South Australia | Nullarbor and Eyre Peninsula 12 Day Campervan Itinerary
Open horizons, wildlife rich coasts, and the legendary edge of the Great Australian Bight await on this South Australia focused road trip. You will trace the Eyre Peninsula’s western coastline, step onto the vast limestone country of the Nullarbor Plain, and keep each driving day realistic for a campervan. The Nullarbor Plain is the world’s largest single slab of limestone and it feels every bit as immense as its reputation. Summer can be extremely hot, so the best time for this route is May to October when days are milder. Visit between June and October for a chance to spot southern right whales from the Head of Bight boardwalk. Pick up and drop off your campervan in Adelaide to keep logistics simple and your loop relaxed.
Day 1: Adelaide to Port Pirie
Distance: 225 kms
Travel time: ~2.5 hours
Roll north from Adelaide through farming country to the sheltered waters of the Upper Spencer Gulf. This calm first day gives you time to settle into the campervan, stock up on supplies, and ease into the rhythm of the trip.
Where to stop between Adelaide and Port Pirie
Port Wakefield for a bakery stop and a quick stroll by the mangroves. Lochiel’s Lake Bumbunga for a quirky photo break. The lake often shows pink hues, although colour varies with conditions. Crystal Brook for a leg stretch in its leafy main street.
Things to do in Port Pirie
Wander the foreshore, check out local galleries, and stroll the jetty at twilight when the gulf turns glassy. Port Pirie’s relaxed pace is a gentle transition from city to outback.
Where to stay in Port Pirie
Port Pirie Beach Caravan Park offers powered sites, shade, and easy access to town. It is a convenient waterside base to kick off your journey.
Day 2: Port Pirie to Port Augusta
Distance: 90 kms
Travel time: ~1 hour
It is a short hop to the hub of the Upper Spencer Gulf, with the Flinders Ranges rising to the east and the wide saltbush plains pointing you toward the Eyre Peninsula.
Where to stop between Port Pirie and Port Augusta
Port Germein Jetty for a quick walk and big gulf views. Check current access, as outer sections can be closed after storm damage. Mambray Creek picnic spot if you want a short nature break.
Things to do in Port Augusta
Make time for the award winning Wadlata Outback Centre. Its Tunnel of Time and interactive displays bring the geology, explorers, and modern outback stories to life. Later, wander the arid themed gardens and enjoy sunset along the water.
Where to stay in Port Augusta
Discovery Parks Port Augusta offers powered sites, a pool, and straightforward access to supermarkets and fuel. It is a practical base before you head west.
Day 3: Port Augusta to Kimba
Distance: 150 kms
Travel time: ~1.5 hours
Today you enter the Eyre Highway proper. Farmland starts to open out, horizons widen, and you begin to feel the pull of the west.
Where to stop between Port Augusta and Kimba
Iron Knob for a glimpse of Australia’s steelmaking heritage from the roadside. Roadside lookouts for big sky photos and birdlife spotting.
Things to do in Kimba
Say hello to the Big Galah, seek out the town’s silo art, and explore small local museums that capture outback ingenuity. Kimba brands itself as the halfway point across Australia, which makes it a fun photo stop.
Where to stay in Kimba
Kimba Motel Roadhouse & Caravan Park has powered sites and handy facilities within walking distance of town. It is a welcoming, low fuss stop that suits an early start tomorrow.
Day 4: Kimba to Streaky Bay
Distance: 236 kms
Travel time: ~2.5 hours
Settle in for a beautiful run to the west coast of the Eyre Peninsula. The landscape shifts from grain fields to coastal heath as you approach the sea, and salt air returns on the breeze.
Where to stop between Port Augusta and Kimba
Wudinna for coffee and a look at local granite sculptures. Poochera for a classic country town break and fuel if needed.
Things to do in Streaky Bay
Walk the foreshore at golden hour, cast a line from the jetty, and plan tomorrow’s coastal wildlife adventure. The bay is known for relaxed seafood shacks and a friendly small town feel.
Where to stay in Streaky Bay
Discovery Parks Streaky Bay Foreshore or Streaky Bay Islands Caravan Park both provide powered sites close to the water, great amenities, and easy access to town.
Day 5: Streaky Bay
Distance: ~120 kms day tripping
Travel time: ~2.5 hours
Use a full day to explore one of South Australia’s most photogenic coastal corners. Short drives lead to rugged headlands, gentle beaches, and rare wildlife.
Where to stop around Streaky Bay
Point Labatt Conservation Park to view the Australian sea lion colony from the cliff top platform. Scenic coastal drives for blowholes, surf beaches, and picnic coves.
Things to do in Streaky Bay
Picnic on white sand beaches, watch for dolphins cruising the bay, and enjoy fresh fish and chips by the water. Keep the evening free for a slow sunset on the jetty.
Where to stay in Streaky Bay
Stay an extra night at your chosen caravan park to keep driving short and restful. A full day without packing up helps you recharge.
Day 6: Streaky Bay to Ceduna
Distance: 110 kms
Travel time: ~1.25 hours
A short coastal transfer keeps the pace easy. Ceduna is the eastern gateway to the Nullarbor and the final major hub for supplies before you head further west.
Where to stop between Streaky Bay and Ceduna
Smoky Bay for an oyster tasting or a beach walk. Tourist lookouts on the approach to Ceduna for gulf views.
Things to do in Ceduna
Stroll the foreshore, sample seafood, and learn about First Nations art at the local arts and cultural centre. Ceduna’s calm vibe and services make it an ideal base before tomorrow’s step into Nullarbor country.
Where to stay in Ceduna
Choose Ceduna Foreshore Caravan Park or BIG4 Ceduna Tourist Park for powered sites, laundries, and easy access to the town centre and beach.
Day 7: Ceduna to Nundroo
Distance: 155 kms
Travel time: ~1.75 hours
Ease into the Nullarbor with a short hop to Nundroo. Spend your extra daylight enjoying quirky roadside attractions and a vivid pink lake if conditions align.
Where to stop between Ceduna and Nundroo
Penong Windmill Museum to see a collection of more than 20 restored windmills, including a giant Comet that showcases outback ingenuity. Lake MacDonnell for striking salt-lake colours. The pink and blue green contrast appears when salinity and weather line up.
Things to do in Nundroo
Settle into outback rhythm. As the sun drops, the low scrub and open skies glow. After dark, low light pollution often means impressive stargazing on clear nights.
Where to stay in Nundroo
Nundroo Roadhouse Caravan Park offers powered sites, hot showers, and a simple on-site bistro. It is a practical base for tomorrow’s Head of Bight adventure.
Day 8: Nundroo day trip to Head of Bight
Distance: ~240 kms return
Travel time: ~2.75–3 hours
Today is your chance to stand above the Head of Bight and, in season, watch southern right whales glide below. Keeping your base at Nundroo makes this a relaxed return outing.
Where to stop between Nundroo and Head of Bight
Designated Bunda Cliffs lookouts for sweeping cliff top vistas and ocean panoramas.
Things to do at Head of Bight
Walk the boardwalks to viewing platforms that sit above turquoise water and towering limestone cliffs. From June to October, southern right whales often calve here and can be seen close to shore. Outside whale season, the cliffs and raw ocean are still unforgettable.
Where to stay in Nundroo
Return to your Nundroo campsite. Enjoy the sunset and quiet outback evening before you begin the trip back east tomorrow.
Day 9: Nundroo to Streaky Bay
Distance: ~259 kms
Travel time: ~2.75–3 hours
Turn back toward the coast for an easygoing afternoon by the bay. Break up the drive with small town stops and coastal views.
Where to stop between Nundroo and Streaky Bay
Penong for a coffee top up or a final look at the windmills if you missed them. Ceduna foreshore for a leg stretch and seaside breeze.
Things to do in Streaky Bay
Reward the longer drive with a relaxed swim or a shoreline wander. Pick up local seafood for dinner and enjoy a quiet evening under big skies.
Where to stay in Streaky Bay
Check back into Discovery Parks Streaky Bay Foreshore or Streaky Bay Islands Caravan Park for coastal views and an easy walk to town.
Day 10: Streaky Bay to Kimba
Distance: 236 kms
Travel time: ~2.5 hours
Head inland as the sea breeze gives way to open farmland and granite country. This is a gentle transition from coast to outback once more.
Where to stop between Streaky Bay and Kimba
Poochera for fuel and a classic bakery stop. Wudinna to see the granite sculptures and stretch in the town park.
Things to do in Kimba
Revisit the silo art, pause at the Big Galah, and take a short dusk walk to watch the sky blaze with colour. Clear nights often deliver brilliant stargazing.
Where to stay in Kimba
Stay at Kimba Motel Roadhouse & Caravan Park. Drive through sites and tidy amenities make it an easy overnight before the gulf tomorrow.
Day 11: Kimba to Port Pirie
Distance: ~245 kms
Travel time: ~2.75 hours
A comfortable run brings you back to the gulf and small town hospitality. This day keeps miles modest so you arrive with time to unwind.
Where to stop between Kimba and Port Pirie
Australian Arid Lands Botanic GardenAustralian Arid Lands Botanic Garden in Port Augusta for coffee and a short native garden walk. Port Germein Jetty for a seaside stroll. Check access status before you walk far. Nelshaby Reservoir reserve for a quick picnic in a peaceful bushland setting.
Things to do in Port Pirie
Browse local shops, try a waterfront café, and wrap up with a sunset walk. It is a calm penultimate night after your Nullarbor experience.
Where to stay in Port Pirie
Port Pirie Beach Caravan Park is a familiar and convenient overnight with powered sites close to the water.
Day 12: Port Pirie to Adelaide
Distance: 225 kms
Travel time: ~2.5 hours
Cruise back to the state capital with a couple of easy stops en route. You will arrive with time to drop the campervan and head for a celebratory dinner.
Where to stop between Port Pirie and Adelaide
Port Wakefield for coffee and a quick estuary walk. Two Wells for seasonal roadside produce or a quick country town break.
Things to do in Adelaide
Return your vehicle to the Adelaide branch or add a night in the city to explore markets, the parklands, or nearby wine regions. After days of coastal air and wide horizons, Adelaide’s dining scene is a satisfying finale.
Where to stay in Adelaide
If you decide to linger, consider a coastal holiday park for easy beach access before you fly out or head home.
This 12 day loop keeps daily drives to around three hours, showcases the Eyre Peninsula’s coastline, and delivers the Nullarbor’s signature highlights without rushing. Time your visit for the cool months to enjoy clear skies and, in winter, unforgettable whale watching at the Head of Bight. With Adelaide as your start and finish, you can focus on unhurried days, big horizons, and the simple joy of the open road.