TL;DR
Crossing the Nullarbor is one of Australia’s great road trips — 1,200 kilometres of open road, red earth, and big skies. Fleetcare’s Hope shares what it’s really like to make the drive, what to pack, and what surprised her most along the way.
Australia’s Greatest Open Road
The Nullarbor is as Australian as road trips get. Stretching between South Australia and Western Australia, this vast, treeless plain is home to the country’s longest straight stretch of road — the Eyre Highway’s famous 90 Mile Straight.
For Hope, a Fleetcare team member who’s done the drive herself, it was less about ticking landmarks off a list and more about soaking up the space, the quiet, and the little surprises along the way.
“You realise how small you are out there”
Hope remembers the moment it hit her — the sheer scale of the Nullarbor.
“You think you know what remote means until you’ve driven a few hours without seeing another car,” she says. “There’s a kind of peace in it. The sky feels bigger, and everything slows down.”
Her advice? Give yourself time to switch off and enjoy the quiet — but have a few playlists and podcasts downloaded first, as reception can be patchy. The open road becomes almost meditative, especially around twilight when the horizon glows and the kangaroos start to appear.
What to Pack (and What She Wished She Had)
Preparation matters — and not just for fuel.
“I packed pretty well,” Hope says, “but I wish I’d brought a hat with a fly net. The flies can be relentless.”
That’s solid advice. A good fly net, extra water, and plenty of snacks go a long way. There are roadhouses every few hundred kilometres, but fuel is often more expensive the further you travel — so it pays to top up when you can.
A few other essentials:
- A spare tyre and jack (and know how to use them)
- Sunscreen and first-aid kit
- A camera or phone with offline maps — reception can be limited
Unexpected Highlights
For Hope, the biggest surprise wasn’t a landmark — it was a moment.
“We pulled over one night and looked up at the sky. I’d never seen stars like that before. It’s unreal — no city lights, just the Milky Way across the whole sky.”
The Nullarbor is a world-class stargazing spot, thanks to its low light pollution. If you’ve ever wanted to try astrophotography, this is the place.
She also recalls spotting wild dingoes at sunrise and seeing whales at the Head of Bight — one of Australia’s best coastal lookouts during winter migration season.
Best Stops Along the Eyre Highway
When asked for her must-stops, Hope reminises.
“The Nullarbor Roadhouse is iconic. You have to get a photo with the sign. Then there’s Eucla and its old telegraph station half-buried in sand — that’s eerie and beautiful.”
Other traveller favourites include:
- Bunda Cliffs — dramatic ocean views where the desert meets the Great Australian Bight.
- Head of Bight — for whale watching between June and October.
- Balladonia — home to a small museum featuring debris from NASA’s Skylab crash.
Driving Advice from the Road
“Plan your fuel stops, don’t rush, and respect the distances,” Hope says. “It’s easy to underestimate how far things are apart.”
It’s also essential to check your car’s fluids and tyres before you leave — the heat and long hours can take a toll. For Fleetcare drivers, that’s where the value of a novated lease really shines: regular maintenance, roadside assistance, and 24/7 driver support are all built in.
Reliability for the Long Road Ahead
The Nullarbor might feel like the edge of the world — but with the right car, it’s an unforgettable adventure.
Fleetcare makes every journey easier, whether it’s the daily commute or a cross-country trek. With a novated lease, you’ll enjoy reliability, maintenance, and peace of mind on every drive — all bundled into one simple before-tax payment.
Ready to plan your own adventure?
Contact us today on 134 333 to explore your options and hit the road with confidence.