Head of the Bight Free Campground

Early into crossing the Nullarbor from the east is the must-see “Head of the Bight” with the option of free camping just before the park entry and 12 km drive out to the info centre, shop and boardwalk/lookout entrance.

The Head of the Bight is famous for Whale watching and getting a great view of the huge famous cliffs that stretch for about 180 kms along the Nullarbor. For an $18 per adult fee (concessions are available), walk out a long timber boardwalk and you’re almost guaranteed to see some Whales at the right time of the year.

There’s a large parking area suitable for caravans or large trailers and toilet block – this is all still within the free area, but keep in mind that the park closes at 5pm daily (be sure to double check), so you’ll need to enter before 4:30pm (at absolute latest) if you want to head out to do some Whale watching or take a photo of the Great Australian Bight.

At around 4:45 pm or so, the gates that are just off the highway get closed to anyone entering, beside the big metal gates is an open space where free camping is allowed.

The campground isn’t much more than a sand and gravel covered car park, but there is also a toilet block and small under cover area.

This isn’t a place that you’d spend more than one night at, but due to it’s location (both regarding the Head of the Bight Lookout and crossing the Nullarbor), it’s a convenient place to take rest that feels safe due to there often being a bunch of other campers staying there too. We’ve all heard the horror stories (whether they’re true or not) about crossing the Nullarbor and staying at free roadside campgrounds near a small, remote town where the locals come to visit during the witching hour ..there’s less likelihood of that happening here.

If you’re looking for some accommodation, a fuel stop and place to grab a beer, dinner or both, keep driving west and not too far down the road is the Nullarbor Roadhouse, that has pub, hotel, campground and petrol station.

For a much nicer free campground that’s right beside the Great Australian Bight, keep driving west and pull into one of the truck or car parking stops/rest areas on the side of the road, most of them have a track that’ll take you over to the cliffs edge. Our favourite was the Bunda Cliffs Campground & here’s more information and some photos of what you can expect.