Crossing the Nullarbor: One of Australia's Most Iconic Road Trips

"Is it really just hours and hours of... nothing?"

That's probably the question I was asked most when I told people I was crossing the Nullarbor.

Earlier this year, my boyfriend had the opportunity to take a B-double load from Sydney to Perth via Melbourne. With the school holidays lining up perfectly, I thought, why not?

Three weeks on the road together sounded like an adventure, and it turned out to be one of my favourite trips so far this year.

It's More Than Just One Long Straight Road

The Nullarbor has a reputation for being boring.

Endless kilometres of flat road.

No reception.

Nothing to see.

While there are certainly long stretches where it's just you, the road and the horizon, I actually found that to be part of its charm.

The scenery is constantly changing. Open plains become low scrub, then stretches of trees, before opening out again to vast landscapes that seem to go on forever.

There's something incredibly relaxing about it.

The Road Itself

One thing that surprised me was how good the road was.

I'd expected rough surfaces and potholes, but the Eyre Highway was smooth almost the entire way. Driving across the Nullarbor itself covers around 1,200 kilometres and takes roughly 12 hours without long stops, although I'd definitely recommend allowing extra time to enjoy the sights along the way.

And yes...

You absolutely have to stop for the iconic photo at the 90 Mile Straight sign.

Our Stops Along the Way

Before we even hit Western Australia, one of my favourite overnight stops was Tailem Bend.

Sitting by the river watching the sunset after a day on the road was the perfect way to slow down before the long drive west.

From there we continued through Ceduna, the last major town before the Nullarbor really begins.

The Nullarbor Roadhouse is another must-stop. Whether you need fuel, food or simply the obligatory photo in front of the sign, it's one of those iconic Australian road trip moments.

There are plenty of free campgrounds to spend the night, including Seawater Camp near Eucla, which makes for a fantastic overnight stop. While in Eucla, don't miss exploring the old Eucla Telegraph Station, slowly being reclaimed by the surrounding sand dunes.

Further west, coming to the end of the Nullarbor we spent the night at Norseman. Pub feed at Norseman is about all you are going to get here and don’t expect a late night either. All the miners are out of there and off to bed for their early start.

The Highlight: The Great Australian Bight

If there's one reason to cross the Nullarbor, it's the coastline.

The Bunda Cliffs are simply breathtaking.

There are several lookouts along the Great Australian Bight, each offering spectacular views over the Southern Ocean.

My favourites were Peg 52 Lookout and Madura Lookout but honestly, every stop is worth pulling over for.

Standing on the edge of towering cliffs, watching waves crash hundreds of metres below, it's hard to believe so many people drive straight past without stopping.

Things I Wish I'd Known

If you're planning to cross the Nullarbor, here are a few things I'd recommend:

• Pack plenty of snacks and water. Roadhouses are available, but food isn't cheap.

• Plan your fuel stops. There are enough roadhouses along the route, but you don't want to assume the next one is just around the corner.

• Download podcasts, audiobooks or playlists before you leave. Mobile reception disappears for long stretches.

• Bring a phone charger or power bank.

• Eat any fresh fruit and vegetables before the quarantine checkpoints, as you'll need to surrender them when crossing the borders.

• Keep an eye out for wildlife, particularly around dawn and dusk.

• Don't rush. The best part of the Nullarbor is stopping along the way.

A Few Fun Things to Look For

Part of the fun is spotting the little landmarks along the highway.

Take a photo at:

• The 90 Mile Straight sign.

• The Nullarbor sign.

• The emergency aircraft landing strips built into the highway.

• The Bunda Cliffs lookouts.

If you have extra time, you can even play the famous Nullarbor Links, the world's longest golf course, with one hole located in different towns across the journey.

One Thing People Don't Tell You

You need to enjoy the person you're travelling with.

You're spending hours; sometimes days; in a metal box together.

Luckily for me, my boyfriend and I travel well together. We chatted, listened to music, chased sunset, watched the landscape roll by and simply enjoyed slowing down.

I think that's why I loved the trip so much.

The Nullarbor isn't about racing from one side of Australia to the other.

It's about embracing the journey.

Would I Do It Again?

Without hesitation. Well, I would, but I wasn’t driving. Not sure my boyfriend is too keen to do it again anytime soon.

Crossing the Nullarbor isn't the most exciting road trip in Australia.

It isn't packed with attractions every few kilometres.

But that's exactly what makes it special.

It reminds you just how vast Australia really is.

Sometimes it's the quiet moments, the endless horizon, the spectacular cliffs and the simple joy of the open road that become the memories you treasure most.

Of course, crossing the Nullarbor wasn't the end of our adventure; it was just the beginning.

After finally rolling into Perth, we spent the next week exploring Western Australia, discovering beautiful beaches, country towns and a few hidden gems I'd never even heard of before. If you're planning a similar road trip, make sure to factor in some time in Western Australia.

Read my next blog to follow our journey around Perth and discover some of my favourite places to visit in Western Australia.

Have you crossed the Nullarbor? Or is it still on your Australian bucket list? We would love it if you joined the conversation and left a comment below.