Surfing In Cactus Beach The Ultimate Guide For 2024

If you’re dreaming of surfing somewhere off the beaten path, Cactus Beach in South Australia might just be your dream destination. While you won’t see any cactus plants, you’ll see the wild and untamed side of South Australia at its best. 

Also known as Point Sinclair National Surfing Reserve, this place is not just another dreamy surf break. Here, you can find waves that cater to all levels, from the mellow left to the punchy and barrelling right. Everyone will enjoy a ride!  

Getting there is no easy task, but it sure is a rewarding one. On the way, you’ll see the beauty of the desert plain, pass a pink lake, and see some amazing sand dunes.  

So let me tell you how I found this amazing surfing beach and what you should expect when surfing there. I’ll cover everything from how to get there to what to bring and the best conditions. let’s go! 

Where Is Cactus Beach Located?

Cactus Beach is Located in South Australia, about an hour’s drive from Ceduna, the “biggest” town in the area. Getting there without a car would be a real challenge. 

But techniqelly you could fly to Ceduna Airport and take an expensive taxi ride to the beach or better yet rent a car for a couple of days and explore the area. 

I stumbled upon this amazing place as i was crossing the nallabour plane, a dry story for a different blog post. But many locals have told me about this amazing surf break called Cactus Beach, so I had to check it out. 

Getting there by car is straightforward; type “Cactus Beach” on Google Maps and follow the road. Or just hit his link 👇

As soon as you get to Penong, a small town along the highway, make sure you have all the supplies you need because there are no shops elsewhere.

 That includes water, food, snacks, fuel, or anything else you might need for a couple of days at the beach. In fact, I would suggest doing it in Ceduna, as there are more options and it is slightly less expensive. 

When Is The Best Time To Surf In Cactus Beach? 

Timing your trip with the best condition for your ability is always the trickiest part of planning a surf trip. Always be honest about your skill level and plan accordingly. Most important, be flexible as it won’t always go according to your plans but that’s the beauty of it all. 

Summer (December to February) is probably my least favorite season to visit Cactus Beach. Not only will the fly be annoying you all day, but the heat is almost unbearable. The swells can be unpredictable, and the wind often blows onshore, making it hard to score epic waves. 

Autumn (March to May) is the best time to surf at Cactus Beach. The water temps are bearable—around 19-20°C (so yeah, you’ll still need a 3/2 wetsuit)—and the swell is consistently good. You get those nice southern swells that line up perfectly with the reef breaks.

Plus, the winds tend to be offshore in the mornings, giving you that crisp, clean surf we all dream about. It’s also not as scorching hot as summer, which is a huge plus when camping out in the middle of nowhere.

Winter (June to Aug)brings colder water andbigger, gnarlier swells. You will get lucky with some epic waves, but the conditions are harsher overall. That said, there are fewer people, which can be nice.

Spring (September to November) is a bit of a wild card. You can get some decent waves, but the winds can be unpredictable. There’s something special about this time of year, though. The wildflowers in the surrounding desert start blooming, and the sunsets? Absolutely unreal.

Pro Tip: keep an eye on the swell direction. Cactus Beach works best with a southwest swell. Anything else, and you might end up with some pretty inconsistent waves. Checking the forecast before you go is a must. 

Surf Spots At Cactus Beach

This area’s coastline is full of potential waves and epic surf breaks. If you’re keen on surfing waves all to yourself and have a reliable 4WD and like-minded friends, be sure you’ll score! 

But for most people, getting to Cactus Beach is already a mission by itself, so I’ll go ahead and break down the surf spots along this beach so you’ll know where to paddle out. 

Castles: Perfect for Intermediate Surfers

If you’re somewhere between a beginner and a seasoned pro, Castles is your best bet. It’s got a pretty consistent break, especially when the southwest swell rolls in, and the waves aren’t too intimidating for intermediates. That said, don’t get too cocky—it’s not a mellow beach break. The waves can pack some punch, especially on a bigger day. 

Caves: No Beginners Allowed

Serousley, though, is not a spot for beginners or intermediates who are not comfortable with fast, hollow, and big waves breaking over a shallow reef. On the right swell, you can get head to double overhead high barreling waves in here! 

Time your paddle out right to avoid being caught inside on a set, and as always, practice surf etiquette and respect the locals in the water. 

I haven’t surfed this spot as the swell wasn’t big enough for it to break properly. But hearing stories from the locals and seeing theier eyes pop wide open says it all.

Cactus: The Go-To Spot for Beginners 

On the flip side, Cactus is way more beginner-friendly. The waves here are much more forgiving, with softer, slower breaks that are perfect for practicing your pop-up or just getting used to being in the lineup.

It’s a great spot for beginners who want a taste of the Cactus Beach scene without getting thrown into the deep end—literally and figuratively.

Keep in mind, on bigger swells, it can be more challenging for beginners, so be sure to check the forecast before you go. 

Pro Tip: All the spots on this beach are reef breaks. Wearing booties will help protect your feet from cuts and keep you warm for longer in the water. 

Hazards and Safety Considerations

One thing about Cactus Beach that you’ve got to respect is how wild it is. This place isn’t a commercialized surf hub with lifeguards and cafes. You’re on your own out here (well, with other adventure seekers…), so safety is key.

Reefs: As mentioned earlier almost every surf spot at Cactus Beach has some sort of reef to navigate. Keep an eye on the tide and always, always wear booties if you’re unsure. The rocks are sharp, and a misstep can end your session real quick.

Currents: Strong currents are common, especially on windy days. Make sure you’re paddling with purpose, and if you feel yourself getting dragged, don’t fight it—paddle sideways to escape the current. 

Sharks: Look, no one likes to talk about it, but sharks are around. This part of South Australia is known for them, so it’s worth being cautious. Surfing with a buddy and avoiding dawn or dusk sessions is always a good idea. 

At the end of the day,Cactus Beach is about as raw and wild as surfing gets in Australia. If you respect the environment and know your limits, you’re going to have an unforgettable experience. Just make sure you’re prepared for the elements—and maybe bring a first aid kit for good measur

Where To Stay At Cactus Beach

When it comes to staying near Cactus Beach, the options are limited. You can either camp at the campground close to the beach. I think it’s about 20 AUD Per Person (Please double-check beforehand because prices might change). 

There is only a drop toilet in this campground, so being self-efficient is a big plus. No shower or drinking water is provided, so make sure you have at least 3-4 liters per person per day for drinking water. 

The other option is to stay in the small town of Penong, where you have a couple of motels and one Caravan Park with more facilities. 

Thing To Do In The Area 

Let’s be real, surfing at Cactus Beach is amazing, but you’re not going to be in the water 24/7. Lucky for you, the surrounding area is packed with unique sights and experiences. So, when the swell dies down or you just need a break, here are some things you can do to soak in the local flavor.

Take Pictures At The Pink Lake

The pink lake is on the way to the beach so you stop and enjoy the beauty of the pink water. The perfect shot would be from a drone capturing bith lakes one blue and the other pink with the road sperating the two. But if you don’t have a drone a simple smartphone would do as well. 

The pink color comes from a species of bacteria that thrives in salty environments. So, generally speaking, the lake might be less colorful after rainy days. 

Visit Point Sincalr Jetty

This spot is on the other side of the penesuila. the bay is protected from waves and has a shrak enclougere. Great for taking the family for a swim withour worrying what might be swimming underneath. 

There’s a picknick spot but shade is limited so having an awning is a big plus. 

Check Out the Local Wildlife

Out here in the wilds of South Australia, the local wildlife is no joke. I’ve spotted kangaroos, emus, and even eagles on the drive to Cactus Beach.

If you’re lucky, you might even see some sea lions or dolphins near the beach, and if you’re really lucky (or unlucky, depending on how you feel about it), you might spot a shark while you’re in the lineup.

Outside of the water, though, keep your camera handy because you’ll run into all kinds of animals.

Conclusion

Cactus Beach isn’t just a surf spot—it’s an adventure. From the epic waves at Castles and Caves to the rugged beauty of the Nullarbor Plain, this remote corner of South Australia has so much to offer beyond the lineup.

Whether you’re camping right on the beach, or spotting wildlife in their natural habitat, there’s no shortage of experiences waiting for you. Just be prepared for the raw, untouched nature of the place—because that’s what makes it so special.

And when you’re not chasing waves, don’t forget to embrace the quiet moments and take in everything this wild, untamed stretch of coast has to offer.

Now, pack your gear, hit the road, and make Cactus Beach your next surf destination—you won’t regret it!