Eyre Highway

Stretching across the vast Nullarbor Plain, the Eyre Highway is one of Australia's most epic road trips, linking South Australia to Western Australia. This legendary route offers a true outback experience, with endless horizons, quirky roadhouses, and the chance to spot southern right whales along the Great Australian Bight. It's a journey for those who crave solitude and raw, untamed landscapes.

Highlights & What to See

• Nullarbor Plain: Drive across the world's largest limestone karst landscape, where the road stretches straight for over 90 miles. Keep an eye out for emus, kangaroos, and wedge-tailed eagles.
• Head of the Bight: Visit between June and October to see southern right whales calving in the protected waters. The viewing platform offers spectacular coastal views.
• Bunda Cliffs: These dramatic cliffs drop sheer into the Southern Ocean, providing a stunning backdrop for photos and a chance to feel the power of the sea.
• Eucla: A historic telegraph station and the ruins of the original settlement, now partially buried by sand dunes. The museum offers a glimpse into the area's past.
• Roadhouses: Quirky stops like Nullarbor Roadhouse, Caiguna, and Madura Pass offer fuel, food, and quirky memorabilia. Try a camel burger or a slice of homemade pie.
• Cocklebiddy: Famous for its underground caves and the historic Eyre Bird Observatory, a must for birdwatchers.

Suggested Time to Spend

Plan at least 3 to 4 days to drive the entire 1,200 km (745 miles) from Norseman to Port Augusta, allowing time for whale watching, cliff views, and overnight stays at roadhouses. Most travellers break the journey into 3-4 segments, driving 300-400 km per day. Start early each morning to avoid the harsh midday sun and to spot wildlife at dawn and dusk. If you're short on time, a 2-day express trip is possible but will be less relaxed.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Yalata: An Indigenous community on the Nullarbor, offering cultural tours and insights into the region's Aboriginal heritage.
• Great Australian Bight Marine Park: Extends along the coast, perfect for whale watching and coastal walks.
• Gawler Ranges National Park: Located south of the highway, known for its volcanic rhyolite domes, wildlife, and historic homesteads.
• Ceduna: The gateway town to the Nullarbor, with excellent seafood, especially oysters and prawns.
• Port Augusta: The eastern terminus of the Eyre Highway, offering the Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden and the Wadlata Outback Centre.
• Norseman: The western end of the highway, a historic gold mining town with a quirky underground hotel.

Please check official sources for current details.