Crossing The nullarbor? Everything you need to know about fuel, camping & more

Last updated: August 2026

Crossing the Nullarbor is a bucket list item for many when travelling Australia. It’s one of those classic Aussie Road Trips that you just can’t miss. This 1200-kilometre stretch of highway between Ceduna on the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia and Norseman in Western Australia is one of the most remote and iconic drives in the country. So when you’re thinking about crossing the Nullarbor, you’ll need some preparation. 

When we were crossing the Nullarbor for the first time, we thought we were prepared, but it turned out we weren’t. We crossed the Nullarbor twice now (last time pretty recently in March 2026, yes, with incredibly high fuel costs), and we still learned new things along the way.

So we created a guide with everything we wish we’d known before crossing the Nullarbor. 

➤ If you are travelling through South Australia, make sure you have a read through our Eyre Peninsula Road Trip guide to plan your trip before or after crossing the Nullarbor.

Fuel on the Nullarbor

Toilets & showers when Crossing the Nullarbor

Phone reception on the Nullarbor

An important one, and this one seems different for everyone. When we started in South Australia, we had patchy phone reception as we crossed the Nullarbor. Even though there’s only one direction to go, I wouldn’t count too much on Google Maps for directions to lookouts or fuel stations, or for calling for help if something goes wrong. So keep an eye out for signs, you don’t want to miss the beautiful lookouts!

We’ve spoken with other couples who hadn’t had reception for days, and even though we have Telstra (and heard from others that they had reception along the entire way), we only had occasional reception at some roadhouses. As soon as we crossed the border from Western Australia into South Australia, we had phone coverage at the roadhouse with the big Kangaroo, but then nothing until the Nullarbor Roadhouse.

Tip: If you are crossing the Nullarbor with friends, you can use a UHF radio for communication.

Road Trains Crossing the nullarbor

This is essential for safety when crossing the Nullarbor! If you have a UHF Radio, use channel 40, which is the channel road trains use. Make sure it’s on because it’s the only way to communicate with them. We’ve seen numerous road trains and oversized transport vehicles. Using channel 40 is the only way to pass them safely.

Is there Wildlife on the nullarbor

There’s some wildlife around, but sometimes you just don’t see them. When we first crossed, we saw more roadkill than actual animals, including four dead camels.  We camped our way through without knowing that scorpions call this place home, along with snakes, kangaroos, wombats, and camels. When we were crossing the Nullarbor for the second time from west to east, we only saw one dingo at the Nullarbor Roadhouse, and that’s it. Chances are, you don’t see a single animal when crossing the Nullarbor.

If you’re crossing between May and October, keep an eye on the coast. You might spot some Southern Right whales! August is the peak season to spot them, especially around the Head of Bight.

What about food when crossing the Nullarbor

If you’re crossing state borders (which I’m sure you will), there are strict biosecurity rules. You can’t bring fresh fruit, veg or honey into South Australia or Western Australia. They’ll check your vehicle, and you could be fined if you’re carrying banned items. You can bring onions and garlic into Western Australia, but you just have to peel them before crossing. Plan ahead and use your fresh produce before crossing; you don’t want to throw it all away.

When crossing from East to West, the next place to stock up is quite far and will most likely take a day or two. So keep that in mind.

When crossing the Nullarbor from west to east, the quarantine station isn’t until you reach Ceduna.

where to fill up Water when crossing the nullarbor

Make sure you fill up your water tanks in Ceduna (SA) or Norseman (WA), and carry enough water for your time on the Nullarbor. You can buy cold water or other drinks at the roadhouses, but again, prices are pretty high.

The Weather

The Nullarbor is flat and open, making it very, very windy.

Best time to cross the Nullarbor?

You can cross all year round, but the best time to cross the Nullarbor is during winter or the shoulder seasons. Summers are hot and extremely windy. When travelling between March and November, it’s cooler, you might spot some whales, and you’ll avoid the worst of the flies too.

Things to do when crossing the Nullarbor

Some people are on a mission and want to head from A to B as fast as possible. But if you can, take your time, because there are some real gems along the way.

Lookouts

You have to stop at the Bunda Cliffs Lookouts! There are three cliff top lookouts that have safe and spectacular views of the Bunda Cliffs in Nullarbor National Park, looking over the Southern Ocean. 

When you’re driving on the highway, you don’t realise what’s actually beneath you. Once you stop over and walk to the existing lookouts, you’ll notice that you’re driving on cliffs in different colours, around 100 metres tall. It really feels like you’re at the edge of the world. 

Iconic Nullarbor Roadhouse

The Nullarbor Roadhouse is iconic, remote and it’s got character. It’s a well-known stopover along the Eyre Highway, the ideal photo location.

Whale Watching

If you’re crossing between May and October, this is a must. One of the most spectacular whale-watching spots in South Australia is the Head of Bight. You’ll see Southern Right Whales calving in the sheltered bay. A unique experience! 

Golfing

You wouldn’t think you could go golfing here, but the Nullarbor Links is the world’s longest golf course, stretching over 1365 kilometres with a hole in each participating town or roadhouse. You can get a score card from the Ceduna visitor’s centre, the Norseman visitor’s centre or the Kalgoorlie visitor’s centre. The cost for the whole round is $78. It’s a great way to break up the drive.

Border Village

Don’t forget the mandatory photo at the SA/WA border sign. Classic Nullarbor moment.

90 Mile Straight

Australia’s longest straight stretch of road. The Eyre Highway between Balladonia and Caiguna in Western Australia is 146.6 kilometres long or 90 miles, without a single bend. A photo at this sign is a must when crossing the Nullarbor.

Old Telegraph Station

A great stopover to stretch the legs is the Old Telegraph Station in Eucla. Or at least what remains. It’s a beautiful place with lots of history, but slowly disappearing under the white sand. So get a photo while it’s still visible. 

Camping on the nullarbor

There’s a mix of free and low-cost camping spots along the Nullarbor. The ideal spots are at the roadhouses, where you’ll find toilets and showers. We mainly use WikiCamps and CamperMate to find good (and free) spots, but things can change. The most important tip here is to be mindful of the wind when setting up camp, and to avoid camping at the edge of the cliffs.

➤ If you’re continuing your journey through South Australia, you’ll find plenty more camping options in our guide to the Eyre Peninsula.

Check your vehicle before crossing the nullarbor

Before you hit the road, make sure you check your vehicle to make sure it’s ready to go remote. Especially your tyres, battery, brakes, coolant and spare parts. Also double check your vehicle insurance and make sure you’re covered for remote travel.  We’re with Club 4×4 and opted for their 4X4 Roadside Assistance as an optional extra.

Tracks off the nullarbor

Besides the Eyre Highway (the main road), there are other tracks worth exploring, such as the old Eyre Highway. You’ll need a 4WD, and be mindful. Always stay on the existing tracks; there’s no need to create other tracks.

➤ If you’re keen to get off the bitumen, the Eyre Peninsula has some incredible 4WD tracks and coastal roads as well. Read all about them in our Eyre Peninsula Road Trip Guide.

Crossing the Nullarbor isn’t just a road trip. It’s an experience of a lifetime, a journey, not a destination. It’s not about rushing, but about taking it all in. Be prepared, take your time and enjoy the ride.

Travelling to South Australia?

If you’re planning a trip to South Australia, and you’re staying around the Eyre Peninsula for a little longer, I’d also recommend checking out our other guides to:

FAQs about crossing the nullarbor

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