A mother whale and her calf swimming together in the bright blue waters of the Nullarbor coast, a highlight of whale watching on the Nullarbor.
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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.

A whale calf swimming playfully near its mother in the bright blue waters at the Head of Bight, South Australia, a popular spot for whale watching on the Nullarbor.
Whale calf at play, Head of Bight, South Australia

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.

Serene view of a remote beach in South Australia, with clear blue skies above and the deep blue ocean meeting the pale sandy shore. The foreground includes sparse coastal vegetation, with low shrubs scattered across the sandy dunes, leading to the wide, untouched beach and calm waves gently rolling in. The horizon stretches out, offering a peaceful and expansive coastal landscape.
Bright Blue Bight View! South Australia.

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 dramatic Bunda Cliffs along the Great Australian Bight in South Australia. The towering, rugged cliffs plunge into the turquoise waters below, creating a striking contrast between the rocky shoreline and the calm sea. The foreground is dotted with coastal shrubs, while the cliffs stretch out into the distance under a partly cloudy sky, emphasizing the vastness and natural beauty of the area.
Bunda Cliffs, Great Australian Bight, South Australia

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!

A whale partially visible beneath the clear blue waters of the Great Australian Bight, seen during whale watching on the Nullarbor.
Whales’ Synchronised swimming at Head of Bight, Nullarbor Plain, South Australia.

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.

Close-up view of the rugged Bunda Cliffs along the Great Australian Bight in South Australia. The rocky, weathered cliffs show various textures, with crevices and outcroppings covered in patches of greenery. Below, the ocean waves crash against the cliffside, though mostly out of view, highlighting the sheer drop and dramatic landscape.
Bunda Cliffs up close, Great Australian Bight, South Australia.

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.

A long, straight road stretching into the horizon across the Nullarbor Plain, South Australia, known for scenic whale watching spots.
The Nullarbor Plain through the windscreen, South Australia.

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).

Wooden boardwalk leading towards a stunning view of the ocean at the Head of Bight on the Nullarbor Plain in South Australia. The turquoise water stretches out under a clear blue sky, while the boardwalk curves along the coastal landscape, allowing visitors to take in the expansive sea views and surrounding vegetation. The scene evokes a sense of tranquility and natural beauty.
Head of Bight Boardwalk, Nullarbor Plain, South Australia

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

Is the Head of Bight worth it?

It is 100% worth it. The Head of Bight is one of the BEST places in Australia to see dozens of whales up close, with stunning views of the coastline and cliffs to top it off.

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!

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