Kitty Miller Bay on Phillip Island is a beauty with rugged nature, historical and variety for visitors. Famous for its rock platform, coastal views and beach sections, Kitty Miller Bay is the perfect spot for beach walking, rock pooling and exploring its rocky coastlines. A bay beach that’s one of the prettiest on Phillip Island, Kitty Miller Bay has something for every type of traveller.
Discovering Miller Bay
Located on one of Phillip Island’s scenic coastal roads, Kitty Miller Bay is a quiet beach with direct beach access and calm waters. Unlike more popular beaches, this bay head beach has a unique rock platform, private beach feel and natural beauty. Surrounded by cliff edges and beach gravels it’s a peaceful spot to escape the crowds and relax in stunning scenery. The beach sand and gravel beach sections are perfect for exploring different textures and colours and the area’s geological significance adds another layer of interest.
How to Get There
Getting to Kitty Miller Bay is a scenic drive on Phillip Island. From Melbourne take the M420 freeway towards Phillip Island, cross the San Remo bridge. Follow Phillip Island Road and turn onto Kitty Miller Road which leads directly to the bay. The whole trip takes about 2 hours from Melbourne so it’s a great day trip or overnight adventure. For beach route details signs along Kitty Miller Bay Road will guide you but some visitors have reported poor signage so be aware of that.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Kitty Miller Bay depends on what you want to do. At low tide, the outgoing tide exposes the rock pools and the SS Speke shipwreck. Check the tide chart or Melbourne tide times to plan your visit for the best experience. Phillip Island tours can take you to this stunning spot, offering guided insights into the area’s natural beauty. Surfies will love Kitty Miller Bay Surf, which has clean waves, wave consistency, and even storm waves in certain seasons. Light winds in the morning make for surfable waves, and beachgoers looking for calm waters should visit in summer when the beach is generally safest.
Surf Schools
If you surf, Kitty Miller Bay is a lesser-known surf spot with nice waves and nearby surf breaks. The bay itself has waves for intermediate and advanced surfers. Smiths Beach on Phillip Island has surf schools and surf shops if you want to learn. Bay Surf Spot and surrounding surf breaks make it a good spot for variety. Surf stats and surf spot maps at local surf shops will help you navigate the area.
Miller Bay Walk
The 2km return Kitty Miller Bay Walk is a great adventure along the Phillip Island coastline, takes about an hour to do. The walk has cliff track sections, beach walking and rock scrambling, so good for those who want a scenic and active experience. With cliff edges and beach views, the walk has a variety of landscapes from gravel beach to sand in the bay. You’ll also see Pyramid Rock in the distance.
SS Speke Shipwreck
The SS Speke shipwreck at Kitty Miller Bay is a must see for history buffs. One of the largest ships to ever wreck on Phillip Island, the SS Speke’s remains are visible at low tide. You can see parts of the hull and other bits of the ship. Be careful of slippery rocks while exploring the wreck, rock scrambling can be tricky especially in wet conditions.
Best Picnic and Relaxation Spots
Kitty Miller Bay has several beach sections and scenic areas where you can picnic and relax. The bay is quiet so plenty of space to have a peaceful afternoon with beach views. Choose from gravel or sand to set up, with shade or sun. Secluded so good for couples, families or solo travellers to relax, recharge and take it all in.
Wildlife
The bay and surrounding rock platforms are home to lots of marine life, so great for rock pooling. The bay’s rock pools have all sorts of species, crabs, small fish and other coastal creatures. Birdwatchers will see coastal birds like seagulls and cormorants. Check the current tide to make sure it’s safe and enjoyable to visit the rock pools and tide products to plan your visit around peak wildlife activity.
Crab Hunting
For families and kids crab hunting is a great activity at Kitty Miller Bay. At low tide the rock pools are exposed and you can see crabs and other little creatures. This is a interactive way for kids to learn about the local marine ecosystem while exploring the bays unique rock formations. Just remember to keep an eye on the kids around the slippery rocks as you enjoy these natural adventures.
Accommodation Near
There are many accommodation options near Kitty Miller Bay from modern beach resorts to budget friendly holiday parks. The nearby areas of Cowes and Smiths Beach have a range of choices from luxury hotels with cliff top views to family friendly motels. Whether you want direct beach access or a cozy spot with a view of Mornington Peninsula – Phillip Island there is something for everyone near Kitty Miller Bay.
FAQ
Is Kitty Miller Bay safe for swimming?
Kitty Miller Bay is generally a safe beach to swim at but especially during calm weather. However as there are rocky areas it’s best to be careful and not swim near the rocks.
What should I bring when visiting the SS Speke shipwreck?
The SS Speke shipwreck is only visible at low tide, so make sure to check Melbourne Tide Times or a tide chart before you go.
Are there surf schools near Kitty Miller Bay?
Yes, Smiths Beach has surf schools for beginners and advanced surfers. The area also has surf stats, surf spot maps and surf shops if you want to surf at Kitty Miller Bay.
Is there a designated picnic area at Kitty Miller Bay?
There is no formal picnic area, but visitors often set up along the beach and in the grassy areas surrounding the bay. The beach is a lovely, peaceful spot for a picnic.
How do I get to Kitty Miller Bay?
Driving is the easiest way to get to Kitty Miller Bay as it has direct access and parking. Follow Kitty Miller Road and check reviews for any tips from other visitors.
