Great Australian Bight Marine Park Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, and where to stay in Great Australian Bight Marine Park, South Australia, Oceania. Plan your trip with our comprehensive travel guide.


The Ultimate Guide to Great Australian Bight Marine Park

Australia’s Great Australian Bight Marine Park is a stunning coastal park located in South Australia, along the country’s southern shoreline. The park is well known for its beautiful natural landscapes, diverse marine life, and rich cultural history. Whether you’re interested in surfing, wildlife watching, or simply soaking up the sun, Great Australian Bight Marine Park is a must-visit destination for all nature lovers. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know to plan your trip to this breathtaking park.

Introduction to Great Australian Bight Marine Park

Stretching along the entire southern coast of Australia, Great Australian Bight Marine Park is the third-largest marine protected area in the country, covering over 45,000 square kilometers of pristine coastal waters. The park is home to over 90 species of fish, 36 species of sharks and rays, and a diverse array of marine mammals, including dolphins, seals, and whales. The park’s shoreline is also an important nesting site for several species of sea turtles.

Apart from its rich marine life, Great Australian Bight Marine Park is also home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including several species of endangered plants and animals. The park’s traditional owners, the Mirning people, have been living in the area for thousands of years and have a deep cultural connection to the land and sea.

List of Places to Visit in Great Australian Bight Marine Park

When planning your trip to Great Australian Bight Marine Park, there are many incredible places to explore. Here are some of the park’s top attractions:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Nullarbor National Park: Located near the Western Australian border, Nullarbor National Park is a stunning natural wonder with a rich cultural history. Here, you can explore ancient Aboriginal rock art and learn about the history of the Mirning people.

  2. Whale Watching Tours: One of the main attractions of Great Australian Bight Marine Park is its incredible whale watching tours. From June to September each year, thousands of southern right whales migrate to the park’s shores to breed and give birth.

Natural Attractions of Great Australian Bight Marine Park: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Head of Bight Lookout: Located on the Eyre Highway, the Head of Bight Lookout is one of the most spectacular viewpoints in the park. Here, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Bunda Cliffs and spot migratory whales from a distance.

  2. Point Labatt Conservation Park: Home to the largest colony of sea lions in Australia, Point Labatt Conservation Park is a must-visit destination for wildlife lovers. You can take a guided tour to observe these playful creatures up close.

Hiking/Biking routes of Great Australian Bight Marine Park

Great Australian Bight Marine Park is a hiker’s paradise, with several incredible hiking and biking trails to explore. Here are some of the park’s must-visit trails:

  1. Munda Biddi Trail: This 1000km trail is perfect for experienced hikers and bikers looking for a challenging adventure. The trail meanders through several national parks, including Great Australian Bight Marine Park.

  2. Cape Borda Lightstation Walk: Offering breathtaking views of the Southern Ocean, the Cape Borda Lightstation Walk is a moderate hiking trail that takes you through some of the park’s most stunning landscapes.

Best Things to Do in Great Australian Bight Marine Park: Activities and Tours

Apart from hiking and sightseeing, Great Australian Bight Marine Park offers several other thrilling activities, including:

  1. Surfing: With its pristine beaches and powerful swells, Great Australian Bight Marine Park is a surfer’s paradise. There are several great surf spots to choose from, including Cactus Beach and Venus Bay.

  2. Snorkeling and Scuba Diving: Great Australian Bight Marine Park’s crystal clear waters are perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving, with several incredible dive sites to explore.

Week-Long Itinerary for Great Australian Bight Marine Park

To make the most of your trip to Great Australian Bight Marine Park, we recommend spending at least a week exploring all the park has to offer. Here’s a sample 7-day itinerary:

Day Activity
1 Arrival and check-in
2 Head of Bight Lookout, whale watching tours
3 Point Labatt Conservation Park, surfing or diving
4 Nullarbor National Park, cultural tour
5 Munda Biddi Trail, trekking or biking
6 Cape Borda Lightstation Walk, sightseeing or snorkeling
7 Departure and check-out

Food and Drink Scene of Great Australian Bight Marine Park

Great Australian Bight Marine Park is home to some incredible restaurants and bars serving up delicious local cuisine and refreshing drinks. Here’s our guide to the park’s must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Seafood Platter: Featuring fresh local seafood, including prawns, oysters, and squid, the seafood platter is a must-try dish for any seafood lover.

  2. Roo Steak: Kangaroo is a staple of Australian cuisine, and the roo steak is a delicious way to try this unique meat.

Local Beverages

  1. Coopers Pale Ale: Brewed in Adelaide, Coopers Pale Ale is a refreshing beer with a unique flavor that’s perfect for relaxing after a day in the sun.

  2. Yalumba Y Series Shiraz: With its rich berry flavors and peppery notes, Yalumba Y Series Shiraz is a delicious wine that pairs perfectly with local cuisine.

Where to Stay in Great Australian Bight Marine Park: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Great Australian Bight Marine Park offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference. From luxurious beachfront resorts to cozy hostels and guesthouses, there’s something for everyone. Here are some of our top picks:

  1. The Ceduna Foreshore Hotel Motel: Located in the heart of Ceduna, this hotel offers comfortable rooms with stunning ocean views.

  2. Nullarbor Traveller’s Rest: A budget-friendly option, Nullarbor Traveller’s Rest is a cozy hostel located just off the Eyre Highway.

What to Buy in Great Australian Bight Marine Park: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Great Australian Bight Marine Park is home to several unique handmade products and souvenirs that make great gifts for friends and family back home. Some of our top picks include:

  1. Mirning Artifacts: Handcrafted by local artists, Mirning artifacts are a great way to take home a piece of the park’s rich cultural history.

  2. Australian Opals: Known for their stunning colors and unique patterns, Australian opals make beautiful jewelry and souvenirs.

Local Culture and Customs of Great Australian Bight Marine Park

Great Australian Bight Marine Park’s traditional owners, the Mirning people, have a deep cultural connection to the land and sea. Visitors to the park are encouraged to respect the Mirning people’s culture and traditions, and to leave the park’s natural beauty unspoiled.

Best Time to Visit Great Australian Bight Marine Park

The best time to visit Great Australian Bight Marine Park is from June to September, when the southern right whales migrate to the park’s shores to breed and give birth. The park is also less crowded during this period, making it a great time to enjoy its natural beauty.

Do’s and Don’ts of Great Australian Bight Marine Park

When visiting Great Australian Bight Marine Park, it’s important to follow certain rules and guidelines to protect the park’s natural beauty and wildlife. Here are our top do’s and don’ts:

Do:

  1. Respect the park’s wildlife and leave their habitats undisturbed.

  2. Follow the park’s camping and hiking regulations, and take care not to litter or damage the park’s natural environment.

Don’t:

  1. Touch or feed the park’s wildlife.

  2. Remove any natural or cultural artifacts from the park, including rocks, shells, and Aboriginal rock art.

Safety and Health

Safety in Great Australian Bight Marine Park

While Great Australian Bight Marine Park is generally safe, visitors should be aware of potential hazards, including strong currents, dangerous wildlife, and extreme weather conditions. Visitors should always follow the park’s safety guidelines and take appropriate precautions when engaging in outdoor activities.

Health in Great Australian Bight Marine Park

Visitors to Great Australian Bight Marine Park should take the necessary precautions to protect themselves from the sun and stay hydrated. Visitors should also be aware of potential health risks associated with swimming in seawater, including infections and skin irritations.

Getting to Great Australian Bight Marine Park: Transportation Options and Logistics

Great Australian Bight Marine Park is easily accessible by road, with several major highways and scenic routes running through the park. Here are some of the main transportation options to get to the park:

Airports Near Great Australian Bight Marine Park

  1. Ceduna Airport: Located just 50km from the park’s northern boundary, Ceduna Airport offers domestic flights to Adelaide and other major Australian cities.

  2. Adelaide Airport: Located approximately 800km from the park, Adelaide Airport is the closest international airport to Great Australian Bight Marine Park.

Bus Stations Near Great Australian Bight Marine Park

  1. Greyhound Australia: Greyhound Australia operates regular bus services to Ceduna and several other towns near the park.

Other Options

  1. Car Rental: Renting a car is a popular option for visitors to Great Australian Bight Marine Park, as it allows for greater flexibility and ease of travel within the park.

How to Get Around in Great Australian Bight Marine Park

While the park is easily accessible by road, visitors will need to have their own transportation to explore it fully. Car rental is the most popular option for visitors to Great Australian Bight Marine Park, as it allows for greater flexibility and ease of travel within the park. Visitors can also choose to take guided tours or join group tours for certain activities and attractions.

Where to Go Next from Great Australian Bight Marine Park: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

After exploring Great Australian Bight Marine Park, there are several nearby destinations and excursions to explore, including:

  1. The Nullarbor Plain: One of the world’s largest limestone karst landscapes, the Nullarbor Plain is a spectacular natural wonder located near the park.

  2. The Eyre Peninsula: Known for its stunning coastal landscapes and scenic routes, the Eyre Peninsula is a must-visit destination for nature lovers.

Conclusion

Great Australian Bight Marine Park is a stunning coastal park that offers something for every type of traveler. Whether you’re interested in surfing, whale watching, or simply soaking up the sun, this park is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience Australia’s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. With this comprehensive guide, you’ll have everything you need to plan your ultimate Great Australian Bight Marine Park adventure.