Phillip Island
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Positives
- Consistent summer swell
- Right pointbreaks
- Quality, powerful beachbreaks
- Easy access
Negatives
- Cool/cold water
- Competitive crowds
- Rips and onshores
- Unpredictable weather
Phillip Island surf travel guide
Surfers from Melbourne prefer to travel to the east-facing Great Ocean Road, because the dominant SW winds are offshore. However, what the west-facing coast may lack in quality, it gains in consistency, rarely going flat. The indented coastline of headlands and islands also allows for a few offshore quality right corners when the SW'ers are blowing in stormy, winter conditions and plenty of quality beachbreaks in summer.
Surf spots in Phillip Island
Research the 15 surf breaks in Phillip Island and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 15 breaks in Phillip Island.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Phillip Island
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Travel Information
General
- Current Time
- Population
- 6,359,000
- Tourist Info
- Tourist Info
Security
Health
Money
- Currency
- AUD
- Exchange rate
- $1USD = 1.59 AUDLast updated: Thu, 03 Apr 2025
Cost of living
Communication
- Dialing in
- +61
- Dialing out
- 0011
- Language
- English
Electricity
- Plug Type
- i
Visas
Everyone except Kiwis needs a visa before arriving in OZ so get one in good time before arriving. European countries, USA, Canada and Japan can get a free tourist visa online (some nations maybe charged a A$20 “service charge”). Visas last for 12 months but you can only stay for a total of either 3 or 6 months within the 12 month period. As always check carefully for any updates before you travel.
Getting There
Melbourne (5M hab) is Australia’s 2nd busiest airport, open 24h a day, servicing all major int’l airlines. Major domestic carriers are Qantas and Virgin Blue. Melbourne is 10h drive from Adelaide and Sydney. Driving time from Melbourne to Portsea is 1h and 2h to Phillip Island.
Getting Around
Phillip Island has first-class freeways and highways. Roads are classified using M, A, B & C according to their quality and function– M roads are freeways and A roads are highways. Philip Island is connected to the mainland by a 640-metre-long bridge at San Remo. Renting a car costs AU$40/d.
Accommodation
On Mornington Peninsula, stay in Portsea. On Phillip Island, stay in Ventnor (Kil'n Time B&B: from AU$190/n). Expect AU$25-35 for a decent meal.
Activities
Phillip Island switches gear for the Motorcycle Grand Prix in October. Don't miss the Seal Rocks Sea Life Centre, the Nobbies and the blowhole at Point Grant. Watch the Penguin Parade at sunset, when they cross Summerland Beach.
Hazards & hassles
Apart from reef cuts and intense crowds, not much to fear. Shark factor is relatively low although great whites have been witnessed in the area. Big, gnarly waves on the SW coasts, and beware regular, strong rips.
Handy Hints
Famous Trigger Bros surfboards & shops in Sorrento: from AU$850 upwards. Try Island Surfboards and School in Cowes and Smiths Beach. East Coast Surf School at Pt Leo and Mornington Peninsula Surf School on St Andrews Beach both give lessons. Mornington is home to the Balin surf brand.
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.