Photo: Clarkecb / CC BY-SA 3.0
Stretching for nearly 200 km along the Great Australian Bight, Bunda Cliffs is one of the most dramatic and remote coastal experiences in Australia. These sheer limestone cliffs plunge up to 100 metres into the Southern Ocean, offering uninterrupted views of the wild, churning sea below. The drive along the Eyre Highway provides multiple lookout points where you can pull over and absorb the sheer scale and raw beauty of this rugged coastline. It's a place that feels truly at the edge of the world, with the wind whipping off the ocean and the only sounds being the crash of waves and the calls of seabirds.
Highlights & What to See
- Head of Bight: The most accessible and famous viewpoint, with boardwalks and platforms that bring you right to the cliff edge. Between June and October, you can spot southern right whales breaching and nursing their calves in the protected waters below.
- Bunda Cliffs Lookout (Nullarbor Roadhouse): A short walk from the car park offers a panoramic view of the endless cliffs meeting the ocean. It's also a prime spot for sunset photography.
- Great Australian Bight Marine Park: This protected area is home to diverse marine life. Keep an eye out for dolphins, sea lions, and migrating whales. The park also protects fragile coastal dunes and saltbush plains.
- Nullarbor Plain: The vast, treeless limestone karst landscape that backs the cliffs. Take a moment to appreciate the stark beauty of Australia's largest karst region, dotted with ancient caves and unique flora.
Suggested Time to Spend
Most travellers experience Bunda Cliffs as a stop on the epic Nullarbor crossing between Ceduna (SA) and Norseman (WA). Plan to spend 1–2 hours at the main lookouts, but if you're a keen photographer or whale-watching enthusiast, you could easily linger for half a day. The best time to visit is between June and October for whale migration; outside those months, the cliffs are quieter but still stunning. The drive itself is long, so break it up with overnight stays at Nullarbor Roadhouse or Eucla.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Nullarbor Roadhouse: A classic outback pit stop for fuel, food, and a glimpse of life on the Nullarbor Plain.
- Eucla: A tiny settlement with a historic telegraph station and the haunting ruins of the old town buried in sand dunes.
- Ceduna: The last major town before the Nullarbor crossing, with excellent seafood and Aboriginal cultural experiences.
- Yalata: An Indigenous community where you can learn about local culture and visit the Head of Bight viewing platform (permit required).
- Great Australian Bight Marine Park: Explore more of this protected coastline, including the Bunda Cliffs and nearby beaches.
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 — Ek2030372672 / CC BY-SA 4.0
- Kings Canyon — Zoharby / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Coober Pedy — qwesy qwesy / CC BY 3.0
- Ayers Rock — Ek2030372672 / CC BY-SA 4.0
- Kata Tjuta — Astro_Alex / CC BY-SA 2.0
- Watarrka National Park — Jorge Lascar / CC BY 2.0