Head of Bight

Perched on the edge of the Great Australian Bight, Head of Bight is one of Australia’s most extraordinary whale-watching destinations. From June to October, the towering limestone cliffs provide a front-row seat to the annual migration of southern right whales, which come here to calve in the sheltered, shallow waters. The raw, windswept landscape and the sheer scale of the bight make for an unforgettable encounter with nature.

Highlights & What to See

• Whale watching platform – A purpose-built boardwalk and viewing platform extend over the cliffs, offering spectacular, close-up views of southern right whales breaching, spy-hopping, and nursing their calves just metres below.
• Interpretive centre – Learn about the biology and conservation of these gentle giants through interactive displays and knowledgeable rangers who are on-site during the season.
• Limestone cliffs & coastal scenery – The dramatic, ochre-tinted cliffs stretch for kilometres, and the contrast with the deep blue ocean is breathtaking. It’s a photographer’s dream.
• Nullarbor Roadhouse – The nearest hub for fuel and supplies, located about 20 km east along the Eyre Highway. It’s a classic outback stop with a quirky, welcoming vibe.
• Stargazing – With minimal light pollution, the night sky here is dazzling. On clear nights, the Milky Way arcs overhead in brilliant detail.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend 1–2 hours at the whale-watching platform, which is enough to witness multiple whale sightings and absorb the coastal views. If you’re driving the Eyre Highway, it makes a perfect 2–3 hour stop, including the interpretive centre and a short walk along the cliffs. For keen photographers or whale enthusiasts, a half-day allows you to linger and capture the changing light. The site is best visited between June and October; outside this period, the platform is still accessible but the whales are absent.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Ceduna – The gateway to the Nullarbor, about 2 hours east, with good accommodation, seafood, and the Ceduna Jetty for fishing.
• Nullarbor Plain – Drive across this vast, arid limestone plateau for a true outback experience. Highlights include the Nullarbor Roadhouse and the remote Koonalda Station.
• Murphy’s Haystacks – Ancient, wind-sculpted granite boulders located near Streaky Bay, about 3 hours east of Head of Bight.
• Fowlers Bay – A tiny coastal settlement with excellent fishing and sandboarding on the enormous dunes; about 1.5 hours west.
• Great Australian Bight Marine Park – The protected waters surrounding the headland, ideal for whale-watching cruises (seasonal) and spotting sea lions.

Please check official sources for current details.