Cape Woolamai
Cape Woolamai is Phillip Island's main surf beach—a dramatic stretch of sand backed by towering cliffs where Southern Ocean swells wrap into consistently good beach break peaks. The wild, rugged setting provides a stark contrast to the island's famous penguin parade and MotoGP circuit, offering genuine cold-water surfing with the added bonus of seal colonies and occasional shark sightings. The rips here can be powerful, and the water is decidedly brisk, but those willing to embrace Victoria's wild coast will find quality waves away from the crowds of closer beaches.
Today's Conditions
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SSW (210°)
- Direction range
- 180° - 250°
- Size range
- 0.6m - 2.5m
- Ideal size
- 1.9m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- N (0°)
- Offshore range
- 315° - 45°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- all
- Optimal range
- 0.4m - 1.8m
Water temp
14°C
Wetsuit
4/3mm fullsuit
Difficulty
4/10
Crowd level
4/10
Access: Beach access from parking area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Cape Woolamai?
Cape Woolamai works best on a mid tide, ideally between 0.4m and 1.8m on the local tide chart. The tide chart above shows today’s strike window.
What wind direction is offshore at Cape Woolamai?
Offshore wind at Cape Woolamai blows from the N (0°). Anything in the 315° to 45° range grooms the faces; outside it, expect chop or bumpy conditions.
What swell size and direction work best at Cape Woolamai?
Cape Woolamai wants SSW swell (180° to 250°) between 0.6m and 2.5m, with a period of 14s or more for quality waves.
When is the best time of year to surf Cape Woolamai?
The main season at Cape Woolamai is Mar-Oct. A secondary window runs Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb. Year-round. SW swells from Southern Ocean.
How do I get to Cape Woolamai?
Fly into MEL, then allow about 100 minutes by road. Beach access from parking area.
What kind of wave is Cape Woolamai?
Cape Woolamai is a beach break, a peak with lefts and rights. Difficulty is rated 4/10.
Best Season
Peak: Mar-Oct
Secondary: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb
Year-round. SW swells from Southern Ocean.
Getting There
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