Nullarbor Roadhouse

Straddling the vast, treeless expanse of the Nullarbor Plain, the Nullarbor Roadhouse is more than just a fuel stop—it's a quintessential outback experience. This iconic roadhouse is a lifeline for travellers crossing the Eyre Highway between South Australia and Western Australia, offering a quirky blend of remote hospitality, stark landscapes, and a palpable sense of isolation. Expect wide skies, red dust, and a warm welcome from the folks who call this place home.

Highlights & What to See

• Sign the Nullarbor Roadhouse Wall: Join the thousands of travellers who have left their mark—messages, dates, and doodles cover almost every inch of the exterior walls. It's a living, evolving guestbook of the highway.
• Spot the Southern Right Whales: From June to October, head to the nearby Head of Bight (a short drive west) to watch these gentle giants from the towering Bunda Cliffs. The viewing platforms offer spectacular photo ops.
• Stand at the Edge of the Bunda Cliffs: Just a few kilometres from the roadhouse, these sheer limestone cliffs drop dramatically into the Great Australian Bight. On a clear day, you can see for miles—keep an eye out for sea eagles and dolphins below.
• Visit the Koonalda Homestead: Explore the ruins of this historic 1920s homestead, once a stop for camel trains. The eerie, abandoned feel adds to the Nullarbor's mystique.
• Play a Round on the Nullarbor Links Golf Course: The world's longest golf course spans 1,365 kilometres from Ceduna to Kalgoorlie. The Nullarbor Roadhouse is home to the 18th hole—putt on a green surrounded by nothing but red dirt.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most travellers pull in for a quick fuel stop and a photo, but to truly absorb the Nullarbor's magic, budget at least two to three hours. This gives you time to sign the wall, grab a bite at the diner (the homemade pies are legendary), and drive out to the Bunda Cliffs for a sunset view. If you're a keen whale-watcher or golfer, consider an overnight stay—the roadhouse offers basic motel rooms and a caravan park. A full day here, including a trip to Head of Bight and the Koonalda Homestead, will reward you with a deeper appreciation of this surreal landscape.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Eucla: Just 12 kilometres west, this tiny settlement has a fascinating history as a former telegraph station. Don't miss the Eucla Pass and the ruins of the old jetty.
• Head of Bight: The premier whale-watching spot on the Nullarbor, with a boardwalk and interpretive centre. It's about 20 kilometres west of the roadhouse.
• Ceduna: The eastern gateway to the Nullarbor, known for its oysters and the start of the Nullarbor Links golf course. About 300 kilometres east.
• Madura Pass: A scenic lookout offering panoramic views of the Roe Plains, about 120 kilometres west. It's a great place to stretch your legs and take in the vastness.
• Caiguna: Famous for the longest straight stretch of road in Australia—146 kilometres without a bend. The roadhouse here is another classic outback stop.

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