Photo: Kerry Raymond at English Wikipedia / CC BY-SA 3.0
Fowlers Bay is a remote coastal hamlet on South Australia's far west coast, where the vast Nullarbor Plain meets the Great Australian Bight. This hauntingly beautiful place offers a genuine outback-meets-ocean experience, with colossal sand dunes, whale watching, and a sense of isolation that feels like the edge of the world. It's a must for adventurous travellers exploring the Eyre Highway.
Highlights & What to See
- Fowlers Bay Sand Dunes – One of Australia's largest coastal dune systems, perfect for sandboarding, four-wheel driving, or simply marvelling at the sheer scale of the golden sand.
- Whale Watching (June–October) – Southern right whales calve in the bay's protected waters; join a boat tour or spot them from the jetty.
- Fowlers Bay Jetty – A historic timber jetty ideal for fishing, sunset strolls, and photography over the turquoise water.
- Nullarbor National Park – Access the dramatic Bunda Cliffs and the Head of the Bight, where whales gather and the ocean stretches to Antarctica.
- Historic Town Ruins – Explore remnants of the once-thriving port, including the old telegraph station and stone buildings that whisper stories of early settlers.
Suggested Time to Spend
Most visitors stop for a few hours en route across the Nullarbor, but to truly appreciate Fowlers Bay, stay overnight. A full day allows for sandboarding, a whale-watching tour (in season), and a sunset at the jetty. If you're continuing west, a night at the Fowlers Bay Caravan Park or the old pub makes the journey more relaxed.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Ceduna – The last major town before the Nullarbor, with supermarkets, fuel, and the Ceduna Oyster Farm.
- Head of the Bight – The premier whale-watching platform on the Nullarbor, 200 km west.
- Eucla – A quirky border town with the historic Eucla Telegraph Station and the ruins of old Eucla.
- Yalata – An Indigenous community offering cultural tours and insights into the region's Aboriginal heritage.
- Great Australian Bight Marine Park – Stretching along the coast, this park protects the pristine marine environment and offers spectacular coastal views.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.