Point Labatt

Point Labatt, on the far west coast of South Australia, is a dramatic and windswept headland that feels like the edge of the world. This remote conservation park is best known for its colony of Australian sea lions, which haul out on the beach below the towering limestone cliffs. The raw beauty of the Southern Ocean crashing against the Bunda Cliffs, the endless horizon, and the near-certain sighting of sea lions make this a must-stop for anyone driving the Eyre Highway. It’s a place of stark grandeur, where the only sounds are the roar of the surf and the barking of sea lions.

Highlights & What to See

• Sea Lion Colony: Point Labatt is one of the few mainland sites in Australia where you can reliably see Australian sea lions. View them from the clifftop boardwalk – binoculars help, but the animals are often visible with the naked eye.
• Bunda Cliffs: The sheer, ochre-coloured cliffs stretch for hundreds of kilometres along the Nullarbor. The viewpoint at Point Labatt offers one of the best photo opportunities.
• Interpretive Boardwalk: A short, wheelchair-accessible walk leads to the main lookout, with informative signs about the sea lions and the fragile coastal ecosystem.
• Fishing: The waters off Point Labatt are popular for salmon and mulloway fishing. Access to the beach is via a steep track (4WD recommended).
• Birdwatching: White-bellied sea eagles, ospreys, and other coastal birds are frequently seen soaring above the cliffs.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most travellers spend 30 minutes to an hour at Point Labatt – enough time to walk the boardwalk, scan the sea lion colony, and soak in the immense coastal views. If you’re fishing or keen on a longer exploration, allow half a day. The site is easily combined with a stop at the nearby Head of Bight (whale watching in winter) or as a break on the long drive across the Nullarbor. Aim to visit in the morning or late afternoon when the light is best and the sea lions are most active.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Head of Bight – Just east along the Bunda Cliffs, this is the premier spot for viewing southern right whales (June–October).
• Ceduna – The nearest town, with accommodation, supplies, and the Ceduna Aboriginal Arts Centre.
• Murphy’s Haystacks – Ancient, wind-sculpted granite boulders near Streaky Bay, a quirky geological detour.
• Streaky Bay – A charming coastal town with great seafood, beaches, and the nearby Baird Bay (swim with sea lions and dolphins).
• Nullarbor Roadhouse – The iconic outback roadhouse, a classic stop for fuel and a photo with the “World’s Longest Golf Course” sign.

Please check official sources for current details.