Road sign warning of wildlife including kangaroos and wombats along the Eyre Highway, Nullarbor, South Australia © Greg Snell, Tourism Australia

Eyre Highway, Nullarbor, South Australia © Greg Snell, Tourism Australia


Trip overview

5 days
car
905km (562mi)

Day 1: Norseman to Balladonia

2.5hrs 218km (135mi)

The Nullarbor road trip officially begins in Norseman, an eight-hour drive east of Perth. The first day kickstarts your adventure with the world’s longest golf course, historic outback towns and the biggest temperate woodland on Earth. Spend the night at Balladonia Hotel Motel.

Day 2: Balladonia to Caiguna

1.5hrs 153km (95mi)

Today is all about the 90 Mile Straight – Australia’s longest and straightest road. Get your road trip tunes ready.

Day 3: Caiguna to Border Village

3.5hrs 350km (217mi)

Today you’ll pass the midway point between Adelaide and Perth. Get to know Eucla, the largest settlement on the Nullarbor Plain, before crossing the South Australian border.

Day 4: Border Village to Nullarbor Roadhouse

2hrs 184km (114mi)

Drive alongside the spectacular Bunda Cliffs through Nullarbor National Park. From Nullarbor Roadhouse, uncover the natural wonders of the Head of Bight.

Day 5: Nullarbor Roadhouse to Ceduna

Marvel at marine life and captivating artwork as you wrap up your Nullarbor adventure. From Ceduna, continue exploring the Eyre Peninsula or head to Adelaide.

Frequently Asked Questions

When hiring a campervan for a journey across the Nullarbor Plain, it’s worth checking the details of your rental carefully before you set off. Most campervans include basic cooking equipment, but extras such as bed linen, camping chairs, GPS and additional kitchen items may come at an extra cost, so it’s best to confirm what’s included in advance.

A one-way hire is usually the most practical option for this route, especially when travelling from Norseman in Western Australia to Ceduna in South Australia. While this can sometimes be more expensive than a return hire, it saves you from backtracking and fits naturally with the direction of the journey. Choosing a comfortable, fuel-efficient vehicle is also important for long driving stretches, including iconic sections like the 90 Mile Straight. If you prefer an automatic transmission, make sure to request it when booking, as availability can be limited.

Before you depart, take time to inspect your vehicle and familiarise yourself with how everything works. Fuel planning is especially important, as services can be limited between remote stops such as Eucla and the Nullarbor Roadhouse. The itinerary is designed with practical overnight stops at roadhouses and caravan parks, making it well suited to campervan travel.

For extra comfort on the road, it’s a good idea to bring additional food supplies, plenty of drinking water and even some $1 or $2 coins for laundry facilities at caravan parks along the way.

The Nullarbor Plain can be driven year-round, but the most comfortable time is generally between April and October, when temperatures are milder and long-distance driving conditions are more enjoyable. Travelling during these cooler months also makes it easier to take in highlights like the dramatic Bunda Cliffs, along with remote stopovers such as Eucla and Border Village.

This period also aligns with whale season (June to October), when you may be lucky enough to spot southern right whales from the Head of Bight Whale Watching Centre - a truly special experience along the journey!

While the Nullarbor can be crossed in summer (December to February), it’s important to be aware that temperatures can exceed 40°C, and the heat can make driving conditions more challenging.

When driving across the Nullarbor Plain, it’s important to be well prepared, as this is one of Australia’s most remote road journeys. Following basic road safety rules will help ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip, especially when travelling long distances between stops.

In Australia, all children under seven must use an approved child restraint appropriate for their size, and children under four must travel in the back seat. Adult seatbelts are designed for passengers at least 145cm (57in) tall, so younger children will need a suitable booster seat or car seat. Most car hire companies can provide these, but it’s best to request them at the time of booking.

Because distances between services can be long, it’s essential to plan ahead. Take regular breaks to avoid fatigue, and always carry enough water, snacks and fuel before setting out each day. You should also stick to posted speed limits and drive carefully on long, straight stretches such as the 90 Mile Straight.

Accommodation along the Nullarbor Plain is mainly found at remote roadhouses and small settlements dotted along the highway. Places such as Eucla and Caiguna offer simple but practical options including motel rooms, caravan parks and basic facilities, perfect for breaking up the journey in this very remote part of Australia.

Getting between stops is done entirely by car, and the drive itself is a key part of the experience. Distances can be significant, with most travellers covering around 300–500km (185-310mi) per day depending on their itinerary, comfort level and how often they choose to stop and explore along the way.

A road trip across the Nullarbor Plain is an unforgettable experience, but preparation is really important given how remote the region is. Make sure to carry plenty of water and snacks, as services can be widely spaced (often 150–200km / 95-125mi apart) so it’s best not to rely on frequent stops. Careful fuel planning is also essential, and it’s a good idea to top up whenever you have the chance.

Make sure to pack for changing conditions too. Sun protection such as sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat is essential during the day, while warm layers are useful for cooler nights in the outback. Because mobile reception is limited or non-existent in many stretches, it’s also helpful to download maps offline and bring entertainment for the drive.