The Far West Coast Road Trip
From Streaky Bay to the edge of the Nullarbor
The plan
The far west of the Eyre Peninsula is where the map empties out and the coast turns truly wild. This road trip runs from the easy charm of Streaky Bay up to Ceduna and on toward the Nullarbor's edge, trading crowds for sea caves, salt lakes and some of the best land-based whale watching on Earth.
Fuel up, carry water, and treat the unsealed detours with respect. The distances are real and the rewards are bigger for it.
Day 1 — Streaky Bay and its wild edges
Base yourself in Streaky Bay and spend the first day on its dramatic surrounds. Run the Cape Bauer loop for blowholes and cliffs, picnic at sheltered Hally Beach, then drive out to Perlubie Beach where the tide pulls back across an endless flat and locals park right on the sand.
Day 2 — Talia's caves and the Elliston cliffs
Drop south to Talia to climb down into Woolshed Cave and peer into The Tub, a perfect sinkhole in the cliff top. Carry on to Elliston for the cliff-top Great Ocean Tourist Drive and a look at the swell pounding Anxious Bay.
Day 3 — Surf pilgrimage to Cactus
Point the car west past Ceduna and Penong to remote Point Sinclair, where the legendary breaks of Cactus, Castles and Caves line up beside pink salt lakes. Even if you do not surf, the end-of-the-earth atmosphere is unforgettable.
Day 4 — Whales at the Head of Bight
Make the long drive to the Head of Bight, where southern right whales calve below the towering Bunda Cliffs through winter. Walk the cliff-top boardwalks, watch the whales breathe, and feel the vast emptiness of the Nullarbor begin.
Day 1
2 stops-
1
Hally Beach & Cape Bauer Loop
Streaky BayRun the Cape Bauer loop for blowholes, cliffs and a swim at Hally Beach.
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2
Perlubie Beach
Streaky BayDrive onto the sand at low tide for a classic Streaky Bay afternoon.
See place →
Day 2
3 stops-
1
-
2
The Tub at Talia
EllistonPeer into the near-perfect circular sinkhole at the cliff edge.
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3
Day 3
1 stop-
1
Point Sinclair & Cactus Beach Surf
CedunaMake the pilgrimage to the legendary breaks at Point Sinclair.
See place →
Day 4
1 stop-
1
On the map
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Image credits
- Great Australian Bight Marine Park.jpg by Nachoman-au , CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons