The Pinnacles: The Sapphire Coast's Cliffs of Fire and Chalk
The Pinnacles: Nature's Painted Cliffs on the Sapphire Coast
On the Sapphire Coast of southern NSW, the Pinnacles rise in brilliant layers of red and white: a surreal 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.
Find this and dozens more in Hidden Gems NSW: directions, access notes and safety tips. Printed guides include 12 months of the Explorer app free. Get the guide →
From the clifftop lookouts, the contrast between the coloured cliffs, green forest and blue Pacific 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 in Hidden Gems NSW, our guide to the state's most extraordinary lesser-known natural wonders, from desert dunes to coastal spires.
A Geological Story 65 Million Years in the Making
The Pinnacles formed from layers of sand and clay laid down by ancient rivers around 65 million years ago. Over time, rain, wind and sea carved them into jagged towers and ridges, exposing two distinct colours:
- Red clay, rich in iron that has oxidised in the air.
- White sand, made of quartz and kaolin, untouched by oxygen.
The contrast looks like fire and ice, and it has drawn artists, photographers and walkers for decades.
The Pinnacles Loop Walk
The best way to see the Pinnacles is the Pinnacles Loop Walking Track, a short circuit through forest and coastal heath to lookouts over the cliffs. Check the NSW National Parks track page for the start point, length, grade and any current alerts before you go.
Highlights of the walk:
- Lookouts with sweeping views of the cliffs and coastline.
- Forest filled with spotted gums, banksias and birdlife.
- Ocean views, with the chance to spot whales between May and November.
Tips for Visiting the Pinnacles
- Best time: Morning or late afternoon, for softer light on the cliffs.
- Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes. The track can be sandy.
- What to bring: Water, a camera and sun protection.
- Stay on the track: The cliffs are soft, crumbling sand and clay. Keep behind the lookout barriers and don't climb on or walk below the formations.
- Respect Country: The Pinnacles are culturally significant to the Yuin people. Please stay on marked paths and leave no trace.
More Hidden Gems Like the Pinnacles
If you're exploring the Pinnacles, don't miss these other places featured in Hidden Gems NSW:
- Horse Head Rock: a 500-million-year-old sea stack shaped like a horse's head.
- Bermagui Blue Pool: a turquoise ocean pool beneath the cliffs.
- Walls of China, Mungo National Park: a desert landscape of ancient dunes and Aboriginal heritage.
Together, they show off the incredible geological variety of New South Wales, from coast to outback.
Final Thoughts
The Pinnacles are one of the South Coast's most spectacular natural formations, a place where colour, time and landscape collide. Whether you're a walker, a photographer or just love 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 NSW. It's your guide to the state's most breathtaking lesser-known places.
The Pinnacles FAQs
How old are the Pinnacles?
The sand and clay layers that make up the Pinnacles were laid down by ancient rivers around 65 million years ago.
Why are the Pinnacles red and white?
The red layers are iron-rich clay that has oxidised in the air, while the white layers are quartz and kaolin sand that hasn't been exposed to oxygen in the same way.
When can you see whales from the Pinnacles?
Whales can be spotted from the coastal lookouts between May and November.
