I have heard people say that crossing the Nullarbor is one long and boring road. Well, I agree with the long part but, it is far from boring. I have found the Nullarbor to be one of the best Australian road trips I’ve done. 

It is a road trip I usually take at minimum of 4 days to do. You can make it longer, or shorter to fit into your own Australian travels. If you are planning to cross the Nullarbor, here is my best 4 day Nullarbor itinerary to help you see the best bits of this great road trip. You will drive about 3-5 hours per day. It starts in Ceduna and you drive west finishing in Norseman. Of course you can drive west to east – just read this post backwards!

I’ve divided this post into two section. The first section being the 4 day Nullarbor itinerary. And the second is home to organising a trip with tips and practicalities for driving this iconic Australian road trip.

 

Key Details About A Nullarbor Crossing

 

Here is a snapshot with key details of this Nullarbor travel guide.

 

• The Nullarbor Plain is a vast, flat and arid limestone plateau in Australia. And it is home to some wonderful and unique Australian sites including Australia’s longest straight road, the Bunda Cliffs and the unique Nullarbor Links Golf Course. There is some dramatic scenery where the plains meet the Southern Ocean at the Great Australian Bight.
• Nullarbor is Latin for ‘no tree’ and you will find this area of Australia treeless
• The journey across the Nullarbor is defined between Norseman in Western Australia and Ceduna in South Australia. It links the two states of Western Australia and South Australia.
• The distance along the Eyre Highway is approximately 1,200 kilometres. 
• If you drove without stops it would take between 12-14 hours to drive. But a good length of time to take to drive across the Nullarbor is 3-4 days to see its highlights. Though many take more.
• There are fuel and supplies available at roadhouses roughly every 150-200km.
• Best months to visit the Nullarbor are April to October with whale viewing June to September.

 

4 Day Nullarbor Itinerary at a Glance

 

Days

1 – Ceduna to Nullarbor Roadhouse
2 – Nullarbor Roadhouse to Eucla
3 – Eucla to Caiguna
4 – Caiguna to Norseman

4 Day Nullarbor itinerary

 

Before heading off do some quick vehicle checks and caravan checks, have plenty of snacks and a full tank of fuel. Get yourself a good map of the Eyre Highway showing where roadhouses and sights are so you know where you can fuel, stay and rest.

This 4 day Nullarbor itinerary begins in Ceduna which is an 8 hour drive from Adelaide. And there is plenty to see and do in Adelaide and during this 8 hour drive. Or you might want to spend time discovering the area between Adelaide and Ceduna as part of this road trip or big lap of Australia.

 

Ceduna

 

What to See and Do in Ceduna

 

Ceduna, often referred to as the ‘Oyster Capital of Australia’ and gateway to the Nullarbor, has things to see and do before you begin your journey across the Nullarbor. So it is worth while including a couple of days here. There is some incredible coastal scenery and if there at the right time (May-October) you may include whale watching to your activity list. You could spend some time fishing from the Ceduna Jetty or perhaps visiting the historic National Trust Museum.

Ceduna is the last town on the eastern edge of the Nullarbor Plain, and is a good place to load up with supplies.

 

Where to Stay in Ceduna

 

Ceduna has a number of options for the traveller about to embark on driving across the Nullarbor of for those who have just drive across the Nullarbor. If towing a caravan there are caravan parks such as the Ceduna Foreshore Caravan Park. If you prefer a hotel room check out Ceduna Foreshore Hotel Motel. Check out other Ceduna accommodation options here.

 

Day 1 – Crossing the Nullarbor – Ceduna to Nullarbor Roadhouse

 

Distance: 296km taking about 3 hours to drive

Heading west along the Eyre Highway, only 72km or 47 minutes away from Ceduna could be your first stop at Penong. Penong is home to the Windmill Museum, an open-air spot with windmills of all shapes and sizes. Fill up with petrol or diesel and get some snacks for the rest of the day.

After Penong, it’s a straight run to the Nullarbor Road for the night. However, if you see places on the way of interest, by all means visit them. You might want to check out Cactus Beach! Or perhaps detour to Lake MacDonnell being famous for its wild pink and blue colours.

The Nullarbor Roadhouse is a vital, remote service stop. It offers essential amenities including 24-hour fuel, a restaurant, a bar, a motel, caravan/camping sites with showers, and a small shop.

Book Accommodation at Nullarbor Roadhouse here.

You may also want to play a hole of golf. Yep. Across the Nullarbor is the Nullarbor Links, an 18-hole golf course that has one hole in different towns and roadhouses along the Nullarbor.

 

stay at the iconic Nullarbor Roadhouse

 

Day 2 – Crossing the Nullarbor – Nullarbor Roadhouse to Eucla

 

Distance: 197km taking about 2 hours to drive

Places to stop along this stretch of the Nullarbor between Nullarbor Roadhouse and Eucla:

• Head of Bight – great for whale watching between June and October. There is a Whale Watching Centre with various lookouts over the bight. There is an entry fee. There are plenty of free lookouts further along the Eyre Highway.
• Iconic Bunda Cliffs. These massive limestone walls drop straight into the ocean. This section rivals the 12 Apostles along the Great Ocean Road, Victoria. Camping here is technically not allowed, but if you risk it, camp way back from the edge as it can be seriously windy. There are a number of lookouts to view the Bunda Cliffs and Great Australian Bight. I quite liked Lookout 1 the best as a gravel walking track to you to a lookout with a barrier – pretty cool, as my kids said! But there are three official Bunda Cliff lookouts which are all signposted. These lookouts offer some of the best views looking both ways along the cliffs.
• Camping along the Bunda Cliffs is not allowed due to the unstable cliff edge. However, you can camp at the Koonalda Homestead off the old Eyre Highway within the Nullarbor Wilderness Protection Area. 
• Just before the WA border, you will reach Border Village Roadhouse. This is a good place to check your fridge and food storage and get rid of any items not allowed into WA, including fresh produce (fruit and vegetables), honey and seafood. There is a quarantine stop after Border Village Roadhouse. Quarantine officals are very strict with fresh fruit and vegetables. So ‘eat it or bin it’. Get more details of what you can and cannot bring into WA here.
• At the Border Village roadhouse you will find the ‘Big Kangaroo’ (Rooey II).  This 5-metre-tall landmark is famous for holding a giant jar of Vegemite and is a popular photo spot for travellers crossing the Nullarbor.
• Cross the SA/WA Border – don’t forget to get a photo. The SA/WA border sign is tucked away on the left not far from the quarantine station.
• You could stay at the Border Village Roadhouse for the night, or go onto Eucla for the night.

 

Things to see and do in Eucla

 

• Visit the local museum.
• Check out the old telegraph station.
• Visit Eucla Jetty.
• Maybe play a hole of golf.
• Get a photo of the ‘Big Whale’ located at the Eucla Motor Hotel on the Eyre Highway. It’s a large concrete sculpture built to celebrate the nearby Head of Bight as a premier migration and calving ground for Southern Right Whales.

 

Where to Stay in Eucla

 

Eucla has a caravan park and motel joined together at the roadhouse. Otherwise, you can also free camp down from Eucla at the Old Telegraph Station Campground.

For the night, here are some places you can stay:

• The Eucla Motel has comfy rooms, a pool, and a decent feed. There’s a caravan park next to the motel, too.
• The Border Village Roadhouse is an option on the South Australia side of the border for one night. It’s clean, friendly, and runs on its own quirky ‘Border Time’.

 

Bunda Cliffs at Great Australian Bight with Great Southern Ocean lapping the cliffs

 

Big Kangaroo at Border Village

 

Big whale – Eucla

 

Day 3 – Crossing the Nullarbor – Eucla to Caiguna

 

Distance: 337km taking around 3.5 hours hours

I hope you have your music and snacks ready as this stretch of the Eyre Highway is pretty uneventful.

You can deviate off the highway to visit caves, but most need a proper 4WD to reach. Caves include Weebubbie, Abrakurrie, Madura, and Cocklebiddy Caves. Check access before you start the trek! You don’t want to get stuck or find the cave is closed.

Arrive at Caiguna Roadhouse for the night. The roadhouse is basic but safe and clean and there are powered sites available. Suggest to call them to book your spot on 08 9039 3459. Opening hours 6am – 8pm.

Fill in time in Caiguna by taking the short drive to the Caiguna blowhole. It’s very interesting and is literally a hole in the ground that ‘breathes’ air.

 

Day 4 – Crossing the Nullarbor – Caiguna to Norseman

 

Distance: 371km taking about 4 hours

Not long after leaving Caiguna, you hit the 90 Mile Straight (146.6km), Australia’s longest straight road. Ensure to get the photo at the sign. I hope you have your snacks and music ready or family car games as it will take about an hour and half to drive.

 

90 Mile Straight sign – photo stop!

 

You might want to detour to Balladonia to check out the Balladonia Museum. It is home to bits of NASA’s Skylab that crashed landed there in 1979.

 

Norseman

 

Arrive in Norseman, Western Australia the end of the Nullarbor. Norseman is named after a horse. Yep, a gold prospector Laurie Sinclair was travelling in the area in August 1894. While having an overnight stop his horse ‘Hardy Norseman’ pawed the ground and uncovered a gold nugget leading to the discovery of a rich gold reef. Check out the statue of Norseman.

 

Where to Stay in Norseman

 

Norseman has a limited accommodation options. If towing a van check out the Acclaim Gateway Tourist Park. If wanting a hotel motel check out the Ngadju Gateway Motel Normseman.

 

Norseman

 

Where to from Norseman

 

If you look at a map you can either turn right and head to Kalgoorlie or left and head to Esperance.

If turning right, Kalgoorlie is world-famous as a premier gold mining centre. Founded in the 1890s gold rush this town has some unique well-preserved 19th architecture. It is also home to the massive Super Pit gold mine which you can visit. It is a very interesting place to visit.

If turning left, as many do, you will discover Esperance. Esperance is a stunning coastal town renowned for white sandy beaches, turquoise waters and unique wildlife. You can visit Lucky Bay to see kangaroos on the beach, drive the Great Ocean Drive and hike in Cape Le Grand National Park.

Either ways are great to help you discover Western Australia.

 

Planning Your Nullarbor Road Trip & FAQs

 

How Long to Drive the Nullarbor?

 

The Nullarbor is just under 1,200 km in length between Ceduna and Norseman. If you drive it directly it will take about 12-14 hours. And some do as they just want to get to the other side! But if you are doing your big lap of Australia, or doing a Perth to Adelaide road trip, then you can take as long as you like as there is lots to see and do. I think 3-4 days is a good length of time to spend driving across the Nullarbor.

 

What Vehicle is Best to Drive the Nullarbor?

 

The Eyre Highway is sealed the whole way and is easy for any car 2WD or 4WD. If you plan to deviate off the Eyre Highway most of the side roads are unsealed and pretty rough, so only deviate if you have the appropriate vehicle.

 

When is the Best Time to Drive the Nullarbor?

 

You can do your Nullarbor road trip anytime as the road isn’t going anywhere. But it depends on the weather you prefer and events you want to see as to when you might drive it.

If you would like to see whales, then a good time to drive the Nullarbor is between June and October. There are plenty of them swimming in the Great Australian Bight at this time. If you don’t mind the heat and have air conditioning in your vehicle, summer time is a good time for a Nullarbor crossing. The midday heat can be brutal so leave early.

If you want to avoid the heat consider the shoulder seasons or Spring or Autumn. There are also less crowds during these times. If you don’t mind cold weather and freezing winds blowing off the Southern Ocean, then winter time might be the right time for you. Yes, it gets cold along the Nullarbor in winter as the Nullarbor has a desert-like climate – warm during the day and cold at night. But great for a camp fire!

 

What Services are Available?

 

Services along the Nullarbor are limited. It is advisable to fill the petrol tank in each town as there are long distances between towns. Maybe have a jerry can of spare petrol or diesel.

There are small towns and roadhouses providing fuel, food and overnight accommodation.

 

Where Can You Buy a Meal on the Nullarbor?

 

Driving the Nullarbor you will encounter many roadhouses where you can get a good feed. Food is typical pub style food.

 

What to Bring on a Nullarbor Road Trip?

 

• At least 4-5 litres of drinking water per person per day.
• Extra fuel
• Food for the number of days you are taking to cross the Nullarbor. You can purchase groceries at the roadhouses however, they can be very expensive and they do run out of stuff.
• Fly net on your hat and around your bed are a lifesaver.
• A reflective shade for your windscreen.
• Mobile service it patchy so satellite communications.
• Presume you already carry a small first-aid kit, jumper leads and tools for vehicle and van maintenance.

 

Where can you stop overnight on the Nullarbor?

 

The Nullarbor has a number of accommodation options. There are overnight rest stops ranging from basic, free roadside areas with bins and tables to powered sites. There are  motels and caravan parks at roadhouses and free camps. I suggest you always plan ahead and check availability, as options are limited and can book up quickly.

 

Accommodation on the Nullarbor

 

To help plan your trip, it is worth noting what the roadhouses along the Nullarbor offer. After all, they are the life-blood of the trip and have accommodation, food and fuel. From east to west:

Ceduna Foreshore Caravan Park has good amenities before or after the Nullarbor.
Nundroo Roadhouse offers fuel, food, motel and caravan park.
Yalata Roadhouse offers fuel, motel and caravan park.
Nullarbor Roadhouse is an iconic stop and has basic motel rooms, a caravan park, food, fuel. Very popular stop.
Border Village Roadhouse is located at the SA/WA border, offers stays and amenities for the weary traveller. It has fuel, a motel and a caravan park.
Eucla Motel Hotel (home of the big whale) has fuel, a bar and restaurant, motel and caravan park.
Mundrabilla Roadhouse has fuel, a motel and caravan park.
Madura Roadhouse offers fuel, has a licensed restaurant and bar, a motel and caravan park.
Cocklebiddy Roadhouse offers fuel, food with a licensed restaurant, a motel and caravan park.
Caiguna Roadhouse offers fuel, food in the restaurant, a motel and caravan park.
Balladonia Roadhouse has fuel, food and a caravan park.
Norseman has fuel stations where you can get fuel and food. Norseman Acclaim Gateway Tourist Park is a great stop with all facilities needed before are after you drive the Nullarbor.

 

Free & Basic Campsites

 

If you are wondering where to camp along the Nullarbor, well, there are free campsites along the Nullarbor. Including:

• 90 Mile Sign Rest Area is a free rest area with smooth bitumen, picnic tables and bins.
• 10 Mile Rocks Rest Area is spacious, has toilets, bins, picnic tables and is suitable for large rigs.
• The Rock Hole Rest Area is a natural scrub camping area offering picnic table with bins.
• Olwolgin Bluff Rest Area offers cliff-top views but has very basic facilities.
• Koonalda Homestead offers campsites with some powered.

 

Tips for Overnight Stops

 

• Definitely book ahead especially for roadhouse accommodation, as it can be limited.
• Know what facilities you want and what is on offer then choose the appropriate place.
• Keep your safety and that of your family and any pets in mind, particularly if camping near cliff edges and scenic spots.
• Try to be as self-contained as possible. The Nullarbor can be quite remote so carry extra water, food, and fuel, as distances between stops are large and long.

 

Tips for Driving the Nullarbor

 

• Best not to drive at dusk, dawn or overnight as many animals are active at this time. And they don’t have much road sense!
• Plan your Nullarbor road trip by being aware of fuel stops, accommodation or intended camping spots. Phone reception is limited, sometimes zero so you won’t be able to use your WikiCamps or Google Maps.
• Fuel can be expensive so maybe carry a jerry can of extra fuel.
• If wondering what is the typical speed limit on the Nullarbor? Well, the speed limit is typically 110km per hour along the Eyre Highway. But it drops around roadhouses and small towns.

 

Should You Drive East to West or West to East across the Nullarbor?

 

Deciding which way to drive will depend on where you are and where you are going! So you can go either way. Though you might want to consider the sun. As the sun rises in the east and sets in the west, if driving east to west the sun will mostly be behind or above you, then you will get some great sunsets. If you are driving west to east the sun will be in your eyes when it is low.

 

What Vehicle is Best to Drive Across the Nullarbor?

 

If wondering if a 4WD is best to drive across the Nullarbor well, a 4WD is not a necessity as the Eyre Highway is fully sealed. Therefore, you can drive a 2WD across the Nullarbor, if that is what you have.

 

Is there mobile phone reception along the Nullarbor?

 

Yes there is mobile phone reception along the Nullarbor however, it is limited and often patchy. I wouldn’t be relying on it! So plan for long periods of no connectivity. If you need apps and maps, best to download them.

Can you play Golf on the Nullarbor?

 

Golf lover or not, you can play golf while travelling across the Nullarbor Plain. The Nullarbor Links is the world’s longest golf course. It stretches some 1,365 km (approx. 850 miles) between Kalgoorlie in Western Australia and Ceduna in South Australia. It features an 18 hole par 72 course, but the catch, there is only one hole located in each participating town or roadhouse along the Eyre Highway. So bring your golf clubs and have a hit on this unique golf course!  Get more details about playing golf on the Nullarbor Links here. 

 

Other Nullarbor Crossing Itinerary Suggestions

 

Don’t have 4 days to cross the Nullarbor. Well, you can take as long as you like. Here are some suggestions.

1 Day Nullarbor Crossing – it takes around 12-14 hours to drive direct.

2 Day Nullarbor Crossing – Day 1 – Drive Ceduna to Border Village. Day 2 – Drive Border Village to Norseman

3 Day Nullarbor Crossing – Day 1 – Drive Ceduna to Nullarbor Road House. Day 2 – Drive Nullarbor Road House to Border Village. Day 3- Drive Border Village to Norseman.

 

So, when are you driving the Nullarbor?

 

I hope this itinerary along with my tips have helped you plan your Nullarbor Plain crossing. I love to hear about your Nullarbor road trip.