Cape Woolamai Beach

On Phillip Island, Cape Woolamai Beach is a must see natural wonder with its rich surfing history, stunning coastal views and white sand. One of Australia’s most famous surf beaches, it attracts experienced surfers, families and nature lovers alike to ride its waves, pink granite cliffs and wildlife. You can surf, hike, birdwatch or play beach games, it’s the ultimate destination for adventure and relaxation.

The Beauty of Cape

Cape Woolamai Beach is a work of art, a coastline of rugged cliffs, white sand and pink granite. The pink granite, carved over thousands of years, adds a warm tone to the landscape against the icy blue of the Bass Strait. One of Phillip Island’s most famous surf beaches, Cape Woolamai, is loved by locals and visitors alike for its views, golden sand and ocean life.
Being on the southeastern tip of Phillip Island means it’s a great spot to watch sunrises and sunsets, with the cliffs and granite rocks casting long shadows and warm colours over the sand. The beach is surrounded by coastal scrub and sand dunes, a natural barrier that makes it feel untouched. With deep blue water and views of the Phillip Island coastline, Cape Woolamai is a beautiful place to explore, relax, or just take in the natural beauty.

Popular Activities at Cape

Surfing

Known as a world-renowned surf beach, Cape Woolamai Beach has a reputation for its huge waves and consistent surf conditions. It’s part of the National Surfing Reserve, recognized for its impressive waves that attract advanced and experienced surfers from around the globe. Woolamai Surf Beach, located near the Cape Woolamai Beach Carpark, is ideal for surf enthusiasts looking to challenge themselves on the exposed beach. The beach also hosts the Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club, which provides information on beach safety and conditions, making it a popular beach for surfing competitions and gatherings.

Hiking Trails

If you prefer to walk, Cape Woolamai Trail and its circuit trail has coastal scrub, sandy beaches and the pink granite headland. Marked trails including The Pinnacles trails offer great coastal views and are a popular walk especially at dusk when the light hits the cliffs. These trails also link to other popular walks so you have many options to choose from on a Melbourne to Phillip Island tour.

Birdwatching

Cape Woolamai is home to the famous short-tailed shearwaters, or mutton birds, which return each year to nest along the beach’s cliffs. The rookery attracts bird lovers eager to witness this natural spectacle, as well as other migratory birds and aquatic birds that inhabit the area. Cape Woolamai’s rugged terrain and coastal walk tracks make it ideal for birdwatchers looking to catch sight of these unique species, especially around the nesting season.

Photography

Photographers are drawn to Cape Woolamai’s wild scenery, from the dramatic pink granite cliffs to the icy-blue water and golden sand. The area’s varied landscape and rich wildlife offer endless opportunities for memorable shots. Sunrise and sunset provide especially beautiful lighting for capturing the coastal views, pink granite formations, and the waves that crash against the beach’s granite rocks.

When to Visit the Beach

Summer

Summer at Cape Woolamai Beach (December to February) is beach time. Warm weather and lifeguards on duty mean beach safety, as well as surfing, beach games, leisurely strolls along the beach, and trails. Families can enjoy the calm waters and family-friendly facilities.

Autumn

Autumn (March to May) is hiking and exploring time. The waves are still good for surfers and the weather is milder for longer walks and coastal scenery. If you want to avoid the summer crowds.

Winter

Winter (June to August) is beach time. The beach is quieter, the waves are powerful for advanced surfers, and the coastal scenery is stunning. It is a peaceful time for those who want to experience Cape Woolamai’s ruggedness.

Spring

Spring (September to November) is mild, coastal flora is blooming, and the short-tailed shearwaters are back. It’s birdwatching, hiking and capturing the area as nature awakens.

Getting to Cape Beach

Cape Woolamai Beach is on Phillip Island, 90 minutes from Melbourne. The best way to get here is by car, follow the signs to Phillip Island and Cape Woolamai. When you arrive park at the Cape Woolamai Beach Carpark and you’re right on the beach and trails. Public transport is available but having a car gives you more flexibility to explore nearby attractions and beaches.