Final design chosen for iconic Nullarbor photo stop

An iconic photo spot along the Nullarbor is getting a makeover.

The Western Australia–South Australia border sign has stood tall for three decades, but it is now set to be replaced.

A public vote between two designs across 14 social media posts weighed up “bush to beach” or “ochre and ocean”.

The latter eventually prevailed, receiving 888 votes – almost 80 per cent of the total vote.

It’s a design Deputy Premier Rita Saffioti believes represents “reflects the striking colours of the border landscape”.

“The WA-SA border sign is an iconic stop for the thousands of people travelling across the Nullarbor each year,” she said.

“It’s great to see the community having their say on the sign design, and I’m looking forward to seeing it in place next year.”

The current sign along Eyre Highway will begin being demolished next month.

The WA letters were replaced in 2023 after they fell down to corrosion.

The new sign will be installed in early 2027 and is set to cost taxpayers $900,000 – and WA will foot the entire bill.

“Getting money out of South Australia is pretty hard,” Saffioti said.

“They are already bemoaning about our GST deal, so we’ll just pay it.”

Meanwhile, the border crossing will be accompanied by a shelter 4½ metres tall and 11 metres long.

Main Roads WA worked with key stakeholders, including the Goldfields-Esperance Development Commission, Shire of Dundas, Tourism WA, the Department for Infrastructure and Transport in South Australia, Tourism SA, and the Mirning Traditional Owners, to finalise design options for the new structure and information panels.

Kalgoorlie MLA Ali Kent said the new sign would be a “fitting entryway to our great state, celebrating the rich colours of our region from the red dirt to the blue sky”.

Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.