Great Australian Bight

Stretching along the southern coast of Australia, the Great Australian Bight offers one of the continent’s most dramatic and raw coastal experiences. This immense, curving gulf is famed for its towering limestone cliffs that plunge into the Southern Ocean, creating a breathtaking backdrop for wildlife watching, particularly the southern right whales that migrate here to calve between June and October. The Bight’s isolation and pristine wilderness make it a bucket-list destination for self-drive adventurers seeking epic ocean views, star-filled skies, and a profound sense of remoteness.

Highlights & What to See

• Bunda Cliffs – The world’s longest uninterrupted line of sea cliffs, stretching nearly 200 km. Stop at the numerous lookouts along the Eyre Highway to witness the sheer drop and endless horizon.
• Head of the Bight – The premier whale-watching site, with a boardwalk and viewing platform that brings you close to southern right whales and their calves during winter and spring.
• Nullarbor National Park – A vast, treeless limestone plain that meets the sea, offering unique desert-to-coast landscapes, caves, and abundant birdlife.
• Ceduna – The gateway town to the Bight, known for its fresh seafood (especially oysters) and Aboriginal cultural tours that share stories of the region.
• Yalata – An Indigenous community that offers guided tours to the Bight’s cliffs and insights into local culture and history.

Suggested Time to Spend

Dedicate at least two to three days to explore the Great Australian Bight properly. The drive along the Eyre Highway from Ceduna to the Western Australian border is around 500 km, with plenty of stops for lookouts and walks. Plan for a full day at the Head of the Bight for whale watching, and allow time for a night at the Nullarbor Roadhouse or a coastal campground to experience the stunning night skies. The Bight is best visited between June and October for whale season, but the cliffs and coastal scenery are impressive year-round.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Eyre Peninsula – South of the Bight, this region offers swimming with sea lions, shark cage diving, and pristine beaches like those at Coffin Bay.
• Nullarbor Plain – Continue west across the Nullarbor to explore the vast limestone karst landscape, including the Murrawijinie Caves.
• Ceduna – Use this coastal town as your base; it’s also a great spot to try local oysters and visit the Ceduna Aboriginal Arts and Culture Centre.
• Fowlers Bay – A quiet fishing village with excellent sandboarding on the massive dunes and a historic jetty.
• Yumbarra Conservation Park – A protected area featuring red sand dunes, mallee woodlands, and the chance to spot mallee fowl and other desert wildlife.

Please check official sources for current details.