Photo: Tony Bowden from Tallinn, Estonia / CC BY-SA 2.0
Nullarbor National Park, a vast and starkly beautiful expanse on the Nullarbor Plain, offers a true outback experience. Stretching along the Great Australian Bight, this park is defined by its iconic limestone cliffs, endless blue skies, and the raw power of the Southern Ocean. It's a place of solitude and scale, where the horizon seems infinite. For travellers on the Eyre Highway, it's a must-stop to witness the dramatic coastal cliffs and spot southern right whales (June–October). The park's remoteness is its allure, promising a genuine encounter with Australia's wild heart.
Highlights & What to See
- Bunda Cliffs – Drive to the edge of these sheer, ochre-and-white cliffs that plunge into the Southern Ocean. The view is breathtaking, especially at sunrise or sunset.
- Whale Watching – From June to October, southern right whales come close to shore to calve. Head to the Head of Bight viewing platform for the best vantage.
- Koonalda Cave – A significant archaeological site where ancient Aboriginal rock art and flint mining evidence have been found. Access is limited; check with park authorities.
- Nullarbor Roadhouse – A classic outback pit stop for fuel, supplies, and a slice of local lore. Grab a coffee and chat with the friendly staff.
- Stargazing – With zero light pollution, the night sky here is a celestial spectacle. Bring a blanket and lie back to watch the Milky Way.
Suggested Time to Spend
Most travellers pass through on the Eyre Highway, so a stop of 2–3 hours is enough to visit the Bunda Cliffs and the Head of Bight lookout. To fully appreciate the park's solitude and perhaps catch whales, plan a half-day. If you're camping or have a 4WD, consider an overnight stay to experience the silence and stars. The park is best visited between April and October when temperatures are milder.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Eucla – Just over the SA border, this tiny settlement has a historic telegraph station and the ruins of the original Eucla town, half-buried by sand dunes.
- Madura Pass – A scenic lookout on the escarpment offering panoramic views over the Roe Plains – a great photo stop.
- Mundrabilla Roadhouse – Another classic outback stop with a quirky museum of local memorabilia and meteorite fragments.
- Ceduna – The gateway town to the Nullarbor, known for its excellent seafood (especially oysters) and Aboriginal art galleries.
- Great Australian Bight Marine Park – Adjacent to the national park, this protected area is prime whale-watching territory and offers coastal walks.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.
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Image credits
- Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park — Tourism NT / Attribution
- Kings Canyon — Zoharby / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Watarrka National Park — Jorge Lascar / CC BY 2.0
- Coober Pedy — qwesy qwesy / CC BY 3.0
- Port Augusta — GeorgieSharp / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Eyre Highway — Bahnfrend / CC BY-SA 4.0
- Head of Bight — Nachoman-au / CC BY-SA 3.0