Cactus Beach / Point Sinclair Campground – Penong, South Australia

Remote Coastal Camping, World-Class Surf and a Classic Eyre Peninsula Detour

Located around 20 kilometres south of Penong, Cactus Beach is one of the most famous surfing locations on the far-western Eyre Peninsula and a popular detour for travellers crossing the Nullarbor Plain. The campground, commonly known as Point Sinclair Campground or Cactus Beach Campground, sits amongst low coastal scrub behind the dunes, within easy walking distance of the beach. This is basic, remote coastal camping rather than a conventional holiday park, but toilets, showers and non-drinking water are available.

Cactus Beach Campground Overview

Camping at Cactus Beach

The campground sits amongst the dune scrub between Point Sinclair Road and Cactus Beach, providing a relaxed bush-camping atmosphere within walking distance of the coast. Sites are informal and unpowered, with enough room for a range of camping setups including caravans, camper trailers and tents.

The campground is suitable for:

• Caravans
• Camper trailers
• Campervans
• Motorhomes suitable for unsealed access
• Tents

Camping is first come, first served rather than bookable. During popular surfing periods the campground can become busy, so arriving earlier in the day is sensible if you want a choice of sites.

See also:

• Penong Caravan Park
• Old School Site Penong

How Much Does Camping Cost?

Current campground information indicates that Point Sinclair is a paid campground rather than a free camp. A verified campground listing updated in 2026 identifies camping fees as applying, while recent traveller reports from 2025 describe a rate of approximately $20 per adult per night.

Facilities

Facilities are basic but useful for such an isolated campground.

• Toilets
• Basic showers
• Non-drinking water
• Rubbish and recycling facilities reported
• Unpowered campsites
• Beach access
• Nearby jetty
• Fishing
• Surfing

South Australia’s marine park information specifically identifies Cactus Beach as having a designated camping area with toilets, freshwater and shaded areas. Other campground sources describe the available water as non-drinking or bore water, so visitors should carry their own drinking supply.

Are Dogs Allowed?

Yes. Dogs are reported as being permitted at Point Sinclair Campground provided they are kept on a lead. The campground is therefore a useful option for travellers crossing the Nullarbor with a dog, although owners should always keep pets under control around other campers and wildlife.

Surfing at Cactus Beach

Cactus Beach is internationally renowned for its surf breaks. Cactus and nearby Castles sit on the western side of Point Sinclair, with several other breaks around the headland including Witzigs, Backdoors, Cunns, Caves, Crushers and Supertubes. The combination of exposed Southern Ocean swell and offshore reef formations has made the area legendary among experienced surfers. Autumn and winter generally provide the most consistent larger swell, although conditions vary considerably with weather and wind.

Fishing at Point Sinclair

Fishing is another popular activity around Cactus Beach and Point Sinclair. Beach fishing is possible, and the nearby Point Sinclair area also provides access to a jetty and sheltered coastal waters. As always in South Australia, anglers should check current recreational fishing size, bag and marine park restrictions before fishing.

Swimming at Point Sinclair

While the surf breaks around Cactus Beach can be powerful, the Point Sinclair area also provides more sheltered swimming opportunities. Camping Australia currently identifies a netted swimming enclosure near the jetty, giving visitors an alternative to swimming directly in the exposed surf zone.

Getting There from Penong

Cactus Beach and Point Sinclair are approximately 20 to 21 kilometres south of Penong. Access is via the road to Point Sinclair and Cactus Beach. The campground is situated behind the coastal dunes close to the beach. Penong is the nearest town for fuel, groceries, food and other essential supplies, so it is sensible to stock up before heading out to the coast.

Lake MacDonnell

One of the highlights of the drive from Penong to Cactus Beach is Lake MacDonnell, famous for its striking pink and blue water colours when conditions are favourable. The lake has become one of the most photographed attractions in this part of South Australia and makes an easy stop on the way to Point Sinclair.

What Should You Bring?

Although the campground has some facilities, Cactus Beach is still an isolated coastal location. Bring:

Best Time to Stay

Cactus Beach can be visited throughout the year, although conditions can be windy and exposed. For surfers, autumn and winter generally bring the more consistent Southern Ocean swells. Travellers primarily interested in camping, sightseeing and exploring the coastline may prefer milder conditions during spring and autumn.

Contact and Booking Details

Final Thoughts

Cactus Beach and Point Sinclair Campground offer a very different experience from the roadhouses and caravan parks found along the main Nullarbor route. The campground is remote and relatively simple, but its coastal setting, legendary surf breaks, fishing, nearby swimming area and relaxed bush-camping atmosphere make it a worthwhile detour from Penong.

If you enjoy remote coastal camping and don’t mind basic facilities, Point Sinclair is one of the more memorable places to spend a night or two before continuing across the Nullarbor.