A Guide to Epic Camping at Bunda Cliffs, South Australia
For the adventurous traveller looking for an epic camping spot, Bunda Cliffs in South Australia is one of the best in Australia. And it is FREE!!
This stunning location is renowned for its breathtaking views of the ocean and its unique geological formations, making it a perfect spot for a memorable camping night.
Here’s a guide to everything you need to know about camping at Bunda Cliffs.
What are the Bunda Cliffs?
Bunda Cliffs are an iconic part of the Nullarbor Plain – one of Earth’s grandest limestone beds.
Stretching over 200,000 square kilometres (77,000 sq miles) from the Great Australian Bight in the south to the Great Victoria Desert up north, the Nullarbor Plain was formed 65 million years ago when Australia split from Antarctica.
Where are the Bunda Cliffs?
Location and Access to Bunda Cliffs
Bunda Cliffs stretch several hundred kilometres along the southern coastline of the Nullarbor Plain, spanning both South Australia and Western Australia. They begin at the Head of the Bight in South Australia and extend east of Eucla in Western Australia. The cliffs are accessible via the Eyre Highway, which runs across the Nullarbor Plain.
Visitors can reach the cliffs through various turn-offs from this highway, leading to both formal viewing areas and informal camping sites. While some access roads are unsealed, they are generally navigable in a 2WD vehicle, though caution is advised, especially for those less familiar with driving on unsealed roads.
We stayed at the Bunda Cliffs Campground on our first night along the Nullabour. We found this spot on Wiki Camps. There are over 30 camping spots on Wiki Camps with reviews. We are sure you will find one that fits your itinerary.
Bunda Cliffs make up a vast part of South Australia’s western end of the Great Australian Bight
Here is the map of Bunda Cliffs
For an awe-inspiring view of the Bunda Cliffs, consider soaring above on a scenic flight with Chinta Air! But if you’d prefer to keep your feet on the ground, follow the Eyre Highway and stop at any of the five main lookout points.
Other stops you can’t miss when crossing the Nullarbor are the Nullarbor Roadhouse, Penong and Point Brown (located before the official start of the Nullarbor).
Need a rental car to explore South Australia? Book here
Camping at Bunda Cliffs
Camping at Bunda Cliffs was one of the best experiences we have had in our lap around Australia so far. You’ll be treated to some of South Australia’s most incredible coastal scenery.
Numerous free camping sites along the Bunda Cliffs offer spectacular views and a unique camping experience. These sites, often listed on apps like WikiCamps, provide a raw camping experience with minimal to no amenities. Campers should be prepared to be entirely self-sufficient, as there are no facilities like water, toilets, or picnic tables.
Some popular camping spots include the ‘Best of the Bight Clifftop Camping’ area, known for its breathtaking views. It’s important to note that while these sites are suitable for motorhomes, caravans, and campervans, the strong winds at the cliffs may not be ideal for tents.
From the top of the cliffs, you can take in stunning views across the ocean and watch as waves crash against them below. The area also provides plenty of opportunities for whale watching during migration season.
Environmental and Safety Tips
When camping at Bunda Cliffs, it’s crucial to respect the environment and prioritise safety. The cliffs can be dangerous, with strong winds and unstable edges. Campers are advised to stay a safe distance from the cliff edges, especially those with children. The area is prone to erosion, and there have been instances of sections collapsing.
Environmental preservation is also key. Campers should leave no trace of their stay, taking all rubbish with them and avoiding the creation of new fire pits.
Whale watching at Bunda Cliffs
The cliffs offer a fantastic vantage point for those interested in whale watching, particularly between May and October. However, it’s important to observe these magnificent creatures responsibly and from a safe distance.
Unfortunately, during our stay here, we did not see any whales.
Safety Considerations
It’s important to remember that Bunda Cliffs can be pretty dangerous.
It gets VERY windy there. But also, cliff edges are prone to loose rocks, so it’s best to stay away from them when exploring, taking photos of the area and camping – particularly if you have children!
We saw some crazy people camping right by the cliff with kids when we were there. We didn’t park close to the edge as we were terrified. You can see cracks in the rocks and some cliffs that have already fallen, so keep your distance!
