Gill Pinnacle facts for kids

Gill Pinnacle, also known as Gill's Pinnacle, is a special type of hill called an inselberg. It is located in the far eastern part of Western Australia. This unique rock formation is part of the Petermann Ranges. It looks like a big, round dome, surrounded by thick bushes. The very top of the hill is just bare rock.

A Natural Landmark

Gill Pinnacle has always been an important landmark. It helps people find their way in the area. This is because it marks the spot of a very reliable freshwater source. This water source is called Gordon's Springs. It is a rockhole located a few hundred meters north of the big rock.

The local Indigenous people have their own name for this area. In the Pitjantjatjara and Ngaanyatjarra languages, it is called Kutjuntari. You might also see it spelled Kudjuntari or Kutjurntari.

History of Exploration

The first European explorers to see Gill Pinnacle were Ernest Giles and W. H. Tietkens. They spotted the rock in 1874. They saw it from Weld Pass, which is a bit further to the west.

Ernest Giles decided to name the rock after his brother-in-law. He also named the nearby waterhole, Gordon's Springs, after his nephew.

Where is Gill Pinnacle?

Gill Pinnacle is in a remote part of Western Australia. The closest town is Kaltukatjara, Northern Territory. This town is about 31 kilometres (19 mi) to the east of the pinnacle.