GET READY FOR ONE OF THE WORLD’S GREAT DRIVES

The 2695-kilometre drive between Adelaide and Perth is one of Australia’s most iconic. The lion’s share of the drive takes place on the Eyre Highway (which starts at Port Augusta), but the most famous section extends from Ceduna to Norseman – a whopping 1200 kilometres of featureless plains and dramatic cliffs, most often simply called ‘the Nullarbor’. 

The Nullarbor is a journey you should prepare for. It’s also one you’re unlikely to forget. 

The distances are vast and roadhouses take on a magical ‘oasis’ feel, offering their essentials like fuel, food and phone reception. But these aren’t the only places to stop. Perhaps the greatest surprise of the Nullarbor is how much ‘the great emptiness’ conceals…

The Nullarbor is home to remarkable geology, ecology and anthropology. Massive limestone cave networks attract fans of extreme cave diving. There are animal fossils that tell evolutionary stories of flora and fauna (the thylacine once roamed here). The history of time itself is etched in the lines and colours of the dramatic Bunda Cliffs. 

As unlikely as it may seem, animals thrive here. Look out for iconic wildlife including emus, kangaroos, dingos and mighty wedge tail eagles. You’re also likely to see camels, cows and wild dogs. Among the most eagerly anticipated wildlife are the southern right and humpback whales which visit from May to October – and extraordinary sight from the famous viewing station at Head of Bight. 

There’s a lively social angle to the Nullarbor crossing, too. Needless to say, you’ll get used to giving a wave to fellow voyagers coming the other way; look out also for the airstrip markings on the road (they’re used by RFDS aircraft) and the Nullarbor Links golf course. The golf course is the world’s longest, an 18-hole, par 72 golf course spanning 1365 kilometres with one hole in each participating town or roadhouse