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Beaches and scenic attractions – Phillip Island

Surfer on Phillip Island

Phillip Island is a popular getaway for its beautiful coastal scenery, sheltered bay beaches on the northern side of the Island and wild surf beaches on the south coast.

Take the time to stop and look out over roaring surf and steep cliff top scenery from lookouts dotted around the island. The Nobbies at the far south-eastern tip of the Island is a magnificent headland with boardwalks and lookout points offering spectacular coastal views along Phillip Island’s rugged south coast.

Other natural landmarks and formations on the island include Pyramid Rock – columns of basalt shaped like a pyramid on a platform of granite that looks out over stunning views of the southern coastline. The Forrest Caves, a series of sea-eroded caverns, and The Colonnades, an unusual rock formation on the cliff face resembling organ pipes, can both be accessed via Phillip Island Tourist Road. On the far south-western corner of the Island is Cape Woolamai – Phillip Island’s highest point criss crossed with walking tracks that lead to viewing platforms and breathtaking views of the dramatic offshore rock formations – The Pinnacles.

Southern surf beaches:

Woolamai Surf Beach

Woolamai Surf Beach is a popular surf beach that renowned for strong rips and currents. This long sandy beach is patrolled by the Woolamai Surf Lifesaving Club during the summer months.
Access from Beach Road, off Woolamai Road.

Forest Caves Beach

Head to Forest Caves Beach and the large sea-eroded caverns that were once spectacular sea caves. From the car park follow the short track to a viewing platform, onto the beach and to the caves, which are only accessible at low tide. This beach is not recommended for surfing or swimming.
Access off Phillip Island Road.

Surf Beach and Surfies Point

As their names indicate, these are popular surfing spots. For detailed information on the most suitable surfing conditions please ring Island Surfboards on +61 3 5952 3443 or Islantis Surf shop on +613 5956 7553. These beaches are not recommended for swimming.
Access from The Esplanade, off Phillip Island Road.

Smiths Beach

Smiths beach is located on a bay and offers gentle surf for less experienced surfers. It is patrolled during the summer months.
Access from Smiths Beach Road, off Back Beach Road.

YCW Beach

YCW beach is located on a lovely bay and offers gentle surf for less experienced surfers. This beach is not patrolled and therefore not recommended for swimming.
Access from Beachcomber Avenue, off Back Beach Road.

Summerland Beach

This is the home of the famous nightly Penguin Parade and is also a noted surfing beach. There is public access until dusk when the beach is closed off for all but those participating in the penguin parade. This beach is not patrolled by lifesavers.
Access from Ventnor Road.

Northern bay beaches:

Shelly Beach, Cat Bay Beach, Flynns Reef

Enjoy the spectacular views of Western Port and the Mornington Peninsula from these beaches. Shelly Beach is a good beach for beginner surfers, as waves are seldom over one metre in size. Cat Bay Beach and Flynns Beach have waves breaking over flat rock and reef. These beaches are not patrolled by lifesavers.
Access from Ventnor Road.

Ventnor Beach, Anchorage Beach

These beaches are good for swimming and offer stunning coastal views of Phillip Island and the Mornington Peninsula. These beaches do not have waves suitable for surfing and are not patrolled by lifesavers.
Access from Ventnor Beach Road, off Ventnor Road.

Red Rocks Beach

Located to the west of the Cowes main beach, this sheltered sandy beach is popular with swimmers during the summer months. It is not patrolled by lifesavers.
Access from Red Rocks Road.

Cowes Beach

The Cowes main beach area is very popular with swimmers during the summer months as during high tide it is shallow and suitable for children. There are toilet and shower facilities near the jetty. This beach is patrolled by lifesavers over the summer school holidays from Boxing Day (26 December) to Australia Day (26 January).
Access from Thompson Avenue and the Esplanade.