Nullarbor, SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Airing Date: Mar 10th, 2003
CLICK HERE for your tourist map and guide to the Nullarbor.
The Nullarbor Plain is the worlds biggest single lump of limestone, stretching over 250 000 square kilometres.
If you're planning to explore the Nullarbor, the best way to do it is by 4WD.
The journey starts in Port Augusta, South Australia and heads on to the Eyre Highway. The Eyre Highway is a famous stretch of road named after Edward John Eyre, a man who completed the trip way back in 1841.
The highway runs through relatively untouched land, where towns are few and far between.
The first town thats worth a stop is 500 kilometres along the road. This is Ceduna, with a population of 3800 - one of the Nullarbor's most populated areas.
Ceduna's a great place to do some shopping, have a meal and check out a rather unusual sign post in the centre of town before heading back out on the highway.
The next stop on the itinerary is a surfboard factory in Penong, and then its onto the world famous surfing spot Cactus Beach. On the way out to Point Sinclair and Cactus Beach there are two lakes that turn a surreal pink or blue colour from algae, depending on the season.
Around the Great Australian Bight theres also a lot of fishing activity. One of the most popular spots is the small and remote town of Fowlers Bay. Only 12 permanent residents live here but many fishermen visit the area for its excellent fishing.
As you drive around to the Head of Bight youll enter Yalata land, an area owned by Aboriginals. Part of the year youll need a permit to enter the region. Permits are available at the local roadhouse for $8. The permit gives access to some spectacular countryside and you can camp for free as well.
Ninety-four kilometres to the west of the Yalata Roadhouse are the Bunda Cliffs, where the jutting cliff edge drops into the Southern Ocean. Six lookouts have been positioned along the coastline to give tourists different views of the landscape.
As the road continues it turns to dirt, signifying the start of the desolate and dusty terrain of the Australian Outback. At the remote town of Cook you can board the great Indian Pacific, a train that travels from Sydney to Perth over three nights. Aboard the train you'll enjoy spectacular scenery of red earth and desert plains as you head back to the city.
The facts
Qantas flies to Adelaide daily from all capital cities. Prices start from $223 from Melbourne or $401 from Perth.
Qantas
Tel: 13 13 13
4WD hire starts from $90 a day.
Budget
Tel: 13 27 27
A Red Kangaroo seat aboard the Indian Pacific costs $459 for adults and $207 for kids. The Gold Service costs $1499 per person for single or twin sleeper cabins with ensuite. For true luxury, try the Chairman's Car - it sleeps seven and costs $12,840.
Trainways
Tel: 1800 888 480
