Phillip Island – Woolamai
San Remo, Victoria, Australia
Sports: Surfing
Best time to go: March–October
Woolamai Beach lies on the south coast of Phillip Island, about two hours south-east of Melbourne, stretching west from the granite headland of Cape Woolamai. It faces south into Bass Strait and is one of the most consistent beaches on the island, picking up south-west swells from the Southern Ocean even when other spots are flat. Northerly and north-westerly winds are offshore and are most common in the cooler months, which are also the most reliable for swell, roughly March to October.
The waves break over sandbanks as fast, powerful peaks, with rocks towards the cape. The beach is known for very strong rips, and it is patrolled by lifeguards only in the warmer months, so it suits capable intermediate and advanced surfers rather than beginners. On big days the paddle-out is long and demanding. Gentler beaches elsewhere on the island are better for learning. The water is cold: about 12 to 13 °C in winter, when a 4/3 or 5/4 wetsuit with boots is usual, and about 17 to 18 °C in late summer.
Spots near Phillip Island – Woolamai
- Melbourne – St Kilda (82 km)
- Bells Beach (94 km)