Bunda Cliffs

Stretching for nearly 200 kilometres along the Great Australian Bight, the Bunda Cliffs are one of Australia’s most dramatic and little-visited natural wonders. These sheer, ochre-tinted limestone escarpments plunge up to 100 metres into the Southern Ocean, offering travellers a raw, windswept encounter with the continent’s edge. Located along the remote Eyre Highway between Ceduna and the Western Australian border, they are a must-stop for anyone undertaking a Nullarbor crossing—a place where the silence is broken only by crashing waves and the cries of seabirds.

Highlights & What to See

• Cliff-top viewpoints – Several signed pull-offs offer vertiginous panoramas of the endless cliffs and the deep blue ocean. The most accessible are at the Head of the Bight, where a boardwalk leads to the edge.
• Southern Right Whales (June–October) – The Head of the Bight is a critical calving ground. From the viewing platform, you can watch mothers and calves frolicking just offshore—an unforgettable wildlife spectacle.
• Nullarbor Roadhouse – The last fuel stop for hundreds of kilometres, this iconic roadhouse is a good place to stock up on supplies and hear tall tales from fellow travellers.
• Koonalda Cave – A short detour south of the highway leads to this prehistoric limestone cave, which was used by Indigenous Australians for thousands of years. (Bring a torch and sturdy shoes.)
• Stargazing – With zero light pollution, the night sky above the cliffs is breathtaking. On a clear night, the Milky Way stretches from horizon to horizon.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most travellers spend 1–2 hours exploring the main lookout points and the Head of the Bight whale-viewing platform. If you’re crossing the Nullarbor, allow a half-day to fully appreciate the scenery and make the short walk to Koonalda Cave. For photographers, sunrise and sunset are magical, when the cliffs glow in shades of orange and gold.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Nullarbor Plain – The vast, treeless limestone karst landscape that stretches for hundreds of kilometres; a true outback experience.
• Ceduna – The last major town before the cliffs heading west; known for its oysters and Aboriginal art galleries.
• Eucla – A tiny settlement just across the border in Western Australia, with a historic telegraph station and sand dunes.
• Great Australian Bight Marine Park – Protects the coastal waters and offers additional whale-watching opportunities.
• Yalata – An Indigenous community where you can learn about local Anangu culture and purchase authentic artworks.

Please check official sources for current details.