Pinnacles, Koalas & Sandboarding Tour Day Trip from Perth

Exploring Western Australia beyond Perth can seem daunting, but this day trip makes it surprisingly easy—and incredibly fun. This tour packs in wildlife encounters, awe-inspiring landscapes, and adventurous activities into just over 11 hours, making it a solid choice for those wanting a taste of WA’s best without the hassle of self-driving.

What we love about this experience are the diverse highlights—feeding kangaroos, walking among the pinnacles, and the thrill of sandboarding down massive dunes. The expert guides make each stop more meaningful with interesting facts and genuine enthusiasm, while the well-paced itinerary keeps the day flowing smoothly.

A potential drawback is the long travel time, especially with some stops feeling a little rushed, like the lobster processing plant or wildlife park. But if you’re okay with spending most of the day on the move, these are minor inconveniences.

This tour is perfect for adventure lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and curious travelers who want a well-rounded day exploring Western Australia’s iconic sights without the stress of planning every detail.

Key Points

• Diverse Experiences: From wildlife to landscapes, this tour covers many of WA’s top attractions.
• Knowledgeable Guides: Guides like Pete, Luke, and Adrian are praised for their friendly attitude and local insights.
• Includes Unique Activities: Sandboarding, koala cuddling, and off-road dune driving set this apart.
• Great Value for Money: Multiple activities, lunch, and transportation are bundled into one competitive price.
• Good for Non-Drivers: Pickup from Perth CBD hotels makes it accessible.
• Some Rushed Stops: Be prepared for brief visits at certain locations, but overall it’s a full day of fun.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Unpacking the Day: What to Expect at Each Stop

Pickup and Starting Point

The trip begins with hotel pickup from selected Perth CBD, Northbridge, or Scarborough hotels, making it easy to start your adventure without extra planning. The small group size (often around 15-20 people) helps maintain a friendly vibe and ensures you get more personalized attention.

Caversham Wildlife Park: Up Close with Aussie Animals

Your first stop is Caversham Wildlife Park in the Swan Valley, home to over 200 species. Not only can you see adorable koalas and wombats, but you also get the chance to hand feed kangaroos, which many reviewers say is a highlight. One guest mentioned, “feeding the kangaroos was a real treat,” adding a personal touch to the wildlife experience. The park is well-organized, allowing plenty of time to walk around and take photos without feeling rushed.

Behind-the-Scenes Lobster Plant Tour & Fish & Chips

Next, you’ll head to Cervantes, a quaint lobster fishing town. Here, a behind-the-scenes factory tour reveals how Western Australia’s prized rock lobster is processed. While some reviews note the lobster tour isn’t the most exciting part, most agree the fish and chips lunch makes up for it, with many calling the meal “amazing” and “delicious.” The lunch spot offers a chance to relax and enjoy fresh seafood in a casual setting, with the option to buy extra drinks.

More Great Tours Nearby

Exploring the Pinnacles Desert

The Pinnacles Desert is a highlight that leaves many visitors in awe. Walking through the otherworldly landscape of limestone formations, you’ll get a chance to snap photos and marvel at nature’s quirky sculptures. Reviewers mention that the walk is easy and accessible, making it suitable for most fitness levels. The landscape’s stark beauty is best appreciated in the soft light of late morning or early afternoon, so timing is ideal for photography.

Off-Road Dune Driving and Sandboarding at Lancelin

One of the most memorable parts is driving over the massive white sand dunes in a custom-built 4WD vehicle. The thrill of bouncing over the dunes is something even the most cautious travelers enjoy. Then, for those craving more adrenaline, sandboarding offers a fun downhill ride. Several reviewers highlight how guides like Adrian and Luke make the experience safe and engaging, with many describing it as the “best part” of the day. The dunes are enormous, and the feeling of gliding down them is surprisingly exhilarating.

Return Journey along Indian Ocean Drive

After a full day of exploration and activity, the trip winds down with a scenic drive back along Indian Ocean Drive, offering stunning sunset views over the coast. Guests often remark on how peaceful and beautiful the scenery is during the return leg, rounding out a memorable day.

Transport and Group Dynamics

Transportation is a key part of the experience. Depending on passenger numbers, the tour operates either in a comfortable coach or a 4WD vehicle for the adventure sections. The 4WD part is always guaranteed for the dunes and sandboarding, which many consider the highlight.

Group sizes tend to be small-to-medium, fostering a friendly atmosphere. Guests consistently praise the guides—Pete, Luke, and Adrian—for their knowledge, friendliness, and attentiveness. Their ability to mix fun with educational commentary creates a more enriching experience.

Food and Value

The fish and chips lunch is often noted as a highlight, with many reviews mentioning the freshness of the seafood and generous portions. Considering this is included in the price, plus the wildlife park, lobster factory tour, and dune activities, the overall value is quite high.

Some reviewers point out that the lobster factory tour isn’t the most exciting part, but the overall package balances this out with the other memorable activities and scenic stops. The tour’s long duration (11.5 hours) means you’re paying for a full day of diverse experiences, eliminating the need for additional bookings.

Accessibility and Practical Tips

While the tour is suitable for most, it’s important to note it isn’t recommended for pregnant women, infants, or people with back problems. Comfortable shoes, a hat, and a camera are essential, and bringing some cash for extras is advised.

Guests often comment on the early start and long hours, so packing snacks, water, and dressing in layers helps keep the day comfortable. Keep in mind, delays can sometimes occur due to soft sand dunes or traffic, but guides are generally flexible and communicative.

Authentic Insights from Reviewers

Many guests mention their guides went above and beyond, often checking if everyone has water or needs assistance. “Our guide Pete was amazing, very attentive and friendly,” one reviewer said, emphasizing how important the guide’s attitude is to the overall experience.

The wildlife encounters are especially praised; the chance to pet and feed animals like kangaroos and cuddle a koala makes the trip special. Some reviewers also loved the sandboarding, calling it the “best part,” and appreciated how guides like Adrian made sure everyone felt safe and had fun.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

In essence, this tour offers an excellent balance of adventure, wildlife, and scenic beauty at a price that feels fair considering the inclusions. It’s perfect if you’re short on time but eager to see a variety of iconic WA sights. The guided format ensures you learn interesting facts and stay safe during more adventurous activities like sandboarding.

While it’s a long day, the pacing and variety of activities keep it engaging. If you’re a traveler who loves animals, stunning landscapes, and a bit of thrill-seeking, this trip hits the mark. The guides’ passion and local knowledge add a genuine touch that elevates the experience.

For those seeking a relaxed day with plenty of photo opportunities and memorable moments, this tour delivers. Just remember to wear comfortable shoes, bring your camera, and brace yourself for a packed but rewarding adventure through Western Australia’s most famous sites.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, the tour includes pickup from selected Perth CBD, Northbridge, and Scarborough hotels, making it easy to start your day hassle-free.

How long is the tour?
It lasts about 11.5 hours, so expect an early start and a long day of activities, with plenty of opportunities to rest and take photos.

Is the tour suitable for kids or infants?
Infants 0-3 are free if traveling with an adult but cannot occupy a seat or receive meals. The 4WD adventure and sandboarding are not suitable for infants, so parents will need to stay with them during that part.

What should I bring?
Comfortable walking shoes, a hat, a camera, and some cash for extras or souvenirs are recommended.

Are there any physical limitations?
The walk at the Pinnacles is easy, but the tour is not suitable for pregnant women or those with back problems due to the nature of activities and long travel times.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering peace of mind if your plans shift.

The Sum Up

This full-day tour from Perth offers a comprehensive taste of Western Australia’s highlights—wildlife, landscapes, and adventure. With friendly guides making the journey informative and fun, it’s a great way to explore if you’re short on time but want a rich experience. The mix of animal encounters, scenic drives, and active pursuits like sandboarding creates a memorable day for all ages.

While the overall pace can be long, the variety ensures you get value for your money and plenty of authentic moments. It’s best suited for adventurous types, nature lovers, and curious travelers eager to see iconic WA sights without the hassle of organizing transport or multiple bookings.

If you’re after a lively, well-rounded day that combines fun and education, this tour is worth considering. Just prepare for a full day on the move, and you’ll leave with a camera full of amazing photos and a head full of stories.

You can check availability for your dates here: