Eyre Highway marks 50 years since final section was sealed

In 1976, the Eyre Highway completed its final stretch of sealing, marking 50 years since travellers could finally cross the Nullarbor on a sealed road. This 1,600-kilometre route connects Norseman in Western Australia to Port Augusta in South Australia, notorious for its rough conditions and long stretches of road. The highway, including the notorious 90 Mile Straight, was plagued by breakdowns, tire blowouts, and muddy roads before its sealing.

Lance Sturtzel, who crossed the Nullarbor during his honeymoon in 1964, recounted the challenges of the old road. The heavy rain on that journey transformed the road into something akin to the Eyre River. Today, the highway remains one of Australia's most iconic road trips, frequented by both tourists and those traversing for work.

Former regional engineer Peter Ryan noted that what once took all day to travel from Ceduna to Eucla could now be completed in one day, thanks to the sealed highway. The sealed road improved freight transport, tourism, and provided safe emergency landing strips for aircraft. Though the highway now allows for quicker travel, it has lost some of its charm, according to Sturtzel.

For residents along the highway, the sealed road has transformed travel from a challenging expedition to a safer and more reliable route, though its remote nature still presents unique challenges.