Photo: Tony Bowden from Tallinn, Estonia / CC BY-SA 2.0
Stretching across the vast, treeless plain of the Nullarbor, this national park offers a starkly beautiful landscape that feels like another planet. The name 'Nullarbor' comes from Latin for 'no trees', and indeed, the horizon is a flat line broken only by dramatic limestone cliffs plunging into the Southern Ocean. This is a place of immense silence, big skies, and raw natural power – a must for adventurous travellers seeking an authentic outback experience.
Highlights & What to See
- Bunda Cliffs: Stretching for over 100 km, these sheer white cliffs drop up to 60 metres into the deep blue ocean. The views are breathtaking, especially at sunrise or sunset when the light paints the limestone in shades of gold and pink.
- Murrawijinie Caves: Explore limestone caves with ancient Aboriginal rock art and fascinating formations. A short walk leads you to the main chamber where you can see hand stencils and ochre paintings.
- Koonalda Cave: A significant archaeological site where Aboriginal people mined flint for thousands of years. The cave is not open to the public without a permit, but the surrounding area offers a sense of its importance.
- Nullarbor Roadhouse: The iconic pit stop on the Eyre Highway – grab a coffee, fill up on fuel, and snap a photo with the famous 'World's Longest Golf Course' sign.
- Whale watching (June–October): From the Bunda Cliffs, you can spot southern right whales and humpbacks migrating along the coast. Binoculars are a must.
Suggested Time to Spend
Most travellers pass through the Nullarbor as part of a road trip along the Eyre Highway. To truly appreciate the park, allow at least half a day for the main viewpoints and a cave visit. If you're keen on photography or whale watching, consider staying overnight at the Nullarbor Roadhouse or camping at one of the designated sites. For a deeper experience, two days give you time to explore the coastline and soak in the solitude.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Eucla: A historic telegraph station and the westernmost town in South Australia, with a fascinating museum and sand dunes.
- Ceduna: The gateway to the Nullarbor from the east, offering fresh seafood and Aboriginal art galleries.
- Yalata: An Indigenous community with cultural tours and access to the Head of the Bight, a prime whale-watching spot.
- Great Australian Bight Marine Park: Adjacent to the national park, this marine sanctuary protects the calving grounds of southern right whales.
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
- Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park — Tourism NT / Attribution
- Kings Canyon — Zoharby / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Watarrka National Park — Jorge Lascar / CC BY 2.0
- Ayers Rock Resort — Menphrad at English Wikipedia / Public domain
- Curtin Springs — Christallkeks / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Erldunda — DaHuzyBru / CC BY-SA 4.0