Drive across the Nullarbor Plain

The Nullarbor Plain extends approximately 700 kilometres from east to west and from the coast it extends 300 kilometres to the Great Victoria Desert in the north - covering an area of 125,000 square kilometres - almost as large as the State of Victoria. The plain was created about 25 million years ago when it emerged from the sea; prior to that it had been the seabed. The denizens of the deep had deposited their lime secreting skeletons and shells on the seafloor.

These deposits with sediments of sand eventually created the limestone which covers the entire plain to a depth of 15 to 60 metres, then covered by up to 1 metre of soil.

The Nullarbor region is one of the largest arid to semi-arid KARST (a limestone landscape, characterized by caves, fissures, and underground streams) landforms in the world. Karst topography is the result of the solvent action of water on bedrock. This 'dissolving' of rock forms many different Karst features - the Nullarbor caves being a good example.

In 1867 surveyor, E.A. Delisser, journeyed out into the treeless plain which he gave the name of Nullarbor to from the Latin 'Nullus' and 'Arbor' meaning 'no trees'. The Aboriginal name for the Nullarbor Plain was 'Oondiri' which means 'the waterless', for the average rainfall of the area is only about 200 millimetres per annum.

To travel across the “Nullarbor” is a journey into a timeless and unforgettable land. The Eyre Highway is one of Australia's great road journeys. It is named after the explorer, Edward John Eyre, who in 1841 barely survived thirst, hunger and treachery by guides to make the first East-West crossing of the continent.

Nullarbor Plain

Have a look at our holiday to Tasmania where a drive across the Nullarbor Plain is an experience to remember in itself.

Nullarbor Plain Animals