Australian Outback Travel Guide

Nullarbor Plains
Eyre Peninsula

The Nullarbor Plains, at its widest point, stretches around 1,100 kms from Ceduna in South Australia to Norseman in Western Australia. The word Nullarbor is derived from Latin for nothing (nullus) and tree (arbor), meaning "no trees". The Nullarbor is the world's largest piece of limestone, and occupies an area of about 200,000 square kms. Underground there are passages that run for kilometres linking caves the size of cathedrals which form the world's largest cave system, with much of it unexplored.

The Nullarbor is very remote, but there are some spectacular sights to see. There is whale watching from the cliffs at the Head of Bight, many limestone caves to explore, or play a round of golf on the world's longest golf course. How about surfing at the famous Cactus Beach, or take a spectacular flight over the Bunda cliffs and the sand dunes.

If you do drive across the Nullarbor, always ensure you carry plenty of water and fill up your car with fuel whenever possible. There are plenty of roadhouses along the way to resupply, but because of its remoteness its better to be safe than sorry.

Nullarbor Plains Attractions

Whale Watching - Head of Bight

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Generally the time to see the whales is between May and September when the Southern Right Whales migrate out of the Southern Ocean and use this area as a breeding ground and nursery. The Southern Right Whales can grow up to 18 metres in length and weigh from 50 to 90 tonnes, so it makes a spectacular site to watch them playing in the waters below the cliffs with their young.

The most accessible place to view the whales is at the Head of Bight on the Bunda Cliffs, with the Nullarbor Roadhouse being the closest point. The Bunda Cliffs are on Yalata Aboriginal land so a permit is required before entering. The permit can be obtained from the onsite ranger, Yalata Roadhouse or Nullarbor Motel.

Even if you do come by outside of the Whaling season, make sure you do head down the to Bunda Cliffs to have a look as it is a spectacular view to see.

Nullarobor Caves

Murrawijinie Caves

The Murrawijinie Caves can be found North of the Nullarbor Roadhouse and are open to the public (drop into the roadhouse and ask for directions). The Koonalda Cave is a part of the Murrawijinie Caves and is a deep cave network that winds down to a large subterranean lake. Within the caves are early signs of Aboriginal Rock Art, believed to be up to 20,000 years old.

Here you will also find the Bunabie Blowhole where the ocean blows through the subterranean caves. Make sure your car is sturdy though to get into this area as the track is rough.

Cocklebiddy Caves

Across the border in Western Australia is the Nullarbor's largest cave system, the Cocklebiddy Caves. To date they have been explored to a distance of almost 6.5 kms as they open up to large caverns and saline subterranean lakes.

The Cocklebiddy Caves can be found approximately 10 kms north west of the Cocklebiddy Roadhouse, drop in and ask them for directions. Be extremely careful though as caving in the Cocklebiddy area is only for highly organised and experienced caving groups.

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