From barrels, to soft gentle baby waves – Phillip Island is home to some wonderful surf beaches for all abilities.
Offering some of the best breaks in Victoria, Phillip Island is home to some of the best waves in the country. There are annual surf competitions held here on Cape Woolamai. The best season for surfing in Phillip Island is April to October, where the winter swells flush through the best, most consistent wave sets. December to February (summer months) offer friendlier waves that are much smaller.
From beaches perfect for beginners, to pro waves, here are our top picks!
Cape Woolamai
Perhaps the most famous surf beach on Phillip Island, Cape Woolamai consists of world-class beach breaks that offer consistency. This is a long stretch of sandy beach with a reef at the beginning of the beach. It’s worth noting that Woolamai is better suited for experienced surfers, due to its reef break.
The end of Woolamai Beach is a great spot for barrel waves too.
Cat Bay
There are some great winds on Cat Bay and a variety of breaks both on the left and right-hand sides of the beach. There are onshore winds and large swells in the south-facing part of the Island Beaches.
When the other beaches are a bit too rough that day, Cat Bay offers a nice Plan B.
On Cat Bay, check out the sheltered beach, Shelley Beach, for some nice beginner waves. Longboarders and first-timers alike, Shelley Beach’s waves offer gentle rolls that cover a flat reef.
Smiths Beach
The waves here on Smiths Beach are a little mellower than the other beaches. Many first-time surfers go here, and many will catch their first ever wave. Or if you’re a seasoned surfer, paddle your way here for a softer surf and more forgiving waves! These gentler waves are consistent and are often the same, so you can rely on Smiths Beach for good training waves.
Managing Director at Sightseeing Tours Australia
Cameron Ward turned his travel passion into a thriving Australian tourism business. Before he co-founded his own business, Sightseeing Tours Australia, he was enjoying being a Melbourne tour guide. Even now, Cameron delights in helping visitors from all around the world get the most out of their incredible Australian trip. You’ll see Cameron leading tours or writing about his favourite Australian places where he shares his local insights.