As local surfers will attest, you can always find a wave somewhere on the island.
But with big swells and dangerous rips a feature at some local beaches, it’s important to know the best places to paddle out or head to for a swim.
If you’re planning a day at the beach, don’t risk becoming a statistic. The best idea is to head to a patrolled beacj, with lifesaving services operating through until the end of summer.
Cape Woolamai
Woolamai Surf Beach
This iconic beach should be treated with respect, with its notoriously strong rips and currents and large swell. The beach is a favourite for surfers and is patrolled seven days a week from the start of December until the end of February. Car parking, toilets, change rooms and a kiosk are all on site, along with the Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club rooms.
Anzacs / The Colonnades / Ocean Reach (Aussie Track)
Favourite surf breaks, these are unpatrolled and are not considered suitable for swimmers due to dangerous rips, big waves and limited facilities. Anzacs has car parking and toilet facilities.
Safety Beach / Cleeland Bight
On the other side of Cape Woolamai the bay beach is popular with families because of its gentle waves, however it is not patrolled. Toilet block and limited car parking. There is a dog-off leash area in the section of the beach between Palm Beach Avenue access track, 350 south to Southport Avenue access track. Please observe the seasonal restrictions around dogs on beaches.
Surf Beach
Forrest Caves and Surfies Point are popular with surfers, but are unpatrolled and unsuitable for swimmers or inexperienced surfers. The rocks and caves are popular with beachwalkers.
Smiths Beach
Smiths Beach
A major destination for families, this patrolled beach offers good waves and gentler conditions, and is home to several local surf schools, with car parking and toilet facilities. It’s just a short stroll to the popular local store for food and drinks and surfing equipment is available for hire. Surfers head to Express Point at the eastern end of the beach, but it’s one for experienced surfers only.
YCW
Just west of Smiths Beach is YCW, another popular destination for families and beginner surfers. A right-only beach break that works on a low to mid-tide. Unpatrolled.
Cowes
Cowes Main Beach
One of the most popular beaches on the island, its calm waters and sandy shores make it perfect for families, and it’s patrolled through until the end of January. All the facilities of Cowes are within walking distance, as well as picnic and barbeque spots.
There is a dog off leash beach at Cowes West beach, between the Yacht Club access track, 340 metres to McKenzie Road access track. Please observe seasonal restrictions for dogs on beaches.
Red Rocks
Popular for its calm waters and amazing views, it’s perfect for beach walks and splashing in the shallows. Unpatrolled with limited car parking.
Ventnor
Ventnor beach, on the island’s north-west coast is home to the popular dog beach (between Graydens Road and Ventnor Beach Road), but also attracts those hoping to escape the crowds of the more popular beaches. Unpatrolled, with limited facilities and parking at some entries.
Summerland Peninsula
As well as being the home of the famous Little Penguins, Summerland boasts some popular surfing spots, however none of these beaches are patrolled.
Cat Bay / Right Point / Flynns / Shelley Beach
Reef breaks catering for surfers of varying abilities, the lack of facilities or patrols makes these beaches unsuitable for family outings. There is parking and a toilet block at Flynns, although the 200m walk through the dunes from the carpark might put off families with lots to carry. The area provides good surfing conditions, mainly during summer when the swell is greater than two metres with a south to east wind.
Summerland
Known as the birthplace of Phillip Island surfing, it’s popular with surfers and is ideally suited to longer boards and mals. It’s also the home of the Penguin Parade
Kitty Miller Bay
Impressive views, and plenty of rock pools, in the right conditions, this is truly an island paradise. Perfect for rambling including the nearby wreck of the SS Speke. In the right conditions, you’ll struggle to find a spot in the carpark as surfers flock to the area. Unpatrolled with no facilities.
Berrys Beach
Like Kitty Miller, Berrys is a favourite with surfers in the right conditions, and it’s ideal for rock pool rambling. There’s a clifftop path from Berrys Beach through to the Pyramid Rock lookout, but keep an eye out for copperhead snakes during summer!
San Remo
Back Beach
Although unpatrolled, the Back Beach at San Remo incorporates several children’s beaches and a dog friendly beach. There are public facilities and great spaces for picnics and barbeques at the Lions Park at the end of Back Beach Road, making it popular for families.
Bore Bay
At the end of Potters Hill Road, the secluded Bore Bay is popular with body borders for its shore break, but its dangerous rips make it unsuitable for swimming. Unpatrolled. Limited car parking and long beach access stairs.
