Photo: Bahnfrend / CC BY-SA 3.0
Perched on the edge of the vast Nullarbor Plain, the Nullarbor Roadhouse is more than a pit stop — it’s a legendary outpost on the Eyre Highway. This iconic roadhouse serves as a lifeline for travellers crossing one of Australia’s most remote stretches, offering fuel, hearty meals, and a dose of quirky outback character. The surrounding landscape is starkly beautiful: endless treeless plains, dramatic limestone cliffs plunging into the Southern Ocean, and a sky that stretches forever. It’s a place where the journey itself becomes the destination.
Highlights & What to See
- Nullarbor Plain lookout — soak in the surreal, flat horizon that seems to go on forever; it’s unlike anywhere else on earth.
- Bunda Cliffs — just a short drive away, these sheer white cliffs drop 90 metres into the deep blue ocean; watch for southern right whales in winter.
- Head of Bight — a must-visit between June and October when whales come to calve just metres from the viewing platforms.
- Koonalda Cave — a mysterious limestone cave with ancient Aboriginal rock art and a eerie history; accessible via a 4WD track (check conditions first).
- Roadhouse museum — quirky displays of outback memorabilia and stories of early travellers, including the original telegraph line.
Suggested Time to Spend
Most travellers pass through on a long day’s drive between Ceduna and Eucla. Plan to stop for at least an hour to refuel, grab a classic Aussie meat pie, and stretch your legs at the lookout. If you’re keen on the Bunda Cliffs or whale watching, add another 1–2 hours. Overnighting is possible — the roadhouse has basic motel rooms and a caravan park, making it a good base for a full day exploring the coastline and caves.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Eucla — 13 km west, the tiny settlement with a historic telegraph station and the eerie ruins of Old Eucla emerging from sand dunes.
- Ceduna — 300 km east, the last major town in South Australia before the Nullarbor, known for its seafood and Oysterfest.
- Great Australian Bight Marine Park — the protected waters along the cliffs are prime for whale watching and dramatic coastal views.
- Yalata — an Aboriginal community with a roadside museum and access to the Head of Bight viewing platform.
- Madura Pass — 240 km west, where the Roe Plains meet the limestone escarpment; great for a scenic break.
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
- Eucla — Bahnfrend / CC BY-SA 4.0
- Ceduna — Bahnfrend / CC BY-SA 4.0
- Head of Bight — Nachoman-au / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Bunda Cliffs — Clarkecb / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Great Australian Bight Marine Park — Nachoman-au / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Madura Pass — Bahnfrend / CC BY-SA 4.0