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.
Cape Woolamai surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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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
- 1.5m - 2m
- 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
👥 Spring Break (Sep 26 – Oct 11) — expect extra crowds
Access: Beach access from parking area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Cape Woolamai?
The Cape Woolamai profile favors the recorded tide range, ideally between 0.4m and 1.8m on the local tide chart. Compare this preference with the forecast tide and local conditions before choosing a session.
What wind direction is offshore at Cape Woolamai?
The Cape Woolamai profile uses wind from N (0°) as its preferred direction, with an offshore range of 315° to 45°. Wind speed matters too: light winds outside that range can still produce surfable conditions, while strong offshore winds can make takeoffs difficult.
What swell size and direction work best at Cape Woolamai?
The Cape Woolamai scoring profile favors swell from SSW (180° to 250°), a swell-height range of 0.6m to 2.5m, and a reference period of 14s. These are model inputs, not guaranteed breaking-wave heights or a promise that the surf will suit every ability.
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?
The spot profile lists MEL as a nearby airport. The estimated road transfer is 100 minutes. 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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