Great Australian Bight

The Great Australian Bight is one of Australia’s most dramatic coastal frontiers — a colossal arc of cliffs, turquoise water and whale-watching spectacles that feels like the edge of the world. Stretching from the Nullarbor Plain to the Eyre Peninsula, this is raw nature at its most powerful, where the Southern Ocean hammers limestone cliffs and the horizon blurs into infinity. For road-trippers on the Eyre Highway, the Bight is a must-stop for its jaw-dropping lookouts, marine encounters and humbling sense of isolation.

Highlights & What to See

• Bunda Cliffs: The longest uninterrupted line of sea cliffs in the world — pull over at the designated viewing platforms and watch the waves explode on the chalk-white rock 80–90 metres below.
• Head of Bight (Yalata): The premier spot for southern right whale watching from June to October. Mothers and calves linger in the shallow, sheltered bay, often within metres of the boardwalk.
• Nullarbor National Park: The vast, treeless limestone plain that meets the sea. Explore the dramatic doline sinkholes and the old telegraph line that once connected Perth to Adelaide.
• Murrawijinie Caves: A short walk from the road leads to a series of limestone caves with Aboriginal rock art and unusual formations — a cool break from the relentless sun.
• Ceduna: The gateway town at the eastern end of the Bight, known for its superb seafood (especially oysters) and as a launch point for fishing charters and Aboriginal cultural tours.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most travellers spend 1–2 days exploring the Bight as part of a cross-Nullarbor drive. A single day allows for a slow cruise along the Bunda Cliffs with stops at the main lookouts and the Head of Bight whale-watching platform. If you have a second day, detour into the Nullarbor National Park for a walk to the Murrawijinie Caves and a picnic at one of the remote coastal viewpoints. The Bight is best savoured at dawn or dusk when the light paints the cliffs in shades of ochre and gold.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Eucla: The westernmost town in South Australia, with a hauntingly beautiful old telegraph station half-buried in sand dunes.
• Eyre Peninsula: A 3-hour drive east to the seafood paradise of Coffin Bay, Port Lincoln and the shark-cage diving capital of Australia.
• Norseman: The western gateway to the Nullarbor, marking the start of the Eyre Highway in Western Australia.
• Great Australian Bight Marine Park: A protected area that stretches along the coast, offering pristine beaches and rugged camping spots for self-sufficient travellers.

Please check official sources for current details.