Cape Woolamai Surf Beach (Phillip Island)

Cape Woolamai Surf Beach is the longest and most exposed beach on Phillip Island, and is a popular spot for experienced surfers. An exposed, high energy beach for more experienced bathers and surfers. Best during summer northerly conditions, as westerly winds blow out the surf.

Strong rips make this beach dangerous for swimming; however, the big waves offer some of the best surfing in Victoria. It is the site of Phillip Island's only Surf Lifesaving Club, founded in 1959, and is patrolled during the summer months. Cape Woolamai Surf Beach is patrolled between 1st December - Easter Monday every weekend and daily through the Christmas peak season. Lifesavers are only on duty when the red and yellow flags are displayed. Remember to always swim between the flags

The beach is 4.2 kilometres long and faces south-west into the high waves and westerly winds. The persistently moderate to high waves average 1.7 m. Together with the fine to medium beach sand, they produce a moderately steep beach face. The 250 m wide surf zone contains an inner bar cut by strong, deep rips every 250 m, with an outer bar cut by more widely spaced rips. The rips usually scour deep holes in the beach, making them highly visible.

The Woolamai Beach Road runs out to the beach and provides parking in the large sealed car park at the surf club. This beach is part of the National Surfing Reserve. Toilets and change rooms are available. There are local food stores nearby providing hot and cold food, drinks and coffee.

Beach Patrol
The beach is patrolled by the Woolamai Beach SLSC. Please only swim between the flags. Patrol Calendar.

Swimming
This is a surf for experienced bathers only. The waves are usually large, and the rips strong and close inshore. Stay between the flags at all times and avoid the rips, as an average of 55 people are rescued annually. This hazardous beach has the third highest number of rescues per year in Victoria, lower only than Portsea and Gunnamatta.

Surfing
A popular spot for more experienced surfers. It offers some of the best beach breaks in Victoria, often with long lefts and rights peeling over the wide banks and into the deep rips. The Carpark break is located to the east of the surf club, while Anzac Alley is to the west of the club and offers good right handers. All Woolamai breaks are best with a low to moderate swell and northerly winds.

Fishing
Excellent rip holes are a characteristic of this beach.

Access for Dogs:

Dogs not permitted.

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