Waitpinga SA

Beach

Waitpinga Beach (170) is one of the more popular surfing beaches on the Fleurieu Peninsula. It is located 15 km west of Victor Harbour, with a 3 km long sealed road leading from the main road right to the beach. There is a car park behind the dune and an elevated walkway... Read more

Waitpinga Beach (170) is one of the more popular surfing beaches on the Fleurieu Peninsula. It is located 15 km west of Victor Harbour, with a 3 km long sealed road leading from the main road right to the beach. There is a car park behind the dune and an elevated walkway across the dune to the centre of the 3.1 km long beach. The beach is backed by largely vegetated dunes back, with Waitpinga creek and elongated lagoon behind the centre of the beach. A second parking area is located on the western headland, reached via the gravel Parsons Beach road.The beach faces almost due south exposing it to persistent high swell which averages about 2 m. Ninety metre high Newland Head forms the eastern boundary, with a 40 m high Waitpinga Hill head separating it from adjoining Parsons Beach. The combination of high swell and medium sand produces a steep beach and surf zone dominated by 8 to 10 large rips, separated by bars which are usually detached from the beach (Fig. 4.39). The alternating bars and rips produce megacusps, large scallops in the beach in lee of the rips, and protrusions in lee of the bars (Fig. 4.40). Strong permanent rips run out against each headland, in addition to rocks in the surf for 300 m south of Newland Head.

Swimming

These are two exposed, usually high waves and always rip dominated beaches. There are deep rip channels and strong rip currents right off the beach. Only swim or surf here if you really know what you are doing and are very experienced surfer.

Surfing

The alternating rips and bars on Waitpinga produce a series of beach breaks which can hold good waves up to 3 m, while parsons hold up to about 2 m. However only surf with friends as conditions here can be very hazardous.

Fishing

Waitpinga is a very popular spot for beach fishing owing to the deep, persistent rip gutters and holes, together with the rocks at each end.

General

Two relatively natural and wild beaches backed by rising dunes, a central small lagoon at Waitpinga and both fronted by the rip dominated surf. They are only suited for experienced surfers, otherwise it is worth the drive out for the view and walk along the beach.