An endless expanse of desert scrubland stretching towards the horizon, the Nullarbor is one of Australia’s most eerie and otherworldly landscapes. Look more closely though, and you’ll find dramatic cliffs and secluded beaches, colourful wildflower carpets and quirky attractions. Whether you explore at your own pace on an epic road trip, or travel in style on the Indian Pacific train, the Nullarbor will live long in your memories.
With a name that means ‘no trees’, the vast, arid Nullarbor spans 1,200 kilometres across the southern edge of Australia, connecting the West Australian goldfields town of Norseman – an eight-hour drive from Perth – with Ceduna on South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula.
As you gaze along Australia’s longest, straightest, flattest road, the air seems to shimmer. Pause to visit granite outcrops and Eucla National Park’s sweeping sand dunes, and spot spring wildflowers after the rains. Peer over the edge of towering sea cliffs into the crashing waves of the Great Australian Bight, and feel the Earth ‘breathe’ at the Caiguna Blowhole.
The limitless plain is far from deserted, however. Wildlife abounds, and you’ll spy wild camels, graceful kangaroos and curious emus as you traverse the scrubland. Visit Eyre Bird Observatory, Australia’s first bird observatory, to spot silvereyes, Major Mitchell’s cockatoos and honeyeaters.
Home to larger-than-life personalities and traditional outback roadhouses, the wide open spaces of the Nullarbor also host some one-of-a-kind attractions. See the remains of the fallen US Skylab at Balladonia, or play a round on the unforgettable 1,385-kilometre Nullarbor Links, the world’s longest golf course.
Then, as night falls, stare into the velvety night sky and spot endless twinkling constellations of jewel-like stars.