Cactus
Cactus is Australia's most remote quality surf zone—a collection of breaks at the edge of the Nullarbor Plain in South Australia, where the Southern Ocean delivers raw power to an isolated stretch of coastline. The main break is a hollow left that peels along a limestone reef, with nearby spots including the slab Supertubes. Getting here requires a 12-hour drive from Adelaide through desert scrub. The reward is empty lineups, powerful waves, and genuine wilderness surfing. Bring everything—nearest help is hours away.
Today's Conditions
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SW (225°)
- Direction range
- 190° - 260°
- Size range
- 1.5m - 3m
- Ideal size
- 2.5m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 16s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- ENE (70°)
- Offshore range
- 30° - 110°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid
- Optimal range
- 0.6m - 1.5m
Water temp
17°C
Wetsuit
3/2mm fullsuit
Difficulty
7/10
Crowd level
3/10
Access: 12 hours drive from Adelaide. Remote camping.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Cactus?
Cactus works best on a mid tide, ideally between 0.6m and 1.5m on the local tide chart. The tide chart above shows today’s strike window.
What wind direction is offshore at Cactus?
Offshore wind at Cactus blows from the ENE (70°). Anything in the 30° to 110° range grooms the faces; outside it, expect chop or bumpy conditions.
What swell size and direction work best at Cactus?
Cactus wants SW swell (190° to 260°) between 1.5m and 3m, with a period of 16s or more for quality waves.
When is the best time of year to surf Cactus?
The main season at Cactus is Apr-Sep. A secondary window runs Mar, Oct. Winter-spring. Remote Great Australian Bight. Southern Ocean power.
How do I get to Cactus?
Fly into ADL, then allow about 720 minutes by road. 12 hours drive from Adelaide. Remote camping.
What kind of wave is Cactus?
Cactus is a reef break, a left-hander. Difficulty is rated 7/10.
Best Season
Peak: Apr-Sep
Secondary: Mar, Oct
Winter-spring. Remote Great Australian Bight. Southern Ocean power.