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.
Cactus surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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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
- 2.2m - 2.6m
- 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
👥 Spring Break (Sep 26 – Oct 11) — expect extra crowds
Access: 12 hours drive from Adelaide. Remote camping.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Cactus?
The Cactus profile favors mid tide, ideally between 0.6m and 1.5m on the local tide chart. Compare this preference with the forecast tide and local conditions before choosing a session.
What wind direction is offshore at Cactus?
The Cactus profile uses wind from ENE (70°) as its preferred direction, with an offshore range of 30° to 110°. Wind speed matters too: light winds outside that range can still produce surfable conditions, while strong offshore winds can make takeoffs difficult.
What swell size and direction work best at Cactus?
The Cactus scoring profile favors swell from SW (190° to 260°), a swell-height range of 1.5m to 3m, and a reference period of 16s. These are model inputs, not guaranteed breaking-wave heights or a promise that the surf will suit every ability.
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?
The spot profile lists ADL as a nearby airport. The estimated road transfer is 720 minutes. 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.
Getting There
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