other-worldly beauty of the stars and planets, swirling high above.  Listen to the ancient stories of the Aboriginal Dreamtime and gaze light-years away.

Meals: Dinner. Driving distance: 420km. Walking distance: ~1km / 2km.

*A moderate level of fitness is required to complete the walks. This tour departs throughout the year at different times to maximize the sunset experience and as such the itinerary stops may change slightly.

INCLUSIONS:

• Dinner under the stars with a glass of wine
• Telescope provided
• Admissions to National Parks
• Pinnacles guided walk
• Experienced driver guide
• Air-conditioned mini-coach travel
• Comprehensive tour commentary
• Selected Perth inner-city pick-up/drop-off points

EXCLUSIONS:

• Any meals not indicated within the itinerary
• Travel insurance is recommended
• Personal expenses

WHAT TO BRING:

1L refillable water bottle, hat, sunglasses & sunscreen, all-weather active clothing ie. wind-breaker/raincoat, comfortable walking shoes (closed shoes), small day pack 5-7kg, money for snack and meals, camera to capture every moment.

CHILD POLICY:

Child fare prices apply from 6 to 12 years old. This tour is not suitable for children 5 years old and under, due to the nature and walking involved.

WEATHER:

The weather in Western Australia can fluctuate and be extreme at times. It is not unheard of for temperatures to reach over 40+ degrees Celsius during the day and in the evening the temperature drops dramatically. Please ensure you have checked the average temperatures for the time of year you are travelling and have packed adequate clothing.