Cactus

Visas

Everyone except Kiwis needs a visa before arriving in OZ so get one in good time before arriving. European countries, USA, Canada and Japan can get a free tourist visa online (some nations maybe charged a A$20 “service charge”). Visas last for 12 months but you can only stay for a total of either 3 or 6 months within the 12 month period. As always check carefully for any updates before you travel.

Getting There

Adelaide is a rare int’l flight but Singapore fly direct from SE Asia, Air New Zealand to Auckland and Qatar fly from Doha. There are many flights (Virgin, Qantas, Jetstar, REX) from Melbourne and Sydney daily; Melbourne (from AU$70 o/w). Driving from Melbourne would take 10h. It’s an 800km (500mi) drive from Adelaide to Cactus, passing through Ceduna and Penong. From Penong there is no public transport to Cactus.

Getting Around

Although you can make it to Cactus along the hard-pack dirt between the salt lakes without a 4WD, make sure you’re fully equipped with spare parts, fuel and extra tyres. Desert breakdowns can be serious… always stay with your vehicle. It's 25km from Penong but a full hour's drive to Ceduna and a supermarket. Spots are all within walking distance of each other, but watch where you step.

Accommodation

Camping only. The land is private property where you can stay in the Cactus Beach Campground for AU$25/n. There’s now hot and cold showers, composting toilets and even a communal kitchen, but take everything you need with you, including lots of water and some shade set-up.

Activities

There’s very little around this area except dust, shimmering salt pans and flies, from whom there is no escape (except when surfing). It’s a wild and untamed area that many people would consider hell.

Hazards & hassles

The shark factor has always been high and White Pointers have taken bites out of a few people, although there hadn’t been a fatality since 1975. However in late September 2000, a honeymooning Kiwi surfer, Cameron Bayes (25) was tragically taken by a White, during an early surf at Cactus lefts. The next day, another surfer (Jevan Wright, 17) was taken 250km (150mi) SE of Cactus, near Elliston, and in both cases, no bodies were recovered. The surfers inevitably return, but the threat is undeniably real. On land, the flies can be mind-numbingly annoying, but they’re not as bad as the king brown snakes, which can have lethal bites.

Handy Hints

Cactus is not a place for the faint-hearted, so be prepared for a serious desert experience. Bring several boards (guns for the 8-10ft days) and a winter suit. Gravelle is a good local shaper.

Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.