Riverway Arts Centre and Pinnacles Gallery
An art gallery providing context for the Pinnacles Desert, featuring dramatic displays and interesting exhibitions.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing
Riverway Arts Centre and Pinnacles Gallery
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An art gallery providing context for the Pinnacles Desert, featuring dramatic displays and interesting exhibitions.
"A good place to start before entering the Pinnacles Desert for a better understanding."
🎯 Verify Opening Hours
Always check current hours online before visiting, as some visitors found it unexpectedly closed. :informationdeskperson:
🖼️ Enhance Your Desert Visit
Visit the gallery before the Pinnacles Desert for better context and a more meaningful experience. :camerawithflash:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Pinnacles Gallery Exhibition
Pinnacles Gallery
Gain a deeper understanding of the Pinnacles Desert's formation through engaging exhibits.
Dramatic Art Displays
Pinnacles Gallery
Experience art in a striking setting with dark walls and dramatic lighting enhancing the displays.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Check for Closures & Events
Understand the Pinnacles Connection
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Verify Opening Hours
Always check current hours online before visiting, as some visitors found it unexpectedly closed. :informationdeskperson:
🖼️ Enhance Your Desert Visit
Visit the gallery before the Pinnacles Desert for better context and a more meaningful experience. :camerawithflash:
💡 Appreciate the Ambiance
Enjoy the dramatic effect of the dark walls and lighting that highlight the artwork. :bulb:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Verify Opening Hours
Always check current hours online before visiting, as some visitors found it unexpectedly closed. :informationdeskperson:
🖼️ Enhance Your Desert Visit
Visit the gallery before the Pinnacles Desert for better context and a more meaningful experience. :camerawithflash:
💡 Appreciate the Ambiance
Enjoy the dramatic effect of the dark walls and lighting that highlight the artwork. :bulb:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Pinnacles Gallery to be an 'amal gallery' that significantly enhances the understanding of the Pinnacles Desert. The dramatic lighting and interesting art exhibitions are frequently praised, creating a lovely viewing experience. However, some travelers have been disappointed by unexpected closures and lack of updated information online.
"A amal gallery but worth a quick visit!
Pinnacles Gallery is a good place to start before entering the pinnacles dessert. From the gallery, visitors can have a lot better understanding of how the pinnacle dessert was formed and therefore making the visit and experience a lot more interesting and meaningful.
Do check out the educational pinnacles gallery!"
Ting Ting
"This Gallery does not exist under this name now. We took the long drive to it only to find it closed and construction all around. Very disappointing that nothing on line tells of this closure."
Sheila Whittam
"The art exhibition they have are always interesting"
Katie Andrews
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Riverway Arts Centre and Pinnacles Gallery are located in Townsville, Queensland. Driving is the most common way to access the area. Public transport options may be limited, so checking local bus routes is recommended if you're not driving.
Yes, there is typically ample parking available at the Riverway Arts Centre complex, which includes the Pinnacles Gallery. This makes it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the Pinnacles Gallery is generally free, making it an accessible cultural experience. However, it's always a good idea to check their official website for any changes or special exhibition fees.
Opening hours can vary, and it's crucial to check the official Riverway Arts Centre website before your visit. Some visitors have encountered unexpected closures due to construction.
Absolutely! The Pinnacles Gallery is a standalone attraction that provides educational context about the Pinnacles Desert, but it can be enjoyed independently.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary depending on the exhibition. Generally, non-flash photography for personal use is permitted, but it's best to look for signage or ask gallery staff if you're unsure.
The Riverway Arts Centre itself, with its modern architecture and surrounding parklands, offers great photo opportunities. The dramatic interior of the Pinnacles Gallery also provides unique shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For a more engaging experience with younger visitors, consider focusing on the educational aspects of the Pinnacles Gallery that explain geological processes in a simplified way. Look for any family-specific programming or interactive displays that might be available during your visit. The dramatic lighting and unique art can also capture a child's imagination.
🚗 Day-Trippers
Allocate about an hour to explore the gallery thoroughly. Its location within the broader Riverway precinct also means you can easily combine your visit with a stroll through the parklands or a picnic, making it an efficient use of your limited time.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the Pinnacles Connection
Many visitors find that having this background knowledge beforehand allows them to appreciate the scale, age, and scientific significance of the desert formations more deeply. It's akin to reading the program notes before a play; it enhances your appreciation of the performance. Therefore, planning your visit to include the gallery before heading to the desert is highly recommended for a comprehensive experience.
Enhancing Your Desert Visit
By understanding how the Pinnacles came to be, you can better observe and interpret the landscape. The gallery often features maps, diagrams, and interpretive displays that highlight key features you might encounter in the desert. This preparation ensures you don't just see the Pinnacles, but you understand them.
The Gallery Experience
The art exhibitions hosted here are consistently described as interesting and engaging. While the gallery's primary connection is to the Pinnacles Desert, it showcases a diverse range of artistic expressions. The curation aims to provide a dynamic program that appeals to various tastes, ensuring there's always something new and thought-provoking to discover.
A Welcoming Space
Despite its dramatic presentation, the gallery is often described as lovely. It offers a cultural respite and a chance to engage with creativity in a thoughtfully designed environment. The combination of intriguing art and atmospheric presentation makes it a worthwhile stop for art enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.


Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit