Nullarbor Plain

The Nullarbor Plain is one of Australia's most extraordinary landscapes—a vast, treeless limestone karst that stretches for over 1,200 kilometres between the goldfields of Western Australia and the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia. Its name, from Latin nullus arbor (no tree), perfectly describes this stark, horizontal world where the sky meets the earth in an unbroken line. Driving the Eyre Highway across the Nullarbor is a rite of passage for Australian road-trippers, offering a raw, humbling encounter with the outback's immense scale and surprising wildlife, from southern right whales at the Head of Bight to red kangaroos at dawn.

Highlights & What to See

• Head of Bight (Bunda Cliffs): From June to October, these sheer limestone cliffs offer one of Australia's best land-based whale-watching experiences, with southern right whales calving in the sheltered waters below.
• Bunda Cliffs Lookouts: Pull over at the signed viewpoints along the Eyre Highway to witness the dramatic drop of the Great Australian Bight—a 100-metre vertical plunge into turquoise sea.
• Nullarbor Roadhouse: A classic outback pit stop with quirky memorabilia, fuel, and a chance to mail a postcard from the world's longest golf course—the Nullarbor Links.
• Cocklebiddy Cave: For the adventurous, this karst cave system (permit required) reveals underground lakes and ancient fossils, best explored with a licensed guide.
• Eucla: The abandoned telegraph station and its drifting sand dunes create a hauntingly beautiful ghost town scene just across the WA-SA border.
• Nullarbor Links Golf Course: Play a hole or two at this 1,365-kilometre-long golf course, with 'fairways' at roadhouses and rest stops—bring your own clubs.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most travellers allocate 2–3 days to drive the Eyre Highway between Norseman (WA) and Ceduna (SA), covering roughly 1,200 kilometres. This allows for stops at key lookouts, a whale-watching detour at the Head of Bight, and an overnight stay at one of the roadhouses (e.g., Nullarbor Roadhouse or Eucla). If you're keen on caving or photography, add an extra day. The crossing is safe in a standard 2WD vehicle, but plan fuel stops carefully—distances between services are up to 200 km.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Ceduna (SA): The eastern gateway to the Nullarbor, known for its excellent seafood (especially oysters) and the Ceduna Jetty.
• Norseman (WA): The western start of the crossing, with a historic pub and access to the Lake Cowan salt lake.
• Eyre Peninsula (SA): South of Ceduna, this region offers stunning coastal national parks, shark cage diving at Port Lincoln, and the dramatic Coffin Bay National Park.
• Great Australian Bight Marine Park: Stretching along the coast, this protected area is prime for whale watching and spotting sea lions.
• Madura Pass & Roe Plains: Just west of the WA-SA border, these scenic lookouts offer sweeping views over the Roe Plains and the distant ocean.

Please check official sources for current details.