Road Trip Guide
The Nullarbor: Across the Great Australian Bight
Ceduna to Norseman
Start
Ceduna
Finish
Norseman
Distance
1,200 km
Duration
3-5 days
Best Months
May - September
Budget
$$
EV Ready
6/10
Kid-Friendly
4/10
Key Waypoints
Trip Essentials for Ceduna
Gas & Juice: Critical Pit Stops
Don't get stranded. These are your essential fuel and supply points.
Nullarbor Roadhouse
Fuel & Accommodation
Last major fuel stop before the Bunda Cliffs; check your tire pressure here.
Border Village
Quarantine Station
Strict fruit and vegetable quarantine applies when entering Western Australia. Eat it or toss it!
Caiguna Hub
Emergency Services
Home to the John Eyre Medical Centre and a vital 24-hour fuel station.
Insider Driving Tips
Always carry at least 20 liters of emergency water and a secondary fuel jerry can, as some roadhouses may occasionally run dry.
Avoid driving at dusk, night, or dawn; the Nullarbor is home to massive kangaroos, wombats, and feral camels that are highly active and dangerous on the road during these times.
Download offline maps and satellite communication apps; mobile reception is virtually non-existent between the major roadhouses.
Check the Nullarbor Net website or local roadhouse boards for real-time updates on road conditions and weather-related closures.
The Journey: Stop-by-Stop
Penong: The Town of 100 Windmills
Penong General Store
“Famous for their 'road-train sized' steak sandwiches and traditional Australian meat pies that provide the necessary fuel for the long haul ahead.”
The Comet Windmill
Capture the largest windmill in Australia, a massive structure that dominates the local skyline and represents the engineering grit of the region.
Lake MacDonnell
Known as the 'Watermelon Avenue,' this road bisects a lake that is bright pink on one side and turquoise on the other.
Cactus Beach
Located 21km south of Penong, this world-renowned surf break offers stunning pink salt lakes nearby and dramatic coastal scenery that looks like a painting.
Penong's Windmill Museum
Museum
“Home to 'Bruce,' the largest windmill in Australia, this open-air museum features a fascinating collection of restored historical windmills.”
Lake MacDonnell
Natural Landmark
“Commonly known as Watermelon Avenue, this site offers a surreal visual experience where a road divides vibrant pink and deep blue waters.”
Cactus Beach
Beach
“A world-famous surfing destination, this rugged beach is a must-see for its powerful southern swells and pristine coastal scenery.”
Nullarbor Roadhouse & Head of Bight
The Nullarbor Roadhouse Restaurant
“Try the 'Nullarbor Burger,' a massive meal topped with beetroot and egg, served in a dining room filled with local memorabilia and murals.”
Head of Bight Lookout
A panoramic view of the towering cliffs and the vast Southern Ocean, where you can spot whales breaching against the deep blue water.
The Dingo Fence
The world's longest fence passes near here; capture the stark line of wire disappearing into the infinite horizon.
Murrawijinie Caves
A series of accessible limestone caves just north of the roadhouse, featuring ancient Aboriginal ochre hand stencils and a cool respite from the desert heat.
Head of Bight Whale Watching Centre
Wildlife Reserve
“This premier lookout offers a breathtaking vantage point to witness Southern Right Whales and their calves during their annual migration season.”
Bunda Cliffs
Natural Landmark
“These dramatic limestone sea cliffs stretch for over 100 kilometers, offering some of the most spectacular coastal views where the desert meets the Great Australian Bight.”
Nullarbor Roadhouse and the Big Whale
Roadside Attraction
“This historic stop features the iconic 'Big Whale' statue and serves as a vital base for exploring the vast, treeless Nullarbor Plain.”
The Bunda Cliffs
Cliffside Picnic
“There are no shops here; the best experience is a self-catered picnic at the edge of the continent, watching the sea eagles soar on the thermals.”
Bunda Cliffs Eastern Edge
The classic 'Edge of the World' shot where the cliffs stretch out in a perfect line toward the horizon.
The 'Nullarbor Plain' Sign
The official sign marking the start of the treeless plain, a mandatory photo for any trans-continental traveler.
Lookout Number 2
While most stop at the first signed lookout, the second unmarked track offers a more dramatic angle of the cliff curvature and fewer tourists.
Bunda Cliffs Lookouts
Scenic Viewpoint
“These lookouts offer breathtaking views of the world's longest continuous line of sea cliffs dropping dramatically into the Southern Ocean.”
Head of Bight Visitor Centre
Wildlife Reserve & Lookout
“This premier site provides spectacular cliff-top views and is one of the best places in the world to spot southern right whales during their breeding season.”
Nullarbor Roadhouse
Landmark & Rest Stop
“A quintessential outback stop featuring iconic Australian wildlife signs and serving as a vital gateway to the vast Nullarbor Plain.”
Eucla: The Shifting Sands
Eucla Beach Restaurant
“Located within the roadhouse complex, offering surprisingly good local seafood and expansive views over the Roe Plains.”
Old Telegraph Station Ruins
Capture the crumbling limestone walls framed by the massive white sand dunes during the golden hour.
The 'WA Border' Kangaroo
The large fiberglass kangaroo holding a jar of Vegemite at the border checkpoint is a kitschy must-have photo.
Eucla Jetty Ruins
The remains of the old jetty poke out of the water like skeletal fingers, providing a perch for cormorants and a great spot for reflection.
Eucla Old Telegraph Station
Historic Ruins
“These haunting ruins are slowly being swallowed by shifting white sand dunes, offering a unique and photogenic glimpse into the area's history.”
Eucla Jetty
Historic Landmark
“The weathered remains of this historic timber jetty provide a stark, beautiful contrast against the turquoise waters of the Great Australian Bight.”
Delisser Sandhills
Natural Landmark
“These massive, pristine white sand dunes offer breathtaking coastal views and a chance to explore the ever-changing landscape that surrounds the town.”
Madura Pass & The Roe Plains
Madura Roadhouse Grill
“Known for their hearty breakfasts and strong coffee, perfect for shaking off the 'highway hypnosis' of the long drive.”
Madura Pass Lookout
A wide-angle shot of the Eyre Highway snaking down the escarpment and onto the green expanse of the Roe Plains.
The Old Bore
An abandoned water bore station that showcases the extreme measures taken to find water in this arid environment.
Madura Cave
A large blowhole cave located near the base of the pass, where the change in atmospheric pressure causes the cave to 'breathe' air in or out.
Madura Pass Lookout
Scenic Lookout
“Provides a breathtaking panoramic view of the vast Roe Plains and the dramatic escarpment where the plateau drops toward the sea.”
Brumby’s Run (Nullarbor Links)
Golf Course Hole
“Part of the world's longest golf course, this hole offers a unique sporting challenge amidst the rugged landscape of the Nullarbor.”
Old Madura Homestead
Historic Site
“Explore the remains of the original pastoral station that once bred horses for the British Indian Army, showcasing the area's rich pioneering history.”
Balladonia: Space Junk & The 90-Mile Straight
Balladonia Cultural Centre Cafe
“Enjoy a 'Skylab Burger' while surrounded by actual pieces of space debris and historical exhibits of the Eyre Highway's construction.”
90 Mile Straight Sign
The iconic yellow sign marking the start of the 146.6km straight—a trophy photo for every Australian road tripper.
Skylab Replica
The museum features a replica of the space station debris that put this tiny outpost on the global map.
Newman Rocks
Located 50km west of Balladonia, these large granite outcrops collect rainwater and provide a stunning natural swimming hole after rare rains.
Balladonia Cultural Heritage Museum
Museum
“This museum features fascinating debris from the 1979 crash of NASA's Skylab space station along with exhibits on local pioneering history.”
The 90-Mile Straight
Historic Landmark
“As Australia's longest stretch of straight road, this iconic section of the Eyre Highway offers a unique and world-renowned driving experience.”
Newman Rocks
Natural Landmark
“Located just west of Balladonia, these ancient rock formations provide a scenic picnic spot and panoramic views of the surrounding Great Victoria Desert woodlands.”
The Detour Index
Worth the extra mileage for these iconic side-quests.
Head of Bight Whale Watch
A short drive from the main highway to the premier whale nursery in Australia.
Why It's Worth It
“Seeing a 40-ton Southern Right Whale just meters from the cliffs is a life-changing experience.”
The Old Eyre Highway
For 4WD vehicles only, the original gravel track runs closer to the coast in several sections.
Why It's Worth It
“Extreme isolation and access to untouched cliff-top camping spots away from the main road noise.”
Fraser Range Station
A working sheep station located between Balladonia and Norseman, featuring ancient granite hills.
Why It's Worth It
“Offers a chance to see the Dundas Nature Reserve and experience authentic outback station life.”
Ready to book your Norseman trip?
No extra cost to you • Supports free travel guides
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the Eyre Highway is a fully sealed, high-quality bitumen road suitable for all vehicle types, including 2WD cars and caravans.
Fuel is generally available every 150km to 200km. However, you should never let your tank drop below half, as roadhouses can occasionally run out of specific fuels.
There are many free 'rest areas' along the highway where overnight camping is permitted, but they lack facilities. For showers and power, use the caravan parks at the roadhouses.