Photo: Tony Bowden from Tallinn, Estonia / CC BY-SA 2.0
Stretching across the vast, treeless plain of the Nullarbor, this remote national park is a landscape of extremes and stark beauty. The name Nullarbor comes from Latin for 'no trees,' and indeed the horizon is an endless line of limestone desert, punctuated by dramatic sea cliffs, ancient caves, and unique wildlife. This is a place for intrepid travelers seeking solitude, star-filled skies, and a raw connection to Australia's outback.
Highlights & What to See
- Bunda Cliffs: Towering over the Great Australian Bight, these sheer limestone cliffs stretch for over 200 km, offering breathtaking views of the Southern Ocean. Watch for southern right whales between June and October.
- Murrawijinie Caves: Explore limestone caves and blowholes just north of the highway. The main cave is easily accessible and features interesting rock formations and Aboriginal cultural significance.
- Koonalda Cave: A significant archaeological site with ancient Aboriginal rock art and evidence of flint mining dating back over 20,000 years. Access is restricted; check with park authorities.
- Nullarbor Roadhouse: An iconic outback stop for fuel, supplies, and a quirky photo with the sign marking the longest straight road in Australia (146.6 km).
- Stargazing: With virtually no light pollution, the Nullarbor offers some of the best night skies in the world. The Milky Way stretches from horizon to horizon.
Suggested Time to Spend
Plan at least two days to truly experience the park. Most travelers break the long drive across the Nullarbor (from Ceduna to Norseman) with an overnight stop at the Nullarbor Roadhouse or Eucla. Spend a full day exploring the cliffs and caves, and enjoy a sunset and sunrise over the bight. If you're in a hurry, you can drive through in a day, but you'll miss the essence of this remote wilderness.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Eucla: A small settlement just over the WA border, home to the historic Eucla Telegraph Station and the dramatic Eucla Pass.
- Ceduna: The gateway town on the South Australian side, known for its oyster farms and as the start of the Nullarbor crossing.
- Head of Bight: A whale-watching hotspot with a boardwalk and viewing platform, located within the Yalata Indigenous Protected Area.
- Great Australian Bight Marine Park: Adjacent to the national park, this marine park protects calving grounds for southern right whales and offers excellent coastal scenery.
- Madura Pass: A scenic lookout on the WA side offering panoramic views of the Roe Plains and the ocean.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.
Explore more
Image credits
- Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park — Tourism NT / Attribution
- Kings Canyon — Zoharby / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Alice Springs — Bahnfrend / CC BY-SA 4.0
- Watarrka National Park — Jorge Lascar / CC BY 2.0
- Coober Pedy — qwesy qwesy / CC BY 3.0
- Flinders Ranges — Matthew Summerton / CC BY-SA 3.0