Driving around 5 hours from Woodanilling, we arrived in Cervantes late in the afternoon and set up camp. Back on track of our original course, there were still a few hours of daylight left so we decided to check out the pinnacles.
The Pinnacles
About 15 minutes later we turned off the highway into the Nambung National Park. “What are these things anyway? How much further are they?” Craig asked just as we rounded the bend to see an otherworldly landscape stretch out before us. Wow.
Geologists are not sure how the pinnacles were formed, but two theories are displayed in the visitor centre. In geological terms they are quite new, and have not had a lot of time dedicated to their study. At some stage the pinnacles were covered by the shifting sand dunes, but at this point in time they are exposed for all to see.
We slowly drove around the loop drive. Stopping periodically to get our and walk amongst the pillars of stone. Suddenly a kangaroo bounced out of the surrounding scrub and ahead of our path amidst the stones. The moment felt surreal.
We stayed and watched the sunset before heading back to camp. Returning the next day we set out on foot on the walking trail, taking advantage of the look out platforms and to learn more about desert life of both flora and fauna at the visitor centre.
Stromatolites
We hadn’t heard of the stromatolites until we popped into the general store/visitor centre in town. The helpful lady there recommended we take the short drive and check them out, so we dutifully did.
The stromatolites are one of the oldest life forms on the planet. Growing at an extraordinary slow rate, they thrive in the super-salty lake Thetis. We made the short stroll around the lake, sweating it out in the heat of the midday sun – mad dogs and Englishmen and all that.
Thirsty Point Lookout
We followed the road further down to the Thirsty Point look out. After grumbling about climbing another hill we enjoyed the panoramic view over the town of Cervantes.
This stretch of the coast appeared to have plenty of beautiful beaches to enjoy.
Hit The Toad 
[…] Hamelin Pool is home to the very rare living marine stromatolites, similar to the ones we saw at Cervantes. These living creatures contain microbes similar to those found in 3.5 billion year old rocks. The […]