Cook

Cook, a remote outback settlement in the heart of South Australia’s Nullarbor Plain, is a tiny but essential stop on the longest straight stretch of railway in the world. Originally established as a railway siding for the Trans-Australian Railway, this ghost-town-turned-roadhouse offers a surreal glimpse into the vast emptiness of the Australian interior. For travellers crossing the Nullarbor, Cook provides a welcome break and a chance to soak up the stark, haunting beauty of the red desert.

Highlights & What to See

• Nullarbor Roadhouse Cook: The only operational building in town, serving fuel, basic supplies, and surprisingly good coffee. It’s a lifeline for drivers and a quirky piece of outback hospitality.
• Ghost Town Exploration: Wander the abandoned houses, school, and railway cottages that whisper stories of the 1950s railway construction boom. The silence is deafening.
• Stargazing: With zero light pollution, the night sky here is phenomenal – the Milky Way stretches from horizon to horizon like a celestial river.
• Nullarbor Plain Views: Walk a few hundred metres from the settlement to feel the absolute flatness and emptiness of the world’s largest limestone karst landscape.
• Train Spotting: The Indian Pacific and other freight trains rumble through on the Trans-Australian Railway – a thrilling sight in this quiet place.

Suggested Time to Spend

Cook is a quick stop rather than a destination. Most travellers spend 30 minutes to an hour refuelling, stretching legs, and snapping photos of the abandoned buildings. If you’re crossing the Nullarbor, it’s a natural 15-minute break – grab a pie and fill your tank. Overnight stays are possible at the roadhouse’s simple accommodation, but only recommended if you’re fascinated by outback solitude or need to break the long drive between Ceduna and Norseman.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Nullarbor National Park: About 100 km east, offering dramatic limestone cliffs plunging into the Great Australian Bight – a must for coastal views and whale watching (May–October).
• Head of Bight: 200 km east, a protected calving ground for southern right whales – an unforgettable wildlife experience.
• Eucla: 160 km west, across the WA border, with its historic telegraph station ruins and sand-dune-covered old settlement.
• Ceduna: 400 km east, the last major town before the Nullarbor crossing – stock up on supplies and enjoy fresh seafood.
• Norseman: 720 km west, the gateway to Western Australia’s Goldfields and the start of the Eyre Highway crossing.

Please check official sources for current details.