The Pinnacles – Tathra’s Hidden Cliffs of Fire and Chalk

The Pinnacles – Nature's Painted Cliffs on the Sapphire Coast

Just outside Tathra in Mimosa Rocks National Park, the Pinnacles rise in brilliant layers of red and white clay — a surreal coastal landscape carved by erosion and time. The colours are so vivid they look painted, with deep rust-red bands from iron oxides and soft white chalky sections formed from ancient sands. For more South Coast hidden gems, explore Horse Head Rock or discover Bermagui Blue Pool.

Seen from the clifftop lookouts, the contrast between the coloured cliffs, green forest canopy, and blue Pacific Ocean is breathtaking. It's one of the South Coast's most photogenic geological formations — and one of the best-kept secrets in New South Wales.

You'll find The Pinnacles featured in Hidden Gems New South Wales, our curated guide to the state's most extraordinary and lesser-known natural wonders — from desert dunes to coastal spires.

A Geological Story 65 Million Years in the Making

The Pinnacles were created around 65 million years ago, when layers of sand and clay were laid down by ancient rivers and compacted into cliffs. Over time, rain, wind, and the relentless sea carved the formation into jagged towers and ridges, exposing two distinct colours:

• Red clay, rich in iron, oxidised by the air.

• White sand, made of quartz and kaolin, untouched by oxygen.

This rare contrast creates the illusion of fire and ice — a geological masterpiece that has drawn artists, photographers, and hikers for decades.

The Pinnacles Loop Walk

The best way to experience The Pinnacles is via the Pinnacles Loop Walking Track, a 3.7 km circuit through forest, coastal heath, and lookout points.

• Start point: The Pinnacles carpark, 7 km north of Tathra off Tathra–Bermagui Road.

• Length: 3.7 km return (easy grade).

• Time: 1 to 1.5 hours.

• Highlights:

  • Two lookouts with sweeping views of the cliffs and coastline.

  • A forest walk filled with spotted gums, banksias, and birdlife.

  • Panoramic ocean views, with the chance to spot whales (May–November).

📌 For maps and track details, visit the NSW National Parks website.

Tips for Visiting

• Best time: Morning or late afternoon for softer light on the cliffs.

• Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes — the track is easy but can be sandy.

• What to bring: Water, camera, and sun protection.

• Combine with: A swim or picnic at nearby Bournda Lagoon or Tathra Beach.

• Respect the site: The Pinnacles are culturally significant to the Yuin people — please stay on marked paths. Discover more NSW hidden gems in our complete guide.

More Hidden Gems on the South Coast

If you're exploring The Pinnacles, don't miss these nearby wonders featured in Hidden Gems New South Wales:

• Horse Head Rock – a 500-million-year-old sea stack shaped like a horse's head.

• Bermagui Blue Pool – a turquoise ocean bath beneath the cliffs.

• Mungo National Park – a desert landscape of ancient dunes and heritage.

Together, they showcase the incredible geological diversity of New South Wales — from coast to outback.

Final Thoughts

The Pinnacles near Tathra are one of the South Coast's most spectacular natural formations — a place where colour, time, and landscape collide in perfect balance. Whether you're a hiker, photographer, or simply a lover of wild scenery, this hidden gem deserves a place on your list.

For more extraordinary landscapes like The Pinnacles — from ocean monoliths to inland canyons — grab a copy of Hidden Gems New South Wales. It's your essential guide to the state's most breathtaking and lesser-known destinations.