Bunda Cliffs

Stretching for nearly 200 kilometres along the Great Australian Bight, the Bunda Cliffs are one of the most dramatic and awe-inspiring natural features in South Australia. These sheer, ochre-coloured limestone cliffs plunge straight into the Southern Ocean, offering uninterrupted views that seem to go on forever. For travellers on a self-drive itinerary between Adelaide and Western Australia, the Bunda Cliffs are a must-stop along the Eyre Highway, providing a raw, elemental encounter with Australia's vastness.

Highlights & What to See

• Head of the Bight: The premier vantage point, with a boardwalk that takes you right to the cliff's edge. During winter (June–October), this is the best spot to watch southern right whales calving in the sheltered waters below.
• Nullarbor Roadhouse Lookout: A convenient stop with panoramic views; ideal for sunrise or sunset when the cliffs glow with warm light.
• Warrangarri (Eyre Highway) Scenic Lookouts: Several pull-offs along the highway offer different perspectives—look for the signposted 'Bunda Cliffs Lookout' for a classic photo op.
• Wilson Bluff: A particularly striking section where the cliffs reach 90 metres in height, offering a sense of the immense scale.

Suggested Time to Spend

Plan for at least 1–2 hours to take in the main viewpoints, but allow extra time if you're visiting during whale season. The cliffs are best appreciated as part of a longer Nullarbor crossing—most travellers stop for a short break while driving between Ceduna and Eucla. For a more immersive experience, consider an overnight stay at the Nullarbor Roadhouse or a nearby caravan park to catch both sunset and sunrise.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Nullarbor Plain: The vast, treeless plain itself is a unique landscape; explore the limestone caves at Koonalda or the historic Eyre Highway.
• Ceduna: The last major town before the cliffs, with good supplies and the Ceduna Aboriginal Arts Centre.
• Eucla: A tiny settlement just over the WA border, with a historic telegraph station and the Eucla Pass sand dunes.
• Great Australian Bight Marine Park: Protects the whale nursery and offers interpretive signage at the Head of the Bight.
• Murphy's Haystacks: Unusual wind-worn granite boulders near Streaky Bay, a worthwhile detour off the highway.
• Yalata: An Indigenous community with cultural tours and insights into the region's Aboriginal heritage.

Please check official sources for current details.