Beaches & coastlines

Discover sheltered bay beaches and wild surf beaches, blowholes, caves and unusual rock formations along Phillip Island's coastline. Designated a National Surfing Reserve in recognition of its surfing heritage and pristine environment, the island's diverse coastline boasts some of the best surf breaks in the state.

A beach for everyone

Choose the beach to suit your needs on Phillip Island, with the island's northern side the place to go for sheltered bay beaches, while the south coast is the destination for wild surf beaches.

Let the kids splash and explore on family-friendly bay beaches at Cowes and Ventnor Beach, while experienced surfers can tackle one of Australia's best beach breaks at Cape Woolamai.

Southern surf beaches

Woolamai Surf Beach
A renowned surf beach with strong rips and currents, for experienced swimmers and surfers. This long sandy beach is patrolled during summer months. Access from Beach Road, off Woolamai Road.

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

YCW Beach
Set on a lovely bay with 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.

Surf Beach and Surfies Point
Popular surf spots not recommended for swimming. Call island surf shops for condition reports. Access from The Esplanade, off Phillip Island Road.

Summerland Beach
The home of the famous nightly Penguin Parade and also a noted surfing beach. There is public access until dusk, when the beach is closed off for the Penguin Parade. This beach is not patrolled by lifesavers. Access from Ventnor Road.

Northern bay beaches

Shelly Beach, Cat Bay Beach, Flynns Reef
Shelly Beach is good 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
Good swimming beaches with stunning coastal views of Phillip Island and the Mornington Peninsula. Not suitable for surfing and not patrolled by lifesavers. Access from Ventnor Beach Road, off Ventnor Road.

Red Rocks 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
Popular with swimmers and families over summer thanks to a shallow high tide and facilities near the jetty. This beach is patrolled by lifesavers from Boxing Day (26 December) to Australia Day (26 January). Access from Thompson Avenue and the Esplanade.

For more information and safety guidance, visit beachsafe.org.au.