Photo: bdearth / CC BY 2.0
Perched on the southern edge of the Nullarbor Plain, Gap Bluff offers one of Australia’s most dramatic coastal encounters. Here the vast, flat expanse of the Nullarbor abruptly meets the Southern Ocean, with sheer limestone cliffs plunging into churning turquoise waters. The raw power of the ocean, the endless horizon, and the solitude of this remote outpost make it a mesmerising stop on any Great Australian Bight road trip.
Highlights & What to See
- The Bluff Lookout: Walk to the fenced viewpoint for vertiginous views of the Bunda Cliffs – the longest uninterrupted sea cliffs in the world. On a clear day you can see whales (May–October) breaching below.
- Whale Watching: Southern right whales and humpbacks migrate close to shore; bring binoculars for close-up views from the clifftop.
- Nullarbor Roadhouse: A quirky outpost 20 km north, perfect for a pie, fuel, and a photo with the iconic ‘Nullarbor’ sign.
- Stargazing: With zero light pollution, the night sky here is phenomenal – lie back and watch the Milky Way stretch from horizon to horizon.
- Coastal Walk: A short, unmarked trail along the cliff edge (stay well back) offers solitude and photo ops of the endless ocean.
Suggested Time to Spend
Most travellers spend 30–60 minutes at the bluff itself – enough for photos, whale watching, and soaking in the scale. If you’re driving the Eyre Highway, plan a 20-minute detour from the highway. For a fuller experience, stay overnight at the Nullarbor Roadhouse or a nearby rest area to catch sunset and sunrise over the cliffs. Combine with a visit to the Head of the Bight (about 100 km west) for a full day of coastal exploration.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Head of the Bight: The premier whale-watching site on the Bight, with a boardwalk and interpretation centre (best June–October).
- Nullarbor Roadhouse: The last fuel stop for hundreds of kilometres – grab supplies and a quirky souvenir.
- Eucla: A historic telegraph station and ruins on the WA/SA border, with a fascinating museum.
- Ceduna: The eastern gateway to the Nullarbor, with great seafood (especially oysters) and Aboriginal art galleries.
- Great Australian Bight Marine Park: Stretching along the coast, this park protects the iconic cliffs and marine life – ideal for scenic drives and wildlife spotting.
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
- Head of the Bight — Nachoman-au / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Nullarbor Roadhouse — Bahnfrend / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Eucla — Bahnfrend / CC BY-SA 4.0
- Ceduna — Bahnfrend / CC BY-SA 4.0
- Great Australian Bight Marine Park — Nachoman-au / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Bunda Cliffs — Clarkecb / CC BY-SA 3.0