Crossing the Nullarbor - one of Australia's great adventures
- David Allan
- Aug 6, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 14, 2024
"Long considered an exploration challenge in some of Australia's most remote Outback @ 1,466km long"
Our group expedition across the Nullarbor was part of our ‘Big Lap’ of Australia in 2024 which we named ‘Operation Big Sky’.
The Nullarbor crossing, which was only fully sealed in 1976, is 1,466km of remote travel which does require good preparation. The traveller is supported by roadhouses dotted along the way which provide basic accommodation as well as fuel & basic supplies. The remoteness however does not mean uninteresting. The crossing is still regarded as a challenge to be conquered and has some great attractions along the way such as whale watching, stunning sea cliffs of the Great Australian Bite and even the site of Australia’s largest meteorite.
The route includes 90 mile straight being one of the straightest stretches of road in the world.
Our Nullarbor crossing took three days with overnight stops at Nullarbor Roadhouse, Madura & Norseman. There are several other roadhouses making the longest distance between fuel stops @ approx 200km. So, for most travellers, there is no need to carry extra fuel.
We crossed the Nullarbor in April being optimum weather. Spring is too windy and summer is too hot.
Our purpose with this post is to give you just enough insight to spark your curiosity and enable you to plan your own expedition of discovery. Blessed are the curious for they shall have adventures.
Driving at night across the Nullarbor is particularly dangerous with high likelihood of hitting wildlife including those that go underneath a bull bar.
The 90 mile straight being one of the straightest stretches of road in the world.
Quarantine Station at the WA border heading west. You must stop at quarantine stations and declare any fruit, vegetables, honey, seeds & other plants or plant products (check current restrictions before travel). Plant health inspectors can search your vehicle at a quarantine station, take any restricted items & impose fines.
The Nullarbor parks protect the world’s largest semi-arid karst (cave) landscapes.
Our convoy of 5 vans in our group trip
All trucks crossing the Nullarbor tend to be road trains.
Nullarbor Roadhouse powered sites for our overnight stay.
Typical view of the Eyre Highway. Our journey followed a recent period of prolonged rain which created a very green Nullarbor.
Bunda Cliffs which can be viewed at various locations. This spot is at the Head of Bight Visitors Centre (turn off is15km east of Nullarbor Roadhouse) (12km off highway on a sealed road - 8.30am to 4pm - $6pp entry). Best time to see whales is June to August. In 2012, 55 calves were born at Head of Bight with around 170 whales typically travelling through these waters. Most of these whales are Southern Right Whales which have been protected since 1937.
Nullarbor Roadhouse being typical of the roadhouses across the Eyre Highway. They provide fuel, accommodation and basic supplies.
The Bunda Cliffs are the longest uninterrupted sea cliffs in the world and are up to 100m high. There are 4 other Bunda Cliffs lookouts after the Head of Bight between Nullarbor Roadhouse & Border Village Roadhouse on a short unsealed roads. The "52 Marker," 52 km east of the Western Australian border, is one of the best lookouts. It's one of the nicest because of the land sticking out many meters near the campground, giving you an almost unending view along the cliffs. Another popular lookout is "13 Pegs"/13 Marker, which is 13km east of the WA border.
Our Group Trip T Shirt
David & Rosemary Allan – the faces behind:
May adventure & discovery be your constant companions.
Reflection:
For me, a trip is memorable when I am enriched by a deeper sense of connection to a place which triggers an emotional or spiritual response. This comes from feelings of Awe when I feel part of something bigger. Such as, seeing dramatic landscapes, being caught up in the history and sensing the passion of the human spirit.
A memorable experience will cause me to day dream about the next trip even more than the last trip.
Remember: Your adventure begins the moment you decide to go.
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