Nullarbor Plain and the Eyre Highway

Before you go

• Plan fuel and water first: roadhouses are typically 100 to 200 km apart, and some close early or run out.
• Do not drive at dawn or dusk: kangaroos, wombats and camels on the road cause many crashes.
• From June to October, southern right whales can be seen at Head of Bight and from cliff lookouts.

The route

The highway links Norseman in Western Australia with Port Augusta in South Australia, about 1,675 km in all. It is sealed and well maintained, but traffic includes road trains, so overtaking needs care. Allow at least four days; many travellers take five and linger at the coast.

Highlights and quirks

The Ninety Mile Straight runs 146.6 km without a bend. Balladonia displays Skylab fragments, Eucla's telegraph station is half buried in dunes, and the Bunda Cliffs drop to the sea. Near Eucla many people keep an unofficial time about 45 minutes ahead of Western Australia.

Rules and respect

Westbound travellers entering Western Australia are checked for fruit, vegetables and some plant material at the border, so finish or discard fresh produce first. Head of Bight lies on Yalata Aboriginal land, so check access arrangements and follow the signs.

FAQs