Nullarbor Roadhouse

Straddling the Eyre Highway on the edge of the vast Nullarbor Plain, the Nullarbor Roadhouse is an iconic outback pit stop that feels like a genuine frontier outpost. This is less a destination and more an essential waypoint on the legendary crossing between South Australia and Western Australia — a place where you can refuel both your vehicle and yourself, soak up the stark beauty of the treeless plain, and swap stories with fellow travellers. The roadhouse has a no-nonsense charm, with a classic Aussie roadhouse vibe: think cold beer, hearty pies, and a wall plastered with traveller mementos. It’s also your gateway to the dramatic Bunda Cliffs, where the desert simply drops into the Southern Ocean.

Highlights & What to See

• Bunda Cliffs Lookout: A short walk from the roadhouse leads to one of Australia’s most breathtaking coastal views — the sheer limestone cliffs plummeting 60–90 metres into the turquoise sea. Come for sunrise or sunset when the light paints the escarpment gold.
• The Roadhouse Itself: A characterful stop with a museum-like collection of outback memorabilia, including vintage number plates and handwritten notes from past travellers. Grab a camel burger or the famous Nullarbor pie.
• Nullarbor Plain Driving Experience: The roadhouse is the perfect midpoint for tackling the 1,200-kilometre Eyre Highway crossing. The dead-straight road across the plain is an adventure in itself — watch for wedge-tailed eagles, emus, and the occasional feral camel.
• Stargazing: With zero light pollution, the night sky here is staggering. Lie on the bonnet of your car and pick out the Milky Way stretching from horizon to horizon.
• Koonalda Cave (nearby, on the SA side): A limestone cave with ancient Aboriginal rock art, accessible via a rough track. Best visited with a local guide or 4WD.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most travellers stop for 30 minutes to an hour to refuel and grab a bite, but the roadhouse is worth a longer pause. If you’re crossing the Nullarbor, plan to arrive in the late afternoon so you can watch the sunset over the Bunda Cliffs and then push on to your next stop. For a truly immersive experience, book one of the simple on-site cabins or the campground and spend a full day exploring the cliffs, walking the nearby scrub, and enjoying the outback silence. Two nights allows you to do a day trip to Koonalda Cave and still have time for a relaxed drive.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Ceduna (SA): The eastern gateway to the Nullarbor, 295 km east, with good seafood and a chance to spot southern right whales in season.
• Eucla (WA): The first settlement west of the border, 12 km away, with a historic telegraph station and the eerie ruins of the original Eucla town buried by sand dunes.
• Madura Pass & Roe Plains: 130 km west, offering a spectacular descent from the Nullarbor to the coastal plains, with a lookout over the Roe Plains and the Southern Ocean.
• Head of Bight: 80 km west of the roadhouse, a major whale-watching site (June–October) where southern right whales calve just metres from the cliffs.
• Yalata Indigenous Protected Area: 200 km east, where you can learn about Anangu culture and see the pristine coastline of the Great Australian Bight.

Please check official sources for current details.