Here are a few of our favourite things to do when driving the Nullarbor that help break up this drive. It’s a long drive but it doesn’t have to be a boring one.
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Penong Windmills
Whether you’re coming from South Australia or Western Australia, a stop at Penong is a must. Located at the eastern end of the drive the town has put together a spectacular windmill museum. The outdoor art display pays tribute to a vital part of the town’s history. Their height and shape also make an impressive visual impact against the blue sky and flat landscape.
Fowlers Bay
If you feel like a longer stop before driving across from South Australia, don’t miss Fowlers Bay. It’s situated on the eastern edge of the drive and just off the main road. If fishing, 4WDing or whale watching are your thing this is the place for you. There’s a great little caravan park that has a super friendly atmosphere.
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Old Telegraph Station
Everyone doing the Nullarbor road trip will stop at Eucla to refuel or stretch their legs. While you’re there, don’t forget to check out the nearby old telegraph station. Even today, it’s not hard to feel a sense of isolation on the Nullarbor. So, as you take a few minutes to look at the ruins of the old building being swallowed up by sand, imagine how the telegraph operators must have felt in the late 1800’s. There’s a beautiful beach just a 20m minute walk or short 4WD away too.
Nullarbor Roadhouse
Yes, there’s fuel, food and a range of accommodation but the roadhouse is also a great base for exploring nearby attractions and getting more detailed information about the area. You can see a scaled replica of the original roadhouse and murals depicting the history of the region. The roadhouse is also home to Hole 5 – Dingos Den – of the Nullarbor Links golf course. You can hire equipment from the roadhouse.
Golf Course
The Nullarbor Links is the world longest golf course stretching over 1300 kilometres between Ceduna and Kalgoorlie. There are holes at the roadhouses – including the Nullarbor and Mundrabilla roadhouse – and other towns along the way. Even if, like us, you are terrible at golf, you should play at least one hole. Not only is it a chance to stretch your legs, but every hole speaks to the history of the location. One thing is for sure. You’re ready for a cool drink by the time you reach the 18th hole!
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Whale Nursery
If you are making the crossing between June and September, you can’t go past the head of Head of the Bight Whale Watching Centre. Yes, you pay to get in, but the view can be priceless. Dozens of southern right whales and humpback whales come to the protected bays and beaches to calf and nurse their young. As if the whales aren’t enough, there are also great views of the towering Bunda cliffs and giant sand dunes.
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Bunda Cliffs
The stunning vertical drop of the Bunda Cliffs can be seen from several lookouts between the border village and the Head of the Bight. The Great Australian Bight is one of the most recognisable features of the map. Don’t miss the chance to stand on the edge of the Bight, marvel at the Buda Cliffs and take in the views of the Southern Ocean – next stop Antarctica!
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Blow Holes & Caves
The Nullarbor Plain sits on top of an enormous slab of limestone so, not surprisingly, it is riddled with caves. Many of them are off the Main road. The best know are the Cocklebiddy and Murrawijinie Caves. If you are not straying off the Eyre highway you can still checkout the blowhole at Caiguna. You won’t see water spouts but you might hear it ‘breathe’ as air pressure equalizes between the cave and surface.
Read More : Enjoy the rugged coastline around Streaky Bay
Nullarbor Iconic Roadsigns
A road that becomes a runway, the 90 MileStraight, giant road trains and wildlife warnings. No trip across the Nullarbor is complete without a selfie or family shot next to these iconic signs.
Read More : See the Whale Nursery at the Head of the Bight
Sunsets & Stars
One of the best things about the Nullarbor is its size. Wherever you stop, it’s impossible not to blown away by the scale of the space. Rarely can you see so much sky and such a vast horizon. Not only does it make for some amazing sunsets and sunrises, you’ll see night skies like you have never seen before. The longer you stare at the night sky the more stars you’ll see. It’s a light show like no other!
If you enjoyed this story you might also like:
Kangaroo Island Getaway | Discover Wipena Pound | Karijini National Park – Nature’s Playground
The world’s longest line of sea cliffs.
The longest, straightest, flattest road in Australia
The longest golf course in the world 1,365km
Distance: 1,256 km
Nullarbor means “no trees” in Latin, but the Nullarbor is covered with bluebush and mulga scrub.
You’ll see plenty of wildlife, including wild camels, kangaroos, dingos, whales and emus.
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Wow what an amazing adventure. Your photos show the beauty of the Nullarbor.
Thanks Julie – it is such an amazing part of Australia 🙂
Wow I had no idea there was so much to see! Every time I’ve gone eastern states I’ve flown … and obviously missed out on a lot! Love this 🙂
Hi Gabby – On our first trip across the Nullarbor, I had just planned to get across as quickly as possible… that was until I realise how much there was to see and do along the way!!
Looks great
What a stunning part of Australia, your photos are fabulous!
Thanks Suzanne – it’s definitely worth a trip to Australia 🙂
Great post. I have traveled that stretch many times. In a truck on a bike….Very interesting..
Wow Bree, it would be a pretty amazing trip on a bike!
Wow, never been so attracted by Australia but I have to admit that it is very beautiful.
Your pictures are stunning, but I already told you 🙂
Thanks Agnese – Australia has so much to offer. The Nullarbor is something special, a first glance there is not much there – but this is what makes it so spectacular!
Wow that links golf course is an amazing concept. I know MOH would love to drag me the entire distance to play each hole. I wouldn’t mind as long as I could enjoy a glass of something chilled, at the end of the day and stare at the stars in Nullarbor.
Jay – it’s one of those courses that you have to do at least once. I suggest a car fridge for the chilled glass at the end of the day as there are not too many options out in the middle of no-where! 🙂
Australia is such a beautiful country. The more I read your posts I find myself falling in love with it. This would be such a memorable road trip.
Book a trip Sinjana – we love Australia, it’s big and you need time to explore but it is an incredible place 🙂