Cocklebiddy

Cocklebiddy's Wedgetail Inn

Cocklebiddy is situated 64 kilometres east of Caiguna and 91 kilometres west of Madura.

Cocklebiddy History

Cocklebiddy lies on the southern edge of Western Australia's truly vast sheep grazing belt. Within the area are several large scale sheep grazing operations, some larger than a number of European countries. One such station is Arubiddy which spans an area over 3200 square kilometres. With limited rainfall sparse stocking rates of about 8 to 10 sheep per square kilometre are the norm. During its pioneering years Cocklebiddy was the site of an aboriginal mission. Today however, all that remains of the aboriginal mission are its stone foundations.

Cocklebiddy Cave

In recent years Cocklebiddy has gained an international reputation as a site for one of the world's largest cave systems. Ten kilometres to the north west of Cocklebiddy Roadhouse lies Cocklebiddy cave. In 1983 a French caving expedition created caving history by exploring Cocklebiddy Cave to an unprecedented distance of 6.4 kilometres. This record was later broken in 1995 by an Australian named Christopher Brown - bettering the 1983 record by a mere 20 metres. Cocklebiddy cave system is unique in that the cave system extensively penetrates an aquifer that lies 90 metres below the Nullarbor Plain. Within Cocklebiddy cave are a number of vast limestone caverns, rockfalls and saline subterranean lakes that extend for several hundred metres.

During World War 2 Australian Army engineers attempted to tap water supplies from Cocklebiddy's vast underground lakes. All their attempts proved in vain however. Reports from the time indicate that Army Engineers were disappointed to discover that a thin skin of fresh water overlay a much greater volume of highly saline lake waters. Caving in the Cocklebiddy area is really only recommended for highly organised and experienced caving groups.

Cocklebiddy Roadhouse Accommodation, Caravan Park and Fuel

For the Nullarbor traveller Cocklebiddy Roadhouse is a useful road stop. Cocklebiddy Roadhouse is run by Golden Outback and has air-conditioned motel rooms (deluxe, standard, pet-friendly and family rooms), a caravan park with powered sites, plus camping, a restaurant and tavern, and an EV charging point. The roadhouse and its fuel pumps are open from 6 am to 8 pm - fuel is not available overnight. For further information telephone (08) 9039 3462.

Prices and rates change often out here, so we no longer list them on this page — please phone ahead for current rates. Spotted something out of date? Let us know.

Cocklebiddy Attractions: Twilight Cove and Eyre Bird Observatory

Many travellers see Cocklebiddy as little more than a welcome rest stop on the Nullarbor. For those of you who are prepared to depart the Eyre Highway however, the Cocklebiddy area does have attractions of note. One such attraction is Twilight Cove which is located to the south of Cocklebiddy. Here the Nullarbor's limestone cliffs tower 70 metres or more above the Great Australian Bight. Apparently good fishing opportunities can be found along this remote area of coastline. Twilight Cove is located in Nuytsland Nature Reserve and access to the area is only possible via 4 wheel drive vehicles. Ask for directions from Cocklebiddy Roadhouse staff.
Ten kilometres to the northwest of Cocklebiddy Roadhouse lies Cocklebiddy cave. Here travellers can view the entrance to one of the worlds largest cave systems - just watch out for the occasional snake! Exploration of this cave is really and truly only recommended for highly organised and experienced cave groups however. Nullarbor caves can be quite treacherous and as the sign says at Cocklebiddy Roadhouse, "Caves are High Risk Areas."

Perhaps the best attraction in the Cocklebiddy area is Eyre Bird Observatory. Depending on how the crow flies, Eyre Bird Observatory is located 40 to 50 kilometres to the southeast of Cocklebiddy. Access to the area is via a turnoff on the Eyre Highway, 17 kilometres east of Cocklebiddy. Conventional vehicles can travel along the access road as far as the lookout; located 4km past the microwave tower. Please note road conditions in the area can be variable. At Eyre Bird Observatory day visitors are welcome and a modest entry fee is charged, which includes a guided tour of the facility and access to the surrounding area. Eyre Bird Observatory also provides overnight accommodation including meals. Should you not possess a 4 wheel drive vehicle a pick up and drop off service is offered by the Caretakers of Eyre Bird Observatory, for guests staying two or more nights.

For serious naturalists Eyre Bird Observatory can also provide overnight accommodation in this truly unique and remote part of the world. There's more to look at than just birds! Eyre Bird Observatory is Australia's first Bird Observatory and is run on a non-profit basis. Please note: BirdLife Australia says the Observatory is temporarily closed while health and safety improvements are made. Check with BirdLife Australia on (03) 9347 0757 or support@birdlife.org.au before making the trip.

Nullarbor Net Travel Tips

If you are travelling in the middle of the night, note that Cocklebiddy and Caiguna only sell fuel from 6 am to 8 pm. The nearest 24-hour fuel is at Madura, 91 kilometres to the east. Having said that travel at night is best avoided - unless you are driving a semi-trailer rig!

Cocklebiddy Roadhouse: common questions

Is fuel available 24 hours at Cocklebiddy?

No. The roadhouse and its fuel pumps are open 6 am to 8 pm only - there is no overnight fuel. The nearest 24-hour fuel is at Madura, 91 km east. See fuel stops.

Does Cocklebiddy have a caravan park?

Yes - Cocklebiddy Roadhouse has a caravan park with powered sites, plus camping. Phone (08) 9039 3462 to book.

What accommodation is there at Cocklebiddy?

Air-conditioned motel rooms - deluxe, standard, family and pet-friendly rooms - run by Golden Outback. Book online at golden-outback.com.au or phone (08) 9039 3462.

Can I bring my dog to Cocklebiddy Roadhouse?

Pets can stay in the designated pet-friendly rooms only (a fee applies, one pet per room), and must be on a lead outside.

How much does it cost to stay at Cocklebiddy?

We don't list prices because they change often. Check current rates on the Golden Outback booking page or phone (08) 9039 3462.

Where is Cocklebiddy?

On the Eyre Highway in WA, 64 km east of Caiguna and 91 km west of Madura. About 1,160 km by road from Perth (via Coolgardie and Norseman) and about 1,540 km from Adelaide.

Checked with the businesses' own websites in October 2026. Hours and facilities can change, so phone ahead before relying on them. Spotted something out of date? Let us know.

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