Eyre Highway: driving 146km (91mi) without any turn
Australia, oceania
146.6 km
N/A
extreme
Year-round
# The Eyre Highway: Australia's Ultimate Outback Adventure
Ready for one of Australia's most iconic road trips? The Eyre Highway stretches a massive 1,664 km (1,034 miles) across the heart of the Nullarbor Plain, connecting the goldfields town of Norseman in Western Australia to the bustling port city of Port Augusta in South Australia. This fully sealed route is completely drivable in a standard vehicle, making it accessible for any adventurous road tripper.
What makes this highway truly legendary? It boasts what's arguably the longest straight stretch of road in the country—a mind-blowing 146.6 kilometres (91.1 mi) with zero turns between the tiny roadhouse communities of Balladonia and Caiguna. Named after explorer Edward John Eyre, this route was originally just a rough track when it opened between 1941-1942, but thankfully it's been progressively sealed. The final stretch was paved in 1976.
Here's the reality of driving here: it's genuinely remote. While the eastern sections have some towns, the western half is seriously isolated. This remoteness has led to some creative solutions—sections of the road actually double as emergency airstrips for the Royal Flying Doctor Service, complete with painted runway markings. Services are spaced thoughtfully enough that you won't need to carry extra fuel, though not all stations run 24/7, so plan ahead if you're traveling after hours.
The biggest hazards? Driver fatigue and wildlife. Kangaroos, emus, and camels roam freely across this landscape, and they're especially active at dawn and dusk when they're most likely to dart across the road. Some communities now offer free coffee to keep drivers alert and encourage well-needed breaks.
Expect to spend 2-3 days driving this epic route. While it's undeniably long and sparse, that's exactly why it's considered one of Australia's greatest road trips—a raw, authentic experience of the real outback and the country's pioneering spirit.
Where is it?
Eyre Highway: driving 146km (91mi) without any turn is located in Australia (oceania). Coordinates: -25.4615, 131.9866
Road Details
- Country
- Australia
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 146.6 km
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- -25.4615, 131.9866
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