Complete Guide To Whale Watching On The Nullarbor Plain

Most people don’t realise just how epic whale watching on the Nullarbor can be.

Between June and October, the Southern Right Whales migrate to the coast, and the peak months of July and August offer an unforgettable spectacle.

We’re talking over 60 whales frolicking on the turquoise waters of the Southern Ocean, as you stand on the lookout dozens of metres above the water.

The best place to see whales on the Nullarbor is the iconic Head of Bight. I’ll share my experience there further down, things to know before going, and other places to watch whales on the Nullarbor.

Let’s go!

Head of Bight: The Go-To Spot

We recognise the traditional owners of this land, the Yalata people.

Head of Bight is one of the BEST places for whale-watching in Australia, as Southern Right Whales come to these waters to feed and breed.

These whales migrate from the icy waters of Antarctica to the warmer Australian coastline between June and October.

The high vantage point from the cliffs offers excellent views. On a good day, you can spot over 60 whales frolicking in the waters below, some as close as 100 metres from the shore!

Not to mention the Bunda Cliffs, which stretch for over 100 kilometres, provide a dramatic backdrop to the experience.

My whale-watching experience at Head of Bight

First off, I didn’t expect the wind to be quite so wild. It was insane! There was dust flying everywhere, it was hard to focus on anything but holding my hat down.

Then there’s a path that leads you through the Head of Bight Whale Watching Centre (where you pay the fee) and down to the viewing platforms nestled in the cliffs.

The water of the Southern Ocean is bluer than blue, which makes the blackish whales much more obvious! A mamma Southern Right Whale with her calf was wallowing right below us, with the little one putting on quite a show.

There were at least 30 whales with their calves swimming along the cliffs, it was spectacular!

No whale-watching tour can offer the opportunity of watching dozens of whales at the same time! It’s definitely an experience anyone crossing the Nullarbor should have, it’s well worth the entry fee.

Note: If you want to swim with whales, you can do so at the Ningaloo Reef! On the west coast, in Exmouth, WA. Here’s our full guide + our experience.

Other Whale-Watching Spots in the Nullarbor

While the Head of Bight is undoubtedly the best spot for whale-watching in the Nullarbor, there are other epic locations in the area.

For example, pretty much anywhere in the Bunda Cliffs will be a good spot! Fowlers Bay is another top spot, a 1.5-hour drive from Ceduna.

How to get to Head of Bight?

Most people visit Head of Bight while doing a road trip on the Nullarbor. It’s a 9-hour drive from Norseman (Western Australia) and a 3-hour drive from Ceduna (South Australia).

Regardless of your starting point, the drive is easy and scenic, along the Eyre Highway.

But the easiest way to get there is from Ceduna. You can catch a direct flight there from Adelaide, with Rex Airlines. They offer regular flights back and forth between both places.

We always check here to find the best deals for plane tickets!

There’s no public transport to Head of Bight, so driving is your best option. Once you land, you can rent a car at the airport to complete the journey.

There are a few car rentals available, we recommend comparing these two companies and booking with the one that gives you the best deal – Rental Cars and Discover Cars.

Keep in mind that the road to Head of Bight is sealed, so you won’t need a 4WD unless you plan on heading off-road elsewhere on the Nullarbor.

Top Tips

During whale season (June through October), the opening times are 8 am to 5 pm. However, gates close at 4:30 pm.

We spent around 30 minutes there as we had to stick to our itinerary, but you can easily spend a few hours watching the whales! The entry cost at the time of writing is $16 (check for updated fees here).

Pets are not allowed, so plan accordingly!

The nearest accommodation is the iconic Nullarbor Roadhouse, a 20-minute drive from Head of Bight. It has rooms as well as powered and unpowered sites. Book in advance, current fees here!

Did you know?

Australian sea lions also live in the Nullarbor! Up to 80% of the whole population of these beautiful creatures feed and breed in the Great Australian Bight Marine Park. You might also see other marine life like humpback whales and dolphins.

The Bunda Cliffs are the longest uninterrupted sea cliffs in the world – no wonder why the views are so stunning and the wind is so rough!

FAQs

The bottom line

Whale watching on the Nullarbor is a must-do experience!

At Head of Bight, you can watch whales up close from the stunning Bunda Cliffs, with Southern Right Whales putting on an incredible show from June to October.

If you’re road-tripping across the Nullarbor, make sure to plan a stop at this iconic spot – it’s an experience you won’t want to miss!