Photo: Bahnfrend / CC BY-SA 4.0
Stretching across the vast Nullarbor Plain, the Eyre Highway is Australia's most iconic transcontinental road trip, linking South Australia and Western Australia. This legendary route offers an unforgettable journey through stark, breathtaking landscapes, where the red earth meets the endless blue sky. Along the way, you'll encounter quirky roadhouses, dramatic cliffs, and the chance to spot southern right whales from the Bunda Cliffs. It's a drive that demands preparation but rewards with a profound sense of adventure and isolation.
Highlights & What to See
- Nullarbor Plain: Traverse the world's largest limestone karst landscape, with its treeless expanse and unique wildlife like kangaroos and emus.
- Bunda Cliffs: Marvel at the dramatic, 100-metre-high cliffs plunging into the Great Australian Bight – a prime spot for whale watching (June–October).
- Eucla: Visit the historic telegraph station and the eerie Old Eucla ruins, half-buried in sand dunes.
- Head of Bight: A dedicated whale-watching platform offering close-up views of southern right whales and their calves.
- Madura Pass: Stop at the Madura Roadhouse for panoramic views over the Roe Plains – a classic outback photo op.
- Border Village: Snap a photo at the SA/WA border crossing, complete with a giant kangaroo statue and the quirky 'Border Village' sign.
Suggested Time to Spend
Allow at least 3 to 4 days to drive the entire 1,200 km between Ceduna (SA) and Norseman (WA). Break the journey into manageable 300–400 km days, with overnight stops at roadhouses like Penong, Eucla, Madura, and Caiguna. The drive is long and remote, so plan for fuel stops every 200–300 km and carry extra water and supplies. If you're short on time, you can focus on the western section from Eucla to Norseman, which offers the most dramatic coastal scenery.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Great Australian Bight Marine Park: Extend your trip to explore the marine park's pristine coastline and abundant wildlife.
- Ceduna: Start or end your journey in this coastal town, known for its excellent fishing and oyster farms.
- Norseman: Gateway to the Golden Outback, with historic gold rush sites and wildflower displays in spring.
- Yalata: An Indigenous community offering cultural tours and insights into the region's heritage.
- Cook: A ghost town worth a detour for its abandoned railway station and eerie atmosphere.
- Lake MacDonnell: Near Penong, this salt lake features a striking pink hue and a quirky 'salt museum'.
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
- Ceduna — Bahnfrend / CC BY-SA 4.0
- Norseman — Bahnfrend / CC BY-SA 4.0
- Nullarbor Plain — No machine-readable author provided. 17177 assumed (based on copyright claims). / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Bunda Cliffs — Clarkecb / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Great Australian Bight — Nachoman-au / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Eucla — Bahnfrend / CC BY-SA 4.0