Photo: Bahnfrend / CC BY-SA 4.0
Perched on the edge of the Great Australian Bight, Ceduna is the last major outpost before the Nullarbor Plain stretches west. This sun-baked coastal town is a gateway to some of South Australia's most dramatic and remote landscapes, where the red earth meets the turquoise sea. With a strong Aboriginal heritage, a thriving fishing industry, and a laid-back vibe, Ceduna offers a genuine taste of outback coastal life.
Highlights & What to See
- Ceduna Jetty & Foreshore – A prime spot for fishing, crabbing, and sunset strolls. Watch the local fishermen haul in their catch and keep an eye out for dolphins playing in the bay.
- Great Australian Bight Marine Park – Head west to the Bunda Cliffs for breathtaking ocean views and, between June and October, the chance to see southern right whales calving in the sheltered waters.
- Murphy's Haystacks – Just south of town, these ancient, wind-sculpted granite boulders are a photographer's dream, rising eerily from the flat farmland.
- Ceduna Aboriginal Arts & Culture Centre – Discover local Indigenous art, learn about the Wirangu and Kokatha peoples, and pick up authentic souvenirs.
- Googs Lake – A vast salt lake about 40 km north, perfect for a scenic drive and a surreal, otherworldly walk on its crusty surface.
Suggested Time to Spend
Ceduna works best as a two-night stopover, especially if you're breaking up the long drive across the Nullarbor. Spend one day exploring the town and its coastline, and a second day venturing out to the Bunda Cliffs or Murphy's Haystacks. If you're short on time, even a single overnight allows you to enjoy a fresh seafood dinner and a sunrise walk along the jetty.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Streaky Bay – An hour east, this charming fishing town offers pristine beaches, the Baird Bay ocean eco-tours (swim with sea lions and dolphins), and the iconic blowhole at Murphy's Haystacks.
- Nullarbor Plain – The ultimate outback road trip: cross the vast, treeless plain, visit the Nullarbor Roadhouse, and stand at the edge of the Great Australian Bight.
- Fowlers Bay – A remote coastal hamlet west of Ceduna, known for its historic jetty, sand dunes, and excellent fishing; a great spot for a quiet night under the stars.
- Eyre Peninsula – Head south to the peninsula's seafood trail, with stops at Coffin Bay (oysters), Port Lincoln (shark cage diving), and the stunning Lincoln National Park.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.
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Image credits
- Streaky Bay — Bahnfrend / CC BY-SA 4.0
- Nullarbor Plain — No machine-readable author provided. 17177 assumed (based on copyright claims). / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Fowlers Bay — Kerry Raymond at English Wikipedia / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Eyre Peninsula — Ben Cordia / CC BY-SA 4.0
- Port Lincoln — Ghoongta / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Coffin Bay — Jack Stradling / CC BY 3.0