Indigenous Communities
There are several Aboriginal Communities along the Nullarbor which continue to practice traditional customs and retain their strong spiritual beliefs.
Prior permission is required to enter Aboriginal Communities and it is recommended that enquiries are made through the community administration office. Please also note that many communities are alcohol free and it is an offence to possess, sell, or transport alcohol through these communities. Fines apply if you break this law.
Below are a number of these communities:
- Ceduna - Tjutjunauku Worka Tjuta
- Koonibba Aboriginal Community
- Oak Valley - Maralinga Tjarutja Community
- Scotdesco Community
- Yalata Community
- Yarilena (08 8625 3822)
Oak Valley
Indigenous History
Anangu people of Western desert language groups (Pitjantjatjara / Yankunytjatjara) are the traditional owners of the coastal lands, undulating plains and the deserts regions surrounding the Nullarbor. Wirangu occupied the land east of the Head of Bight and the Mirning clans occupied the coast west to Eucla. Kokatha, Antakarinja and Ngalea occupied lands to the north and north-east. These groups are linked through cultural affiliations and traditional practices which they still embrace.
There are many registered historical Aboriginal archaeological sites spread across the Nullarbor including Allen's cave. This cave is located on the western plains and is the oldest archaeological site in arid Australia. There are 60 known archaeological sites on the Nullarbor revealing hand prints, paintings and flint tools. Many sites remain unregistered. Radiocarbon dating of cooking hearths and stone implements provides evidence that Aboriginal People have lived on the Nullarbor Plains for at least 40,000 years.
Indigenous Art and Culture
Much Indigenous culture and stories are often expressed through their art. There are many centres where you can experience this along the Nullarbor and information can be gathered at: http://www.visitaboriginalart.com
The Aboriginal Lands Trust (ALT)
The Aboriginal Lands Trust is established pursuant to the Aboriginal Lands Trust Act 1966.
The Aboriginal Lands Trust Act 1966 was the first in Australia to ensure that titles to existing Aboriginal Reserves were held in trust on behalf of all Aboriginal people in South Australia.
The Aboriginal Lands Trust holds title to 63 properties comprising approximately 990,000 hectares of land for economic and cultural benefit. It is made up of former Crown Lands transferred to it and properties that have been donated purchased or otherwise acquired.
The core functions of the Trust are to hold, manage and administer land. The Trust has met these responsibilities by organising the leasing of land to Communities and managing natural resource management programs to improve conditions on the land.
Head of Bight Tourist Centre is built on Yalata land which is held in trust by the ALT. At this stage the ALT is operating HoB to create a signature destination for tourism and visitor opportunities. The ALT is endeavouring to enhance the potential of HoB for economic development and employment opportunities within the region.
VISITOR INFORMATION
Facilities
- Access with Assistance for the Disabled*
- Car park
- Coach Parking
- Caravan Parking
- First aid equipment
- Shaded Picnic Area
- Toilets
- Toilet facilities for the Disabled
- Viewing Platform
- Boardwalks
*No camping facilities available at this time
*Wheelchairs are available free of charge
Opening Times
Whale Season: 1 June to 30 October (Pending the arrival of southern right whales)
8am to 5pm on Monday to Sunday (inclusive) and includes Public Holidays - Gates close at 4:30pm
Off Season: 1 November to 31 May
8.30am to 4pm on Monday to Sunday (inclusive) and includes Public Holidays (except Christmas Day and Proclamation Day) - Gates close at 3:30pm
Ticket prices
| Whale Season | Off Season | |
| Adult | $20 | $10 |
| Seniors Card Holders | $17 | $8 |
| Child (5-15) | $9 | $nil |
| Family (2 adults / 2 child) | $50 | $20 |
Food & Beverage
- Hot Beverages
- Cold Drinks
- Snacks
- Toasted Sandwiches
Merchandise
There is plenty of merchandise for you to purchase as a memory of your visit to the HoB including:
- Hats
- Aboriginal Artefacts and artworks
- Gifts
- Australiana
Pet Rules
Pets are not permitted into the Tourist Centre or the boardwalk.
Dogs must remain in vehicles or tied up. If left in vehicle please ensure that the window is left slightly open.
Water for pets is available at the Centre.
Bunda Cliffs
The Bunda Cliffs are one of the most awe-inspiring sea cliffs in the world and are a dramatic display of the edge of the Australian continent. They will enchant the travellers’ eyes and make their visit utterly memorable.
The magnificent Bunda Cliffs extend approximately 100km along the Great Australian Bight from Border Village to the east of Head of Bight. The cliffs were formed when Australia separated from Antarctica approximately 65 million years ago and are made up of fossiliferous limestone called Wilson Limestone. This limestone is made up of a white chalky material up to 300m thick and was once part of an ancient seabed.
The limestone slab which forms the Nullarbor Plan and extends far inland has many layers. Some of those layers are made up of marine sediment and others incorporate marine fossils including worms and molluscs which indicate their marine origin. The sheer cliffs vary from 60m to 120m above sea level and are capped by a hardened layer of windblown sand laid down between 1.6 million and 100,000 year ago.
