cape woolamai cruise phillip island

Cape Woolamai Cruise

- phillip island -.

Dreaming of a getaway that’s sure to take your breath away? Cruise from San Remo, under the bridge to Phillip Island and onto Cape Woolamai. This 1-hour Cape Woolamai Cruise is perfect for anyone wanting to immerse themselves in nature and explore the captivating landscapes Phillip Island has to offer. Prepare to be mesmerised by the sheer granite cliffs and rocky pinnacles. Not only that, colonies of Fur Seals and Penguins can be found on the rocky outcrop, Wandering Albatrosses, Short-tailed Shearwaters and White-bellied Sea Eagles patrol the skies, and Dolphins can be seen surfing the bow of the ship. Phillip Island is a paradise for any nature enthusiast – book this Cape Woolamai Cruise to experience the beauty first hand!

PHILLIP ISLAND

Seasonality

Minimum age, food & drink.

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ACCESSIBLE*

available seats go fast - book well in advance!!!

PRICE Adult   15 years + Child 4  – 14 year Infant 0 – 3 years Family 2 Adult & 2 Children Groups 20-60 Passengers

pre requisites?

Please be aware that the crew reserves the right to prohibit anyone from taking part if they deem it unsafe.

• If you are pregnant, you’re able to join this tour, but at your own discretion.
• If you are wheelchair bound, you are able to join this tour. The jetty has a small number of stairs and the vessel is easily accessible by wheelchair.

when and where to meet?

This tour operates out of  Phillip Island, VIC.

Please check-in with the team 30 minutes before your departure time , at address:  San Remo Jetty, 170 Marine Parade, San Remo, VIC, 3925.

You will receive a confirmation email upon purchasing this tour which will provide you with all of the relevant information, e.g. CONTACT NUMBERS,  ADDRESS ETC.

what to bring?

Swimwear and a towel. Warm clothing/ windproof jacket, sensible non-slip shoes (Please NO black-soled shoes). Polarised sunglasses are recommended for best viewing through the surface of the water.

Medication: (If you require to take medication throughout the duration of this tour, please remember to bring this with you. If you deem it necessary, please inform a member of staff, on board your vessel, where within your belongings this can be found).

Seasickness Medication – You may experience seasickness out on the open ocean. We suggest that you should speak with your pharmacist in advance of your trip, to seek their advice on seasickness medication. We will not reschedule bookings or issue refunds for those suffering from seasickness.

The vessel?

The ‘ Kasey Lee ’ is a 20 metre (64 foot) modern catamaran, comfortably seating 120 passengers in indoor and outdoor areas on two floors, with a fully licensed bar, souvenir and snack shop. There are two toilets available on board, unisex and disabled.

cancellations?

Cancellations/changes to your booking must be made in writing directly to Salty Swims – Please contact Salty Swims  via email ([email protected]), or Facebook (via the chat icon linked to this page).

Please be aware that refund policies do not cover travel, accommodation or any other associated costs. We recommend you take out travel insurance to cover unforeseeable cancellations.

What if the tour provider cancels? In the event of poor sea conditions, minimum numbers not being reached or for any other reason, the tour operator reserves the right to cancel the tour. If your trip cannot be rescheduled to your satisfaction, you will receive a full refund.

What if you cancel?

If you wish to cancel your booking more than 48 hours of your departure, you’ll receive a full refund.

If you wish to cancel your booking within 48 hours of your departure, you will not receive a refund.

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Twilight swim with seals – queenscliff, phillip island sunset cruise, wildlife watching – mornington peninsula, swim with seals – queenscliff, dolphin and whale watching – phillip island, whale watching phillip island, wilsons prom cruise – port welshpool, cape woolamai cruise – phillip island, phillip island seal watching, whale watching wilsons prom – port welshpool, wildlife watching queenscliff, dolphin and seal swim – queenscliff, swim with seals – mornington peninsula, dolphin and seal swim – mornington peninsula, gifts have never been easier.

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1 Hour Cape Woolamai Eco Cruise from Phillip Island

One hour scenic cruise departing San Remo Jetty to witness the magnificent granite cliffs of Cape Woolamai . 

• Australian Fur Seals

Cape Woolamai

• Departs Wednesday & Sundays from Phillip Island
• Duration 1 hours
• Group Size 100
•   Vehicle Catamaran
• Mobile ticketing accepted
• Instant confirmation
• No credit card fees
• 7 days a week support
• 1-hour scenic cruise from San Remo
• Tea & coffee with cake
• Local commentary & stories
• Witness the sheer granite cliffs of Cape Woolamai
• Regular dolphin, seal and seabird sightings
• Cruise under the bridge to Phillip Island
• Watch the Pelican Feeding at 12 noon after the cruise

Explore the most spectacular scenery Phillip Island has to offer with breathtaking sheer granite cliffs and caves, surrounded by turquoise water. When cruising out to Cape Woolamai , marine life such as dolphins and seals can regularly be seen, and an abundance of birdlife also populates the area with Cormorants, Australasian Gannet and Wedge-tailed eagles being regularly spotted.

Get an amazing vantage point of Phillip Island Bridge and return in time for daily Pelican Feeding .

The below itinerary can change due to cultural reasons, seasonal changes, operational logistics and accessibility.

Departing from San Remo Jetty

Return to san remo jetty, pelican feeding, 1. choose your tickets.

You’re reviewing: 1 Hour Cape Woolamai Eco Cruise from Phillip Island

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Cape Cruise

• Duration: 60 Minutes (approx.)
• Location : San Remo

Departs from the San Remo Jetty -  Please double check dates when booking

Please note this is a busy time of year at Phillip Island please allow extra time for travel and parking.

• 1-hour Scenic Cruise From San Remo
• Tea & Coffee with Cake
• Local commentary & stories
• Regular seal sightings
• Be captivated by the sheer granite cliffs of Cape Woolamai
• Cruise under the bridge to Phillip Island
• For children under 3 years, ensure you add an infant ticket to your order
• Please book ahead for cruises as they may sell out

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Cape Cruise – Wildlife Coast Cruises

Tickets include.

Boarding Pass on Wildlife Coast Cruises – Cape Cruise

About this Activity

Experience a spectacular 1-hour cruise to Cape Woolamai where you will discover beautiful turquoise waters as well as coastal cliffs and caves. Keep a looking out for seals and seabirds that can often be spotted in the area.

The captain will provide you with fascinating and informative commentary about Phillip Island’s history, the areas unique coastline and its wildlife.

Estimated time for included PIE Pass activities at this attraction: 1 hour

Not all dates may be available during peak and busy periods

Please Note: For Infants tickets call or email Wildlife Coast Cruises to add to your booking

Address 170 Marine Parade, San Remo, VIC, 3925 Phone Number (03) 5952 9500 Opening Times 10:45am Tues, Wed, Fri & Sun – See website for additional times/dates Website www.wildlifecoastcruises.com.au

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10% Off souvenirs

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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Wildlife Coast Cruises - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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Cape Woolamai Morning Cruise at Phillip Island

• Instant confirmation
• Mobile ticket

Enjoy the dramatic coastal scenery of Phillip Island as you munch on cake and coffee onboard!

Experience the beauty of Phillip Island and Cape Woolamai's nature.

A cruise from San Remo promises great views and amazing sights along the way.

Enjoy sights of sheer granite cliffs and caves enveloped by the turquoise waters.

Munch on cake and coffee on board as you spot dolphins, seals, and whales.

Cormorants, gannets, and wedge-tailed eagles are some of the popular sea birds to spot.

Onboard commentary fills you in on facts and stories about the local wildlife and scenery.

1-hr scenic cruise

Regular dolphin, seal and seabird sightings

Tea & coffee with cake

Local commentary & stories

• Hotel transfers

Cancellation policy

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Ratings & Reviews

Your experience, give your morning a scenic twist.

Set sail off San Remo on a boat cruise to Cape Woolamai for some remarkable sights of Phillip Island. As you float along the coast, you'll be privy to some of the most spectacular sights the island has to offer. Gaze out at sheer granite cliffs and caves enveloped by the turquoise waters as you cruise under the Phillip Island Bridge.

Picture the Perfect Tropical Experience

The Phillip Island waters are blessed with an abundance of marine life like dolphins, seals, whales, and more. Sea birds like cormorants, gannets, and wedge-tailed eagles can also be spotted regularly. While you cruise upon these waters, listen to onboard commentary that lets you in on fascinating facts about the local wildlife and scenery. At mid-day, you will arrive back at San Remo, just in time to watch the daily feeding of pelicans.

Know Before You Go

Important information.

In certain sea conditions, vessel motion may cause motion sickness, please take precautions.

We reserve the right to cancel any cruise based on not meeting minimum numbers or weather conditions. You will be informed within a reasonable timeframe of this cancellation with the option of a transfer or refund.

Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.

Please display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID while boarding.

Please arrive 10-15 minutes before the start time of your tour to avoid delays.

If you have purchased reduced-price tickets, please carry your valid photo ID proof for verification.

Ticket Redemption Point

Your redemption point is at Wildlife Coast Cruises Tour Agency.

Address: 170 Marine Parade, San Remo VIC 3925, Australia.

Get Directions to the Redemption Point.

Getting There

The closest bus stop is Marine Pde, a 1-min walk to the redemption point.

Line Cowes - Wonthaggi Via San Remo & Anderson will bring you here.

This ticket is valid for the date and time selected during checkout.

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Cape Woolamai Cruise - Phillip Island - 1 Hour

Join us for a one hour scenic cruise departing San Remo Jetty to witness the magnificent granite cliffs of Cape Woolamai.

Description

• One hour Scenic Cruise From San Remo
• Witness the sheer granite cliffs of Cape Woolamai
• Cruise under the bridge to Phillip Island

Join us for a one hour scenic cruise departing San Remo Jetty to witness the magnificent granite cliffs of Cape Woolamai. Enjoy historical and wildlife commentary by the captain, and look for dolphins, seals and seabirds. Cruise under the bridge to Phillip Island and arrive back at San Remo in time to watch the daily pelican feeding.

This is the perfect cruise for young families or those new to boating! 

Experience Details

Fitness and experience.

• This experience is open to all
• If you are prone to motion sickness please take precautionary measures
• Persons must be able to board the boat from a jetty which involves 5-10 steps

What to Bring/Wear

• Dress to suit the weather
• Money if you would like to purchase drinks from the licensed bar 

What is Supplied

• 60 minute cruise
• Tea, coffee, biscuits & cake
• Room for prams
• Children’s activities
• Drinks and snacks available for purchase on board

More Information

• Available from September to May inclusive.  Departs 10:45 AM.

Children 2 and under are free of charge (Please contact Wildlife Coast Cruises to add to your booking)

Cancellation Policy

• Change your booking up to 48 hours before the start time of your experience
• Changes are not permitted within 48 hours of your experience
• Late arrivals or no shows may result in you forfeiting your experience

  Available Dates

Phillip Island (Melbourne)

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Departs Cowes Jetty Daily 2pm

Next available cruise: Tuesday 23rd April - Departing Rhyll Jetty

Departs San Remo Jetty 10:45am

Next available cruise: Tuesday 23rd April

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About Cape Woolamai

Phillip Island’s highest point offers stunning coastal scenery, including views over the golden beach of Cape Woolamai, one of the island’s popular surfing spots. For the adventurous, a series of walking tracks reveal breathtaking views of cliffs carved by wind and waves.

Cultural significance

Cape Woolamai is important to First Peoples who for many thousands of years have visited these dunes, especially during the summer months, feeding on shellfish, Short-tailed shearwaters, eggs, and fish.

Ancient middens, made up of shells, bones, and charcoal, have been found in this area, and are protected, cultural sites.

Cape Woolamai walks

Cape Woolamai walks range from 4 to 8 kilometres. 

What to take: Cape Woolamai is exposed and can experience severe weather changes. Bring water and appropriate clothing. Trails are well formed, and sign posted, however some bushwalking experience is recommended. Expect a slight but steady incline, with occasional steps and an uneven track surface in some places. Walks may be impassable on very high tides. Be aware of snakes in warm weather and steep cliffs adjacent to tracks - stay to paths at all times.

Pinnacles return

Take in the coastal views, including the rock formations known as the Pinnacles, one of the island’s most popular walks. Walk down the ramp onto the beach and head left for approximately 900m to the staircase. Climb the stairs and follow the trail along the cliffs to the Pinnacles.

4.4kms, 2hrs return: easy/moderate

Quarry loop*

Relax in the tranquil cove that was a busy granite quarry in the late 1800s. This walk provides excellent views of wildlife and San Remo beaches.

Walk 100m back along the road and follow the marked trail to Cleeland Bight through the coastal scrub and banksia woodland. Turn right at the beach and continue until you reach the quarry. Loop back to the car park by following the track inland and turning right at the junction. 4.9kms, 2.5hrs, return: moderate

Beacon loop

Located at the highest point on Phillip Island (112m), the beacon lookout provides 360-degree views of the island, San Remo and, on clear days, to Wilsons Promontory.

Walk down the ramp onto the beach and head left for approximately 900m to the

staircase. Climb the stairs and follow the trail along the cliffs to the Pinnacles and beacon. Continue along the track through the banksia woodland to loop back to the car park. 7.2kms loop, 4hrs return: moderate

Cape Woolamai circuit*

Combine all of Cape Woolamai’s walks for great coastal views, wildlife viewing and the tranquility of the quarry cove.

Walk down the ramp onto the beach and head left for approximately 900m to the staircase. Climb the stairs and follow the trail along the cliffs to the Pinnacles and then onto the beacon track. Continue along the track and turn right at the junction to the quarry. Walk left along Cleeland Bight and return to the road and car park via the track through the coastal scrub.

8.1kms, 4.5hrs return (pack a lunch): moderate

* Cleeland Bight May be impassable on very high tide. Check tide times HERE .

Download map HERE

Wildlife returns

Farming activities over 100 years ago destabilised dunes and destroyed vegetation communities in this area. One of Victoria’s largest revegetation programs occurred here in the 1970s and 80s. Today Phillip Island Nature Parks continues this work. As a result many wildlife species have returned to the area.

Hooded plovers

Hooded plovers are small birds which spend their entire lives on our beaches. They make their nests along the high tide line or in the sand dunes. Hooded plovers are locally endangered as breeding success is low due to disturbance by dogs and people. You can help by walking along the water’s edge and keeping clear of roped off areas.

Find out more

Short-tailed shearwaters

Cape Woolamai is home to approximately half a million Short-tailed shearwaters. The shearwaters arrive at Cape Woolamai in late September after a 16,000 km migration from the Aleutian Islands near Alaska. Phillip Island Nature Parks coordinates the Shearwater Rescue Program. Each April the program monitors roadways to assist birds beginning the return migration to the northern hemisphere. Fledglings that stray onto roads are relocated to safe areas of the colony to migrate successfully.

Whales of Western Port

From late May to early July, humpbacks, southern right, and killer whales migrate north from the cool Antarctic waters. Whales can be seen in this area as they make their way to Queensland’s warm waters to calve.

Our Shy Snakes

Copperhead snakes are the only species of snake found on Phillip Island. Their colouring ranges from coppery brown, light reddish brown to a grey or light brown. They are venomous with no specific anti-venom. If you see a copperhead snake please respect it by leaving it alone.

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• July 4, 2022

Cape Woolamai at Phillip Island

Cape Woolamai at Phillip Island is renowned for its stunning pink granite cliffs, surf beach, and incredible wildlife. 

A visit to Cape Woolamai on our Phillip Island tour from Melbourne reveals its place as a natural wonder amongst the protected flora and fauna of the island. The island is famous for its resident Little Penguin colony. As such, the nightly Penguin Parade sees thousands of visitors enjoying the spectacle of Little Penguins waddling across the beach and into the sand dunes. 

However, beyond the Penguin Parade, Phillip Island has a lot to offer. For example, Cape Woolamai in particular is home to a large colony of short-tailed shearwaters. It’s also a great place to explore on foot, or catching the waves for experienced surfers.

Visit Cape Woolamai at Phillip Island on our Melbourne Day Tour

In the warmer months, when time permits, we visit Cape Woolamai on our Phillip Island day tour from Melbourne. Pulling in to the Surf club carpark, you can see the deep blue of the ocean and the striking pink granite headland in the distance.

A walk onto the beach lets you feel the power of the wind and the waves. It is the longest beach on the island (4.2 kms) and faces south-west so it feels the full brunt of both. For surfers, it means there is often a good southerly swell and beach break on offer. 

You’ll be able to walk onto the sand and dip your toes in the ocean (note: this is not a good beach for swimming). Or there are some lookout points next to the carpark before you walk onto the beach. From here you’ll be able to see right along the southern side of the island. From the Cape Woolamai headland, to Point Grant in the distance.

Wildlife at Cape Woolamai

Cape Woolamai is a nesting ground for over one million short-tailed shearwaters (mutton birds). Each year the shearwaters fly 8,000 kilometres from the Alaskan Aleutian Islands to Phillip Island. They can be seen on and around the island between September and April. 

During this time they build nests in burrows around Cape Woolamai and they fly out to sea during the day for fishing. Around sunset they return to their nests and you can view the magnificent sight of the large flocks of birds returning to the island. 

Other wildlife around Cape Woolamai includes Little Penguins, wallabies, gulls and even snakes. In winter, you can view whales passing by the island from the Cape Woolamai headland.

Surfing at Woolamai Beach

Woolamai Beach is one of the top surf spots on Phillip Island. With big swells and beach breaks, it is for experienced surfers. The beach is 4.2 kilometres long and faces south-west into the high waves and westerly winds. 

Woolamai Beach is home to the island’s first surf lifesaving club.  The beach is known for having strong rips, and is not an ideal place to swim. The protected beach on the other side of Cape Woolamai is safer for swimmers. 

Woolamai Coastal Walk 

This Cape Woolamai Circuit hike offers spectacular views of Phillip Island and the surrounding coastline. 

Cape Woolamai is the highest point on Phillip Island and a walk along the sheer cliff tops offers superb panoramas of the island, clifftop views and the spectacular pink granite of the pinnacles rocks.

The Cape Woolamai Coastal Walk has three different distance options, each allowing you to discover the magic of this protected nature reserve.

• The Pinnacles Walk is 4.4 kilometers long – from the Surf Club the Pinancles Lookout and back. 
• The Cape Woolamai Beacon Walk is 7.4 kilometers long and continues past the Pinnacles to the light beacon at the high point of Cape Woolamai before circling back to the Surf Club.
• The Old Granite Quarry Walk is 5.6 kilometers long and crosses over to the east side of the cape to the site of an old rock quarry. 

Cruise to Cape Woolamai

Wildlife Cruises offer scenic boat rides around Phillip Island. Their cruise to Cape Woolamai allows you to explore the sheer granite cliffs and caves from the turquoise water. When cruising out to the cape, it is common to see marine life such as dolphins and seals. You’ll also be able to view birdlife such as Cormorants, Australasian Gannet and Wedge-tailed eagles.

What else can you do at Phillip Island?

Penguin parade.

Phillip Island  is famous for the colony of Little Penguins that reside on the island. Each night thousands of these penguins return from the ocean to waddle across the beach to their burrows. The Penguin Parade is the best place to watch these cute little creatures up close, without disturbing them or their natural environment.

The Nobbies and Seal Rocks

A visit to Point Grant at the far end of the island form Cape Woolamai, lets you discover the Nobbies and Seal rocks. The Nobbies are dome-shaped rock formations off the coast of Phillip Island which provide an important home to the island’s Little Penguins. They can be viewed from the boardwalks at Point Grant. From the boardwalk you’ll also get great views out to the Southern Ocean and across Western Port Bay. 

Seal Rocks further off the coast of Phillip Island. They are a home to Victoria’s largest colony of Australian fur seals. The seals feed in the waters surrounding Phillip Island and can be found resting and sleeping on the rocks. At Point Grant there are binoculars along the boardwalk which can be used to get a closer view of Seal Rocks. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is phillip island.

Phillip Island is just under 2 hours drive south-east from Melbourne. Access to the island is via a bridge from the small town of San Remo. 

Which birds live on Phillip Island?

Phillip Island is most famous for being home to the world’s largest colony of Little Penguins. However, these are not the other birds on the island. Each year over a million short-tailed shearwaters migrate from Alaska to Cape Woolamai on Phillip Island. The island is also a breeding and feeding ground for many other bird species – in particular sea-birds.

Written by: Leah Furey – Digital Content Coordinator @gowest.com.au

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The Cape Woolamai Circuit – Phillip Island’s Best Day Walk

In all honesty, I’ve always considered Phillip Island a little overrated. It’s busy, overpriced and you can find better wildlife experiences and just as spectacular (if not better?) coastal scenery elsewhere in Victoria, especially at the nearby stunning Wilsons Prom National Park.

That being said, there’s definitely one activity that I highly recommend doing on Phillip Island if you like walking – the 8.5km Cape Woolamai Circuit track.

Starting at the surf beach, this coastal walk skirts around the highest point on Phillip Island, the Cape Woolamai Peninsula, an easy and wonderfully varied hike for those with average fitness. It shows off towering cliffs, sweeping seascape views, (what I can only describe as magical) coastal woodland and even some local history along the way. 

In my opinion, the Cape Woolamai Circuit is the best thing to do on Phillip Island and a top highlight of a trip to South Gippsland.

So forget queuing up to see the Penguin Parade (did you know you can see penguins for free in St Kilda, Melbourne , anyway?)… Explore Phillip Island’s wonderful Cape Woolamai Circuit track instead!

So here are my trail notes and my guide to walking the beautiful Cape Woolamai Circuit.

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Quick Stats about the Cape Woolamai Circuit

Length: 8.5 kilometers (entire circuit). Walking Time: Approximately 2 – 3 hours at a moderate pace. Difficulty Level: Grade 3 – moderate (due to some steep sections but overall well formed and signposted tracks, and some beach walking near the end). Start/End Point: Cape Woolamai Surf Life Saving Club. Terrain: Sandy beach, steep inclines, rugged cliff tops, and bush tracks. Key Features: The Pinnacles, old Granite Quarry, highest point on Phillip Island, breathtaking coastal views, and diverse wildlife, including the largest colony of short-tailed shearwaters on Phillip Island. Best Time to Walk: Low tide. Early morning or late afternoon to catch sunrise or sunset views over the water. Facilities: Basic toilets and showers available at the start/end point (Cape Woolamai Surf Life Saving Club) and a kiosk serving coffee, drinks and basic hot and cold food like hot chips.

Location of Cape Woolamai

Cape Woolamai is a town and headland to the south east of Phillip Island in South Gippsland, Victoria . 

It’s a two hour drive away from Melbourne (130km) and 36 minutes (41km) from Inverloch . 

What’s the Best Way to Get to Cape Woolamai?

The best and easiest way to access the starting point of the walk, the Cape Woolamai Surf Beach, is by driving. There’s a large car park with plenty of space for cars and camper vans, though I can imagine during peak times, it might get pretty chocca.

Need to hire a car? Click here to compare the best car rentals . 

Depending on where you’re coming from, there are buses to Phillip Island, such as from Inverloch, Cowes and Wonthaggi. Though expect to walk a couple of kilometres further once you arrive, to access the trailhead. 

If you’re here on holiday and don’t have your own vehicle, there is also the possibility to visit Phillip Island on a group tour which will involve seeing all Philip Islands attractions. That being said, you’ll only visit Cape Woolamai Surf Beach and Pyramid Rock (if it’s on the itinerary – this tour from Melbourne has a stop here) and not get to actually do the walk itself. 

Walking the Cape Woolamai Circuit

After a quick coffee from Magiklands Kiosk to warm us up on a blustery yet clear winter’s day, we set off left (south) along Cape Woolamai Beach, Philip islands’s longest and most exposed beach.

Cape Woolamai Beach

Aside from the mesmerising gently rolling waves, the beach itself is long, wide and curving, with fine golden sand bordered by a shallow cliff, brimming with attractive green vegetation.

After less than a kilometre, we took the wooden steps to our left up onto the clifftop, turning right to join the path, where the stunning views began.

What struck me instantly was the abundance of a vivid green succulent-like plant that carpeted everything – the ground, rocks, even the bushes. Apparently (according to a Facebook group as my plant ID apps couldn’t help) this is called tetragonia implexicoma otherwise known as bower spinach (which is edible when cooked). Despite being in the middle of winter, the area was vibrant and colourful and with the sun shining making the water seem turquoise, it really could have been the middle of summer.

If you look carefully into these shrubs, it’s clearly a haven for small mammals. You’ll see burrows which are nests for world-travelling short-tailed shearwaters who come here in their millions to breed and raise their young. The dunes and beach are also nesting areas for the endangered hooded plover, which is why you need to stick to the paths and why dogs are not permitted on this walk. 

The Pinnacles & Caves

The first point of interest on the Cape Woolamai walk is The Pinnacles, dramatic natural granite colonnades (the oldest granite on the island, according to the information plaque). Many people seem to walk to this point and turn back, but there’s so much more to see along this walk!

After a few photos at the lookout, we continued and the path began to steepen slightly. There was an epic view to our right of a couple of caves burrowed into the cliffs. We stopped here and debated for a while whether they were natural or not due to their large square entrance. But apparently they are! There was a bench to take it all in, but we were keen to press on.

Shortly after, there was another bench with yet another fab view of grassy dunes and an arm of cliff reaching out into the sea behind.

Cape Woolamai Beacon

Still walking at a gradual incline, we traversed through some low-lying shrubs and scrubland where cute wallabies could glimpsed through the bushes, or would jump out on the path ahead of us. 

Then the vegetation disappeared and the scenery became exposed and grassy. Reaching the highest point, we arrived at the Cape Woolamai Beacon at the tip of the peninsula, 112m above sea level. With expansive, 360 degree uninterrupted views, you could see the whole cape from this point, including Phillip Island, San Remo, Kilcunda and beyond. We also spotted birds of prey hovering and gliding on the brisk sea breeze, eyes locked down for any sign of movement to make it their next meal.

From here, the path meanders down at a gentle decline along the low-lying grasses. To the right is the Gull Island Lookout point with views towards the east of the island where we could see the bridge adjoining San Remo and Phillip Island, which looks way longer than it feels when you’re driving over it.

Coastal Woodland

One of my favourite parts of the walk was meandering through the woodland on the east side of Cape Woolamai, as the plant I had admired early on in the walk was draped everywhere, hanging elegantly down tree branches and carpeting pretty much everything else. In summer, this area brims with butterflies and I can imagine it to be quite otherworldly. 

Just don’t get too caught up in the beauty of this section and miss the turn off to the granite quarry to your right (as indicated by a metal sign). Alternatively, if you’re a bit pooped at this point, carrying on along the left track makes the walk shorter as it heads back to the carpark, instead of doing the full circuit.

Following the path to the right, there was another small intersection shortly after, with some wooden steps heading down between some overgrown shrub. These steps lead down to the remnants of the old granite quarry and a pretty cove.

At the bottom of the steps was the most magnificent magnolia tree I think I have even seen. The picture just doesn’t do it justice – it was huge!

The Old Granite Quarry

As we arrived into the secluded bay, we turned right and scrambled across some rocks to where the main evidence of human activity was. All that remains of the industry here is some old machinery, remnants of poles from the jetty and square slabs of pink granite with lines and holes that indicated how they were once broken apart by a method called ‘plug and feather’.

The Cape Woolamai Granite Quarry was established in 1981 to provide material for buildings in Melbourne, especially on Collins Street. It’s been recorded that there were 49 trips made from here by seven vessels, however the quarry closed only a couple of years later after a vessel carrying granite and wool called Kermandie went missing in bad weather, and all the crew died. 

This part of the walk will probably only be available to access at low tide, as the water line from high tide was right up to the top of the beach. In the case of high tide, come back the way you came up the stairs, and continue on the path to your right, which runs parallel to the beach.

Back Along the Beach

After this rather sombre reading, we walked the final stretch of around 1.5km along the wide open beach, beach-combing and finding interesting animal bones and shells washed up on the shoreline.

We then saw a small path to the left which directed us back to the Lifesaving Club car park which you need to keep an eye out for, as it’s easily missed between the shrubs. 

A short uphill section though some coastal trees spat us out at the top rear of the car park, completing the very attractive and super interesting 8.5km Cape Woolamai Circuit.

Tips for Walking in Cape Woolamai:

• Beware of snakes – This landscape is absolutely prime snake territory and I can almost guarantee you’ll see snakes in the warmer months. Always carry a snake bite kit (and know how to use it!). I also highly recommend wearing leg gaiters .
• Phone reception – there’s no issues with phone reception here. It’s a very popular walk close to civilisation and you’ll have good reception throughout the route.
• Toilets – the only toilets on this walk are at the start/finish at the Cape Woolamai Lifesaving Club. Make sure you go before you set out (like I did not and regretted half way through the walk!!)
• Stick to paths – not only will you disturb wildlife (including poisonous snakes!) there are many exposed and steep cliff faces. Caution must be taken with small children on this walk.
• No dogs – dogs are absolutely not permitted due to the abundance of wildlife at Cape Woolamai.
• Low tide – aim to visit at low tide so you can walk down to the granite quarry. If not, you will have to skip this part and instead follow the path to the left at the intersection with the wooden steps.
• Bring binoculars – if you’re a birdwatching and wildlife nerd, make sure to bring binoculars to spot some pretty amazing animals.
• Swimming – generally the beaches on this walk are unsafe for swimming due to strong rips and currents.

Where to Stay Nearby

Although the Cape Woolamai Circuit makes a great half day walk, you may want to stay nearby for a weekend or a longer holiday, either on Phillip Island itself or somewhere like Inverloch or Cowes. Here are a couple of suggestions of where you could stay:

Phillip Island Accommodation:

• Banksia Park Estate – a highly rated accommodation option with a family studio or double/twin rooms available.
• Island Daze Surf Beach House – a 4 bedroom holiday home ideal for a group of friends or a family.

Cowes Accommodation:

• Amaroo Park – with a solar-heated swimming pool, 500m from the beach and modern villas, houses and bedrooms to choose from, Amaroo Park will suit all budgets.
• Rural 5* Villas – for something a little luxe and further away from the crowds, with a gym, pool, hot tub and more, these two or three bed villas will totally enhance any holiday to South Gippsland.

Inverloch Accommodation:

• Messmates Luxury Eco Suites – with a view over the wetlands and a top-notch finish, these suites offer a wonderful getaway in awesome Inverloch.
• Beachy Haven at Sails – a gorgeous hidden haven 200m from the beach and surrounded by thick vegetation, this beachfront apartment offers great value for money.

Heading to Australia soon? Don’t forget these essentials!

Flights : compare and search using Skyscanner

Accommodation : hotels to hostels, glamping to apartments I always use Booking.com

Tours: to search and compare the best group tours and activities worldwide (with up to 20% off), use Viator

Visa : don’t forget to  check the entry requirements for Australia on the government website for the passport you are travelling with

Inspiration : Lonely Planet’s guide to Australia or for your next trip, how about Lonely Planet’s Guide to the World ?

• A Dump or Paradise: What is Boracay Really Like?
• Matsumoto in Winter: A One-Day Sightseeing Itinerary
• 50 Things To Do In St Kilda, Melbourne: A Local’s Guide!
• 12 Outdoor Adventures For Your Philippines Bucket List

5 thoughts on “The Cape Woolamai Circuit – Phillip Island’s Best Day Walk”

Hi Tammy, Before reading this I never heard of this place before in Australia! These tips for a day exploration at Cape Woolamai Circuit were really helpful and I hope I can visit one day!

Australia is at the top of my list! I love a good walk with scenery!

Looks like such an adventurous and picturesque hike!

The views on this coastal walk are fabulous. I like that you could pick out this hike to do even amid all the touristy stuff to do there.

You’re right about the vegetation being so bright! The trail looks gorgeous with all the greenery and the cool rocky landforms. Great recommendation, especially since it’s only a few hours it’s very doable 🙂

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