Ever wanted to cruise down the Nullarbor Highway but aren’t quite sure what’s involved? You’re not alone. Here's everything you need to know about a Nullarbor road trip.
We’ve put together this comprehensive guide to answer all your burning questions about one of Australia’s most iconic drives — and to wax lyrical about just how extraordinary this part of the world truly is.
What is the Nullarbor Plain?
The Nullarbor Plain stretches from Norseman in Western Australia to Ceduna in South Australia — over 1,000 km. While “Nullarbor” may mean “no trees” in Latin, this vast landscape is far from featureless. It incorporates a massive stretch of Australia’s southern coastline and a huge slice of the Outback, with breathtaking natural attractions including towering cliffs, gorgeous bays, rugged ranges, and ancient gorges.
The plain is also home to the Eyre Highway, long considered one of the best road trip routes in Australia. The legendary Indian Pacific train also cuts right through the plain on the transcontinental railway line.
What is the Nullarbor Highway?
The Nullarbor Highway is officially known as the Eyre Highway. This route hugs the coastline down through South Australia’s pristine Eyre Peninsula, then travels along the Southern Bight before turning inland into Western Australia’s bushland.
It is also the longest, flattest, and straightest road in Australia — so if you love clicking cruise control and blasting a carefully curated road trip playlist, this is the ultimate drive.
How long is the Nullarbor?
The Nullarbor Plain road spans approximately 1,256 km from Norseman to Ceduna. If you’re driving at a comfortable average speed, allow around five days. For a more leisurely nullarbor driving itinerary — with proper time to explore the towns, coastline, and natural attractions along the way — we’d recommend setting aside 10 to 14 days.
Where does the Nullarbor road trip start and end?
The Eyre Highway begins in Norseman, Western Australia, and ends in Ceduna, South Australia. The closest major city on the western side is Perth; Adelaide is the closest on the eastern side. You can start your Nullarbor road trip from either end — fly into Perth and travel west to east, or fly into Adelaide and go east to west.
Driving Nullarbor tips: What do you need for the trip?
Even though the Eyre Highway is a sealed, flat road, some sections pass through genuinely remote areas with limited services. Here are our top driving Nullarbor tips:
Drive a 4WD or a reliable high-clearance vehicle. While the highway itself is paved, side trips to natural attractions are often unsealed.
Carry extra petrol. Roadhouses can be hundreds of kilometres apart, and fuel prices increase the further you go from major cities.
Pack extra water and food for emergencies.
Check biosecurity requirements. Both Western Australia and South Australia enforce strict biosecurity rules at the border. Certain fresh fruit, vegetables, and plant material cannot be brought across state lines. Check the relevant state government websites before you depart.
Download offline maps. Mobile coverage is extremely limited across much of the highway.
Drive to the conditions. Wildlife, including kangaroos, camels and wallabies, is most active at dawn and dusk. Where possible, avoid driving after dark.
What is there to see along the Nullarbor?
One of the great draws of a Nullarbor road trip is the chance to experience wild, unfiltered Australia. The region is a fantastic route for wildlife encounters: whale watching is big on the Eyre Peninsula, and swimming with wild dolphins and sea lions is a genuine highlight. You’ll also spot kangaroos, dingoes, emus, and sleepy koalas draped in gum trees throughout the journey.
The Nullarbor features the longest stretch of unbroken coastal cliffs in the world, overlooking the Great Australian Bight. If dramatic sea views are your thing, this place will not disappoint.
You’ll also discover true-blue gold rush towns along the way, many of which have museums and galleries that chronicle life in the Outback. And there’s plenty of quirkiness to enjoy: at the Balladonia roadhouse, you can learn about the Skylab space station, which famously crashed to earth in 1979 and made this tiny town briefly world famous.
Fill up your tank at every roadhouse you pass — on the Nullarbor, the next servo can be over 300 km away.
Nullarbor Driving Itinerary: What to do along the way
If you’re planning your Nullarbor driving itinerary, here are the highlights to build around (listed west to east — simply reverse the order if you’re heading the other way):
Kalgoorlie-Boulder: Play the 18-hole Nullarbor Links, the world’s longest golf course, which spans state lines and time zones.
Fraser Range: Hike the granite peaks and enjoy the rugged pastoral scenery.
Balladonia: Visit the Balladonia Cultural Heritage Museum, with exhibits on Aboriginal heritage, colonial history and the construction of the Eyre Highway.
The 90 Mile Straight (147 km): One of the most iconic stretches of road in the country. Keep an eye out for the famous animal crossing signs warning of camels, wombats and kangaroos.
Nuytsland Nature Reserve: Home to the longest unbroken cliff chain in the world, with spectacular lookouts over the Southern Ocean.
Eyre Bird Observatory: A must for birdwatchers, with the chance to spot wild cockatoos, falcons and honeyeaters.
Eucla National Park: Explore the ethereal Eucla sand dunes and spy the old Telegraph Station slowly being swallowed by the sand.
Bunda Cliffs and Head of the Bight: One of the most popular stops on the entire route. Visit between June and October to witness the annual Southern Right Whale breeding migration.
Eyre Peninsula seafood: The Eyre Peninsula is one of the best places in Australia for fresh seafood. Gorge yourself on oysters, snapper, tuna and crab.
Fowlers Bay, Scott Bay or Mexican Hat: A worthwhile detour for keen fisherfolk.
Venus Bay and Cactus Beach: Serious surf breaks for experienced surfers.
Ceduna Aboriginal Arts Centre: A wonderful place to browse and purchase arts and crafts directly from local Indigenous artists.
Can you travel the Nullarbor by train?
Yes! The Indian Pacific train runs from Perth to Sydney, stopping in Adelaide, and passes right through the Nullarbor Plain. The full journey covers a staggering 4,352 km and takes three nights. Check the Journey Beyond Rail Expeditions website for current schedules and bookings.
Is it true the Nullarbor is home to wild camels?
It is! There are estimated to be around 100,000 feral camels in the region. They are descended from animals originally brought to Australia to help build the railroads and were released into the Outback when no longer needed. They have thrived ever since — so don’t be surprised if you encounter one on the road.
FAQs about driving the Nullarboar
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