This Week on the Nullarbor: Hidden Caves, 50 Years of Bitumen and Whale Season’s Last Weeks

Week ending 3 October 2026

It’s been a big week for the Nullarbor Plain, with new science, a milestone for the road we all drive it on, and the southern right whale season winding towards its close. Here’s what’s worth knowing before you pack the camper.

Hidden caves beneath the plain

Researchers led by Curtin University’s Associate Professor Milo Barham, working with field scientist and speleologist Dr Steve Milner, have found that long surface trenches on the Nullarbor mark the footprint of much deeper caves that are still developing underground. The trenches can run up to 20 km long and hundreds of metres wide, yet are only a couple of metres deep. As Barham put it, they “represent the surface footprint of caves that are much, much deeper.”

The same kind of limestone (karst) terrain may exist on Mars, so scientists see the Nullarbor as a natural lab for hunting for life off-world. Milner reminded us it’s also “a place of culture and special for many.” A good reason to stick to marked tracks and respect cave and sinkhole signage when you’re out there.

Read more: ABC News, 28 Sept 2026 and Phys.org.

The Eyre Highway turns 50 (sealed)

This week marked 50 years since the final unsealed stretch of the Eyre Highway was completed in spring 1976. Earlier in September, people with deep ties to the road gathered at the Nullarbor Roadhouse to mark the occasion, including Lance Sturtzel, who first crossed on his honeymoon in 1964 and has made around 100 crossings since. Before sealing, the trip meant corrugations, blown tyres, breakdowns and mud; today the 1,600+ km route from Norseman to Port Augusta includes Australia’s longest straight stretch of road (146 km).

If you’re crossing, take a moment at a lookout and think of those who did it the hard way.

Read more: ABC News, 28 Sept 2026.

Whale season: not long left

Southern right whale season at the Head of Bight runs until around October, with up to 100 whales sighted on good days and roughly 60 calves born each season. The visitor centre has been open seven days a week during the season, with tickets reported between $16 and $36. Proceeds support First Nations community programs. Check headofbight.com.au for current hours and tickets before you go, as the season is close to ending.

Offers and events

There are no confirmed new special offers or events for the Nullarbor published this past week. The Nullarbor Roadhouse has promoted a “Flight, a Night and a Bite” package (scenic flight over the Bight, accommodation and meals), but the listing I found covers 2025 bookings only, so check nullarborroadhouse.com.au for 2026 availability.

Camping tip of the week

Fuel, water and phone coverage are limited out here. Carry extra water, check Eyre Highway road and weather conditions before each leg, and book powered sites at roadhouses early in school holidays.

Happy travels, and see you on the plain.