We stayed in Ceduna an extra day due to a strong wind and fire weather warning for the eastern Nullabor (Penong, Mandura, Nullarbor, Eucla) We made the safety call and we are glad that we stayed put. The wind and heat that hit us in Ceduna that day would have made the drive horrid and risky if a fire took hold. The day after was divine and a delightful day to drive.
The extra day gave us time to get the gas bottle filled and tyres checked before the Nullarbor crossing.
We drove a bloody long way in two days. 1200 KLMs to be exact. We did 500 the first day and 700 the second. Plus, we toured and pulled into spots and went off-road both days (Whimsy just chews it up and spits it out!) to see the spectacular sites along the very LONG STRAIGHT road.
There is a section of the Nullarbor Highway that is the longest straight road in Australia something like 146klms without a bend, or curve...just straight road.
We were given advice re where to stay but some of the towns...ha ha ha, are merely garages? Pretty ordinary ones at that.
We stopped, well actually went on a detour for 12 klms, to see the 'Head of the Bite' where whale watching is amazing, and ofcourse the whale watching season hasn't started yet so I was a bit peeved. I said "I just want to see a whale, maybe they'll start early just for us?" Yeah, Na. BUT we did see two dolphins playing and fishing in the magnificent turquoise waters. ( see gallery) so we were just a little chuffed. This is also the beginning of The Bunda Cliffs that run for klms along the Nullarbor and are within the Nullarbor National Park (see gallery)
We were excited to pull up at The Nullarbor Roadhouse to refill so we hung around, had a beer, and made lunch in Whimsy. (see gallery) We then headed across The Nullarbor to Eucla where we stayed a night. Now that was a brilliant experience because the weather was perfect with clear, clear skies. This caravan park provides electricity but no water - all ok. They also provide hot showers for a $1 for 5 minutes. This park is on the top of an escarpment. Its high above the ocean, which you can see, and close to the heavens so you can see the plethora of bright, bright stars that blanket the night sky. It was on our bucket list and we were lucky enough to have the right weather to be able to have such a heavenly experience. The Eucla Hotel, Motel and Caravan Park is definitely the pick of the bunch out in the desert. The hotel was great. We had a drink at the bar and dinner in the restaurant - a real treat. (see gallery)
We left Eucla and headed to Norseman which marks the end of The Nullarbor. The drive was long and tiring but pretty amazing. The Nullarbor is a special place and to be honest it has had more rain than SA and is greener in parts than expected.(see gallery)
Norseman.......what a shithole of a caravan park that is - and they have the hide to charge $40 a night. The problem is that unless you want to freecamp there isn't any other option - hence they can charge what they like. Will rate that one in 'reviews' ofcourse.
Jayne wanted me to say that in some sections of the crossing the road-kill (Kangaroos and wombats) was horrendous. If there was no body because it had been removed the bloodstains were testament to the slaughter. Every 200 metres in some places there was evidence of a fresh accident. It was like a slaughterhouse and very distressing. At times I turned to Jayne and she was crying.....too sad.
After a well deserved sleep at Norseman we drove 2 hours to Esperance.