Driving the Nullarbor is one of Australia’s most celebrated road trips and has gone down in legend as one of the most challenging road crossings in the country. Thankfully, these days modern sealed roads make crossing the Nullarbor by car less challenging than the rough and tumble of days gone by.
When driving across the Nullarbor the vast distances and unchanging scenery may test your endurance, but you will be rewarded with the breathtaking beauty of the Great Australian Bight and be inspired by the character and fortitude of those that call the Nullarbor home.
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Where is the Nullarbor?
How long is the Nullarbor Plain road and where does the Nullarbor start are two of the most frequently asked questions by people planning to drive across the Nullarbor.
The Nullarbor stretches 1,201 km along the Eyre Highway from Ceduna in South Australia to Norseman in West Australia.
Where you start your journey will depend on which direction you are coming from. If you are in South Australia, you will leave from Ceduna and if you are in West Australia you will depart from Norseman.
Map of the Nullarbor
This crossing the Nullarbor map gives insight into the vast distance of this epic drive. While researching your trip take note of the map of Nullarbor roadhouses.
Best time to cross the Nullarbor
Summer months can be scorchers so you will find that the best time of year to cross the Nullarbor is during the cooler months between May and October. During this time, the temperatures are lower and driving across the Nullarbor more comfortable.
Things to see on the Nullarbor Plain
When travelling the Nullarbor, you will pass a range of landscapes that include wheatbelt farmland, low lying saltbush and thick bushland. Though at times the scenery does get tedious there are a variety of attractions that make driving the Nullarbor worthwhile.
Along the road you will find the breathtaking vistas of the Great Australian Bight and you can enjoy all the fun of the Nullarbor Links, the world’s longest 18 hole golf course.
The Great Australian Bight Lookouts
The Great Australian Bight is one of Australia’s most iconic features. There are five lookouts on the Eyre Highway, the first and most spectacular is the Head of Bight which is 84km west of Yalata in South Australia.
The Head of Bight Visitors Centre is the capital of whale watching on the Nullarbor Plain. Each year between the 1st of June and 30th of October the waters below the centre become a whale creche to newborn calves and is a spectacular sight to see.
After the Nullarbor Roadhouse you will find four more spectacular lookouts which are well signposted and a short distance off the road.
The Nullarbor Links
When you think of the Nullarbor, golf is the last thing you would expect to play. Surprisingly, the Nullarbor is home to the world’s longest 18 hole golf course.
This 1,386 km golf course stretches from Ceduna in South Australia to Kalgoorlie in Western Australia and include holes at each of the Nullarbor roadhouses.
Nullarbor golf links score cards can be purchased at Ceduna Visitors Centre in South Australia or the Norseman and Kalgoorlie Visitors Centres in West Australia. Hole 1 starts at Ceduna Golf Club and hole 18 ends at Kalgoorlie Golf Club.
Note that score cards must be stamped at every hole through the visitor’s centres or roadhouses.
Nullarbor Nymph
While driving the Nullarbor near Eucla be on the lookout for the Nullarbor Nymph. Legend has it that this scantily clad blonde likes to roam free with the kangaroos.
Nullarbor Caves
As you drive along the Nullarbor you will see signposts to a variety of Nullarbor caves including the Murrawijinie Caves near Nullarbor Roadhouse and the Cocklebiddy Cave near Cocklebiddy Roadhouse.
Driving the Nullarbor Tips
These days driving the Nullarbor is quite safe but there are still precautions to take. First and foremost is making sure you have enough fuel to last the distance between roadhouses.
From start to finish there are 12 fuel stops across the Nullarbor. Keep in mind that every now and then the smaller roadhouses may run out of fuel. Always fill up at each service station to make sure you have enough petrol to get to the next destination or beyond.
Be aware that fuel on the Nullarbor is expensive, many people get around this by carrying their own fuel containers. That was not an option for us, but we found that filling up at each roadhouse gave us enough fuel to get from A to B.
Below are some other road trip tips to consider as you drive the Nullarbor.
- Make sure your car is in good working order.
- Carry plenty of water & food.
- Book roadhouse accommodation well in advance.
- Carry a first aid kit.
- Be aware that phone coverage is sparse.
- If you break down do not leave your car.
- The Nullarbor speed limit is 110 km.
Roadhouses on the Nullarbor
You will pass several roadhouses when driving the Nullarbor, each with varying degrees of comfort and style. All of them have motel accommodation and adjoining caravan park. Below we show you each roadhouse and town along the Nullarbor.
Ceduna
Ceduna is located on the shores of Murat Bay and is the oyster capital of Australia. The town is graced by the picturesque Ceduna Jetty which has a protective shelter for swimming.
Ceduna has a great selection of accommodation and is also the place to pick up any last minute needs before crossing the Nullarbor.
Penong
From Ceduna in South Australia the first town you come across is Penong. The town is 74km from Ceduna and takes around 1 hour to drive. This is the last town you will see before Norseman in West Australia.
Penong has a pub, service station, caravan and motorhome park and a small store. While there stop off and visit Australia’s Biggest Windmill.
Nundroo
The distance from Penong to Nundroo is 80 km a short 50 minute drive. Nundroo is a small roadhouse with motel and powered and unpowered campsites.
Nullarbor Roadhouse
Nundroo to the Nullarbor Roadhouse is 143 km and takes roughly one and a half hours to drive. The Nullarbor Roadhouse pays tribute to its past with a scale replica of the original Nullarbor Station Garage. The roadhouse is also home to the Oz Rock Legends mural which takes pride and place in the bar.
We stayed the night at Nullarbor Roadhouse and found the bed and room to be comfortable. The roadhouse also has an onsite caravan park. The Nullarbor Roadhouse is open from 7:00am to 10:00pm seven days a week.
A little over 10km north of the Nullarbor Roadhouse is the Murrawijinie Caves which contain indigenous ochre hand stencils.
Border Village
The distance from Nullarbor Roadhouse to Border Village is 184 km which is a 2 hour drive. Border Village is a massive roadhouse which is open 24 hours seven days a week. The roadhouse is located on the South Australian side of the South Australia and West Australia border.
After driving the Nullarbor, Border Village is a welcome sight and a place to take a break from the road. The roadhouse has a range of accommodation including rooms at the motel or caravan and camping sites at the caravan park.
If you have time dust off the golf clubs at the Border Kangaroo hole of the Nullarbor links.
Eucla
After crossing the South Australia border into West Australia take the short 12km drive to Eucla Roadhouse. This is another large roadhouse with motel and caravan park accommodation and is a good choice for an overnight stay.
Here you can learn about the legendary Nullarbor Nymph or visit the ruins of the historic Eucla Telegraph Station and Eucla Jetty.
Mundrabilla
Driving the Nullarbor from Eucla to Mundrabilla Roadhouse is 100 km and takes approximately 1 hour to drive. This small roadhouse is framed by the beautiful Hampton Tablelands and is the site of Watering Hole, the 8th hole of the Nullarbor Links.
We stayed the night at Mundrabilla Motel and found that while the rooms were a little rustic, the bed and sheets were clean, and we had a comfortable night sleep. The roadhouse also has an onsite caravan park for those driving the Nullarbor with a caravan.
The meals consisted of old Aussie favourites but make sure to bring an appetite as the portions are large. Just be aware that the kitchen closes at 6:30pm, so you will need to bring food if you are arriving late. Mundrabilla Roadhouse is open from 6am to 7pm seven days a week.
Madura Roadhouse
Mundrabilla to Madura is 82 km and takes around 1 hour to drive. Madura Roadhouse sits on top of the Madura Pass. This picturesque Pass has spectacular views over a vast plain that stretches as far as the eye can see.
Madura Roadhouse is open between 6:30am to 10:00pm Monday to Saturday and 6:30 am to 9:00 pm on Sunday. The roadhouse has a motel and caravan park, a restaurant which serves meals and a snack bar where you can get takeaways.
Cocklebiddy
Madura to Cocklebiddy is 91 km, about a 1 hour drive. Cocklebiddy has the honour of being home to a population of 8 people, 25 budgies, 7 quails, 1 dog and 1,234,567 kangaroos.
If you are looking for accommodation after driving the Nullarbor, you can choose from the adjoining caravan park or the Wedgetail Inn motel. The roadhouse is open from 7am to 7pm seven days a week.
Caiguna
The distance from Cocklebiddy to Caiguna is 65 km and takes roughly 45 minutes to drive. You can drop in for a sit down meal or stay the night at the John Eyre Motel or caravan park. Caiguna Roadhouse is open 24 hours and nearby is the 90 Mile Straight hole of the Nullarbor Links.
Balladonia Roadhouse
The distance from Caiguna to Balladonia is 154 km which takes approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes to drive.
Balladonia is famous for making world headlines in 1979 when the NASA space station Skylab fell to Earth. Pieces of Skylab were scattered across the district prompting the local shire to cheekily fine NASA $400 for littering.
Balladonia is a family friendly roadhouse where you can grab a bite to eat or stay at the motel and caravan park. If you want to learn more about Skylab and the history of the region, make sure to visit the adjoining museum. Balladonia Roadhouse is open from 5:30am to 9:30pm seven days a week
Norseman
From Balladonia we take the final leg on the Nullarbor drive to Norseman. The Balladonia to Norseman distance is 218 km and takes around 2 hours and 20 minutes.
Norseman has a pub, well stocked IGA supermarket and a good selection of accommodation. One of the things to see when you visit the town are the Tin Camels of Norseman.
Best overnight stops on Nullarbor Plain
When travelling the Nullarbor, it is wise to take the journey slowly spreading the trip over a few days. The towns of Ceduna in South Australia and Norseman in West Australia have a good selection of accommodation but booking early is advisable.
There are motels on the Nullarbor at each of the roadhouses. If you are crossing the Nullarbor by caravan, you are well catered for with a choice of powered and unpowered sites at the roadhouse caravan parks.
Remember that accommodation on the Nullarbor Plain is limited and booking early is essential. Keep in mind that the Nullarbor gets busy over the Christmas and school holiday period and accommodation options across the Nullarbor sell out quickly.
FAQ
Crossing the Nullarbor is considered safe providing you are adequately prepared. The road is sealed the entire length. As this is a long stretch of road you should ensure your vehicle is good working order and it is advisable to refuel at each roadhouse. Also, ensure you have an adequate supply of drinking water.
The Nullarbor has many roadhouses with accommodation, food and often WIFI available. Accommodation varies but most are basic style rooms. It should also be noted that the roadhouses and motels have limited rooms, so it is advisable to pre book in advance to guarantee a room. If you are travelling in a caravan or motorhome you will find that many of the roadhouses have sites available.
The drive across the Nullarbor can be completed in two days. However, because of the long distances most travellers will spread the journey over a few days. Driving after dark should be avoided due to wildlife.
Your vehicle needs to be in good working order, and you should ensure that you have a spare tyre, coolant and engine oil. Take sufficient drinking water for each person to last at least two days. Phone coverage is not available for most of the journey so you should advise others of your plans prior to the drive. Refuel at each roadhouse and take regular breaks. Never drive at night due the abundance of wildlife.
Last Words on Driving the Nullarbor
Driving the Nullarbor will go down as one of our most memorable experiences. Nothing can prepare you for the beauty of the Great Australian Bight and the loneliness of the road.
We came to admire the spirit of those who call the Nullarbor home and appreciate the hardship of the pioneers of the past whose strength and courage opened this wide brown land.
Have you crossed the Nullarbor? What is your favourite experience? Feel free to leave a comment.
To/ dear,
Alan and Ros this website gave me a extra breath of fresh air and cleared my mind of many worries driving on the Nullarbor, I love your work, thank you. ?✨
Hi Tess,
Thank you for your lovely comment! 🙂 We are so glad our article eased your worries about crossing the Nullarbor, it is an absolutely awesome journey and the scenery of the Great Australian Bight is just one of the rewards for taking this epic road trip. Let us know what you think of the Nullarbor after you take your trip. 🙂
Kind regards
Ros & Alan
Yes, i agree with above message – it was really good information. I hope to be driving the Nullarbor next year. I’m excited! cheers and regards Margaret
Great article on a great road trip.
We’ve driven across the Nullabor 9 times (? I’ve lost count and the wagon has been trucked across a few times) to attend the FE-FC Holden Car Club Nationals. We travel in our modified 1958 Holden FC Station wagon. We easily cross from Eucla/Border Village to Ceduna in one day (time constraints getting to car shows) One place we like to stay at is Fraser Range Station in W.A.
We find it amusing when people still ask.. is it bitumen all the way across ? and Do we need a satellite phone for communication ? and How long will we have to wait for a passing traveller if we break down ?
Answers Yes. No (We have our Telstra phones). 2 minutes ( The road is full of other adventuous travellers)
I plan to have my ashes spread along the Eyre Highway when i leave this Earth ( I will be in my happy place)
Thanks, Glad you enjoyed the article. Crossing the Nullarbor is an adventure and would be a great drive in a 1958 Holden. Thanks for the tip about Fraser Range Station. Will check it out when we do it next.
Cheers
Great article,full of relevant information to crossing the Nullabor. Thank you