Great Australian Bight Marine Park

Stretching along the remote southern coast of Australia, the Great Australian Bight Marine Park is a vast, wild expanse of dramatic sea cliffs, pristine beaches, and teeming marine life. This is one of the country’s most spectacular and least-visited marine sanctuaries, where the Southern Ocean crashes against the Nullarbor’s limestone edge, creating a raw, elemental landscape. For travellers on the epic Eyre Highway crossing, a detour here offers a breathtaking encounter with Australia’s marine wilderness.

Highlights & What to See

• Head of the Bight (Yalata) – The premier whale-watching spot, where between June and October southern right whales calve just metres from the clifftop viewing platforms. Boardwalks lead to multiple lookouts over the turquoise bight.
• Bunda Cliffs – Stretching nearly 200 km, these sheer, ochre-and-white cliffs are the longest uninterrupted sea cliffs in the world. Stop at numerous pull-offs to absorb the vertiginous views and spot seabirds.
• Nullarbor National Park – Adjacent to the marine park, this arid landscape offers coastal walks, blowholes, and the iconic Nullarbor Roadhouse experience. The park’s isolation means star-filled night skies.
• Whale watching (June–October) – Southern right whales migrate here to calve, and you can often see mothers teaching calves to breach. The Head of the Bight Visitor Centre provides interpretive displays.
• Marine wildlife – Keep an eye out for Australian sea lions, dolphins, and great white sharks (from a safe distance). The waters are rich in pelagic species and seabirds like albatrosses.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most travellers spend half a day to a full day exploring the marine park, especially if visiting during whale season. A stop at the Head of the Bight viewing area takes about 1–2 hours, but you could easily spend several more hours driving along the Bunda Cliffs lookout points and taking short walks. If you’re crossing the Nullarbor, plan an overnight stay at one of the nearby roadhouses or campgrounds to break up the drive and catch sunrise over the cliffs.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Ceduna – The gateway town to the Nullarbor, offering seafood (especially oysters) and the start of the Eyre Highway crossing.
• Eucla – A historic telegraph station and the westernmost settlement before the border; the old jetty ruins and sand dunes are worth a detour.
• Nullarbor Roadhouse – An iconic stop for fuel, supplies, and a quirky outback experience.
• Yalata – An Indigenous community area; the Head of the Bight is on Yalata land, and cultural tours may be available.
• Fowlers Bay – A small coastal town with a jetty, sand dunes, and excellent fishing; it’s a quieter alternative to Ceduna.

Please check official sources for current details.