Crossing the Nullarbor Plain: the long awaited moment, if not feared, has arrived. The Nullarbor is a whole lot of














In other words, nothing. Rien. Nada. Niente. A long journey of over 700 km in a setting more deserted than the desert itself. Not a single tree in sight, hence its name (if you have some knowledge of Latin, you would have already guessed). This plain occupies a total area of 200,000 sq km almost as big as Victoria. Aside from nothing, there is still the presence of Australia's longest straight road (145.6 km) and that of the world's longest golf course. The Nullarbor Links, a unique 18 holes - par 72 for the purists - extends over 1,365 kilometres from Ceduna to Kalgoorlie. Crossing the Nullarbor Plain linking South Australia to Western Australia is an adventure to experience once in a lifetime!

The Great Australian Bight is the huge mass of ocean along the south coast of Australia. For international authorities, this sea is part of the Indian Ocean while for Australians it is the Southern Ocean. Either way, it doesn't change its beauty. The coast, which stretches over 1,000 kilometers, is believed to be the longest line of sea cliffs in the world. At Head of Bight, before starting the long haul of the Nullarbor Plain, 200 kilometers west of Penong, the highway passes close by to the cliffs. But beyond admiring them, the place is famous for "hosting" the Southern Right Whales that migrate to these warmer waters each year - between May and October - to birth their calves. When we were there, not less than forty of them were playing only a few feet below. Access is not free, but what a spectacular sight! This is certainly one of the best places in the world to watch migrating whales. A definite addition to any to-do list during a trip to Australia! This time the picture is somewhat more convincing than the one of the Coffin Bay dolphins.

Heading west from Ceduna, it is getting close to the end of South Australia and we are approaching the drive through the desert - Nullarbor Plain - which will be discussed in coming days. At Penong, a dirt road of about twenty kilometres heads south to the legendary Cactus Beach. Surfers from around the world come to test their skills on the waves considered among the best in Australia. On the way, the track passes through magnificent scenery, white sand dunes which are reflected in the waters of a salt lake. In good weather, the water color alternates between blue and pink. This is a remote place where you do not cross paths with too many people in winter, but a must see!

Ceduna is the last "town" to drive through in South Australia when crossing into Western Australia. This small port city located on the Eyre Peninsula is, like Port Lincoln, an oceanfront delight of seafood lovers. The region is also famous for its history and Aboriginal culture. But in Ceduna, it is an unusual house situated in a residential area that attracted our attention. The Ceduna Wombat and Fauna Rescue is run by a local Mum who is the passionate carer of the animals. She has created a haven in her backyard for injured and orphaned animals. It is a unique opportunity to hold and hug a baby wombat!

The Eyre Peninsula offers wonderful opportunities for photographers. It is difficult to choose the best, but the rock formations of Murphys Haystacks could win the prize! They are located on the west coast, about forty kilometres before Streaky Bay traveling from Port Lincoln. These pink granite boulders polished by time are older than 1500 million years. They remind us of Remarkable Rocks on Kangaroo Island. Must see!

The Eyre Peninsula is inevitably, with some 2,000 kilometres of coastline, dedicated to the ocean. Port Lincoln area also thrives mainly from the commercial fishing industry. For several years, ocean farms, especially tuna, are also becoming increasingly important. For the average traveler this doesn't sound like much of a tourist attraction. However, when the tuna farmers put on their tourist guide hats, they create the exclusive Swim With The Tuna experience! Contrary to diving among Great White Sharks, here when in the water, the tuna are always in the enclosure! Thrills are guaranteed when you brush against these swift swimmers moving at a speed of around 80km/h. The activity takes place on a pontoon located off Port Lincoln and lasts about three hours, including a round trip cruise of the bay. Who knew swimming amid a school of tuna would be that exciting!

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Swim With The Tuna.

Landscapes of the Eyre Peninsula are rather wild, untouched and rugged. The region is rich in natural treasures. Among them is the Coffin Bay National Park which is located about forty kilometres west of Port Lincoln. This park hosts the best that the peninsula to offer: abundant wildlife, breathtaking coastal scenery, spectacular cliffs, endless white sand dunes, waves for surfers and paradise beaches in sheltered bays. To top all of this off we were blessed by the most incredible moment when a pod of thirty or more dolphins came to play in the waves breaking really close to the shoreline. An unforgettable sight! In hindsight, we regret not diving into the water to swim with them but the cold temperature of the water got the better of us. One of our less courageous moments! Having created a blog with the theme of photographs taken from an iPhone unfortunately does not do this photo justice but if you squint your eyes and look really closely, you can just see a few fins in the waves!

Port Lincoln is a booming tourist destination in South Australia. Its star attraction: cage diving among Great White Sharks! So it was a given that during our stay on the Eyre Peninsula, we could not resist this incredible live experience. Before boarding Calypso Charters boat, we knew the shark sighting was not guaranteed. After all, Mother Nature decides. Calypso Charters maintains a detailed shark sighting calendar to help you choose the day of your dive. Unfortunately, on the day of our choice there were no sharks in sight, which is unusual for this time of year. Being as there are only three places in the world where you can experience this exciting activity, we recommend it without hesitation! In the event that a Great White is not seen throughout the entire day, Calypso Charters will offer you a 'Half Price Gift Voucher'. Visit the company website to access the photo or video galleries.

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Calypso Charters.

Photo: Calypso Charters

Port Lincoln is located at the bottom end of the Eyre Peninsula, the western region of South Australia. As its name suggests, it is a coastal town whose economy is based mainly on the fishing industry. It is also considered to be the capital of Australian seafood. With its tourism industry going through a recent boom it is an up and coming travel destination oozing with appeal. We were lucky enough to stay in an exclusive B&B not yet open to the public. Jordan on Boston is primarily a luxury villa in the hills of Port Lincoln surrounded by a sumptuous garden. Inside it is a veritable palace elegantly decorated with antiques and a wonderful collection of eclectic artworks. Among the many rooms on the ground floor you can expect to find an indoor pool, sauna and a piano bar! Visitors will have the opportunity to stay in one of the three suites each offering breathtaking views of Boston Bay, one of the world's largest protected natural harbours. But the true gem at Jordan on Boston is its owner and accomplished chef Suzi McKay. In the coming months all guests will have the privilege of tasting Suzi's culinary delights. She is nothing short of amazing in the kitchen. So be prepared for an indulgent experience that you will never forget! The best restaurant in Port Lincoln might not necessarily be at the top of the list on Trip Advisor!

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Jordan on Boston.

As part of our training for the Sydney Marathon (Blackmores Sydney Running Festival) taking place on September 16th, we participated in the Boston Bay Wines Half Marathon organized by Port Lincoln Triathlon Club. This race which starts and finishes at Boston Bay Wines is, beyond the sporting event, an original way to discover the bay of Port Lincoln, one of the world's largest protected natural harbours, on the southern tip of Eyre Peninsula. Friendly atmosphere, setting new personal bests over the distance, views of the ocean all followed by a pasta party at the Boston Bay Wines restaurant: a challenging and successful day!

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Port Lincoln Triathlon Club.