The pinnacles, sand hills and kangaroos
Kangaroos graze at Yanchep National Park, north of Perth, Australia. / Korea Times photos by Jung Min-ho
How to drive through Western Australia’s beautiful natural wonders
By Jung Min-ho
PERTH, Australia ― With endless stretches of red-tinged sand, glaring sunlight and wild kangaroos jumping around, Western Australia is certainly one of the most uniquely beautiful places for world adventurers.
Although the state is vast with a total land area of more than 2.5 million square kilometers, a day trip from the state capital, Perth, can give you a glimpse of what it feels like to explore Australia’s wild beauty.
The Pinnacles of Nambung National Park. / Korea Times photos by Jung Min-ho
The Pinnacles
The Pinnacles refer to thousands of rock spires scattered across the Nambung National Park, which is about a two-hour car ride from Perth.
The sight of mysterious pillars in the middle of a golden sand desert is surreal to say the least. As the sunlight changes direction over time, it adds to the mystique of the rocks.
In the eyes of geologists, they are limestone formations, some of them as tall as 5 meters. But no one knows exactly how the protruding rocks were created.
One of the popular theories is that they were formed beneath the ground before they were exposed in the last few hundred years ago. Some believe they were repeatedly exposed and reburied over time.
The best way to enjoy the landscape is to drive along the 4-kilometer road that goes through the park. For those who want to enjoy it up close, there is also a 1.2-kilometer walking trail that goes around the central area.
Sand surfing on Lancelin dunes
Visitors stand on the top of a hill in Lancelin. / Korea Times photos by Jung Min-ho
Lancelin is a haven for lovers of water sports and ― more famously ― sand surfers.
The small seaside town, which is less than an hour from the Pinnacles in the direction of Perth, offers giant white sand dunes, which you can slide down.
The trick is to sit on the board, which can be rented at the gas station and a few other shops nearby, take a deep breath, and let it go.
For those who are too scared to try it, another recommendation is to sit high up and enjoy the view of the magnificent hills and the gorgeous beach beside them with the sound of nothing else but the wind.
Keep your clothing as simple as possible. Several instances of sand surfing can fill your shoes, pockets, pants and even underwear with the ultra fine sand. It is recommended to take off your socks and shoes before going up the hills.
A panoramic view of the purple Moore River meeting the emerald ocean. / Korea Times photos by Jung Min-ho
Moore River: when purple meets emerald green
If you drive south from Lancelin, you will see the Moore River, which runs out to the ocean.
During winter and spring, the river becomes purple in color, which makes for an exotic scene with the emerald ocean right next to it.
The river is a popular holiday destination for sightseeing, swimming, fishing and kayaking for locals.
There is a boardwalk that allows visitors to walk around the river. With pelicans flying above it, the view there is breathtaking.
A picnic with wild kangaroos at Yanchep National Park
Imagine a perfect place you could go to for a picnic in Australia. It would probably look similar to Yanchep National Park, which is just an hour north of Perth.
The park is home to western grey kangaroos which can be seen in abundance early and late in the day, along with many birds that look and sound different.
For tourists who visit Australia for the first time, this is a dream place to take photos with wild kangaroos, which look very different from the ones in zoos.
With a picturesque lake and exotic trees everywhere, the park is beautiful especially in the twilight. Walking the trail beside the lake makes a perfect ending for a road trip.
In the park, there is also a small garden, where you can see koalas. But you have to be lucky to see them awake. Most likely, you will see them sleeping high up in gum trees.
A recommended driving route would be first going straight to the Pinnacles from Perth and stopping by the three other places on the way back. Doing it this way, you reach the park in the later afternoon, when the wildlife comes out to play.