Cocklebiddy

Cocklebiddy is a remote roadhouse settlement straddling the Eyre Highway in Western Australia's vast Nullarbor Plain. For travellers undertaking the epic crossing between Norseman and Ceduna, this no-frills outpost is a vital pit stop—a place to refuel the car, stretch legs, and soak in the bone-dry, horizon-to-horizon landscape that feels both desolate and exhilarating. The name itself derives from the Aboriginal word for a local plant, and the area is steeped in the quiet mystery of the Nullarbor, where the sky seems to go on forever and the silence is profound.

Highlights & What to See

• Nullarbor Roadhouse – The main stop for fuel, snacks, and a cold drink; it's a classic outback roadhouse with a quirky museum of local memorabilia and a chance to chat with fellow travellers.
• Cocklebiddy Cave – A massive limestone cave system, part of the Nullarbor karst, accessible only with permits and experienced guides. The main chamber is one of Australia's largest single-chamber caves.
• Eyre Highway Stretch – The drive itself is the attraction: endless straight roads, red dirt, and the occasional wedge-tailed eagle soaring overhead. Look for the iconic 90-Mile Straight sign.
• Wildlife spotting – Kangaroos, emus, and if you're lucky, a southern hairy-nosed wombat near dusk. Birdlife includes the majestic peregrine falcon.
• Stargazing – With almost zero light pollution, the night sky here is a dazzling blanket of stars—the Milky Way is often visible to the naked eye.

Suggested Time to Spend

Cocklebiddy is a brief stopover rather than a destination. Most travellers pause for 30 minutes to an hour to refuel, grab a bite, and admire the vastness. If you're keen on caving or photography, you might stretch it to a few hours, but plan to move on—the Nullarbor crossing is long, and you'll want to reach your next accommodation before dark. Ideally, time your visit so you're not driving in the heat of the day or in the dusk when wildlife is most active.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Madura – 75 km west, another roadhouse with the Madura Pass lookout offering stunning views over the Roe Plains.
• Mundrabilla – 50 km east, a tiny settlement with a roadhouse and the famous Mundrabilla meteorite site.
• Eucla – 150 km east, the last Western Australian settlement before the border, with a historic telegraph station and the dramatic Eucla Pass.
• Nullarbor National Park – 120 km east, a protected area with access to the Bunda Cliffs, towering over the Great Australian Bight.
• Border Village – 160 km east, the SA/WA border stop with the iconic kangaroo statue and the Nullarbor Links golf course hole.

Please check official sources for current details.