Head Of The Bight

Perched on the edge of the Great Australian Bight, Head of the Bight is one of Australia’s most dramatic whale-watching sites and a remote coastal wonder. From June to October, the towering limestone cliffs become front-row seats for the annual southern right whale migration, where mothers calve and nurse in the sheltered waters below. The raw, windswept scenery and the sheer scale of the Bight – a vast arc of ocean meeting the Nullarbor Plain – make this a deeply immersive nature experience. It’s a place that rewards the long drive with moments of pure, humbling awe.

Highlights & What to See

• Whale watching platform: The elevated boardwalk offers unbeatable views of southern right whales breaching, spy-hopping, and nursing their calves just metres from the cliffs. Binoculars and a zoom lens are essential.
• Interpretive centre: A small but informative centre explains the whales’ migration and the Bight’s unique marine ecosystem, with engaging displays for all ages.
• The Bunda Cliffs: Walk to the cliff-edge viewpoints (stay behind the safety fence) for a dizzying perspective over the Bight’s sheer 60–90-metre drop to the ocean – one of the longest cliff lines in the world.
• Wildflowers and birdlife: In spring, the Nullarbor’s limestone plains burst into colour with everlastings and native daisies; keep an eye out for ospreys and peregrine falcons.
• Photography at sunrise or sunset: The low-angle light paints the cliffs in gold and orange, and the ocean glows with a deep indigo – a photographer’s dream.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend 1–2 hours at the boardwalk and interpretive centre, but if you’re a keen whale-watcher or photographer, allow half a day. The best whale activity is usually in the morning, so plan to arrive early. The site is a natural stopover on the Eyre Highway drive across the Nullarbor – you’ll want at least a full day to appreciate the journey and the remoteness.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Nullarbor Roadhouse: The last fuel and food stop before or after Head of the Bight, with basic accommodation and a quirky outback vibe.
• Murrawijinie Caves: A short detour off the highway to explore limestone caves and Aboriginal rock art, just west of the Head of the Bight turn-off.
• Great Australian Bight Marine Park: The surrounding protected waters and coastal dunes offer excellent fishing, beachcombing, and solitude – accessible via 4WD tracks.
• Eyre Bird Observatory: A historic stone building and bird-banding station, about 150 km west, that’s a haven for birdwatchers and history buffs.
• Ceduna: The nearest substantial town, 200 km east, where you can stock up supplies, visit the Ceduna Aboriginal Arts Centre, and enjoy fresh seafood.

Please check official sources for current details.