Summary

Forrest Caves on Phillip Island's south side might just be the wild ocean walk for you! These sea caves formed by erosion of cliffs over many years should only be visited at low tide.

Description

This walk visits sea caves formed by erosion of cliffs over millions of years. It is only safe and accessible at low tide.

To access this stretch of coast on Phillip Island's southern edge, you'll need to turn off the main Phillip Island road, between Woolamai and the township of Surf Beach. Blink and you'll miss the signage, so use our map to help navigate.

This area is a conservation precinct; no dogs are allowed, and please do not allow children to climb in the dunes as efforts are being made to replant and stabilise them to protect wildlife. The endangered Hooded Plover also nests on the beach at certain times of year.

There is a car park and two toilets at the base of the wooden stairs which will take you up and over the rugged dunes. Hold onto your hat if it's a windy day! These dunes are home over the warmer months to the impressive short-tailed shearwaters, which travel from as far as Alaska.

Once you're on the stunning (but wild) beach, turn left and the caves are less than 500 metres to the east.

The beach is unpatrolled and the water rough, with powerful onshore waves and rips. Do not swim or paddle in the water.

The beautiful red-coloured caves were formed by volcanic activity and wave erosion. Take care not to get too close to the caves from atop the rock as it's quite a plunge!

If the surf is up the caves can quickly flood. Do not enter the caves and beware of playing in nearby rock pools. Freak waves can oocur.

Please note: DOGS ARE NOT ALLOWED as Forrest Caves is part of the Phillip Island Nature Park.

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Points of Interest

1. Not your ordinary beach walk!

You'll need to go to Forrest Caves at low-tide (it is completely inaccessible - and dangerous - from mid-to-high tide).

Find out more

2. Start your adventure

You'll find the car park just off the main Phillip Island Road. The sign is easy to miss, so use our 'Directions' link. There are two toilets located in the car park.

3. Over the dunes

Brace yourself if it's windy!

4. Beautiful beach

The sea caves are to the east once you've made it over the dunes.

5. View of caves at mid-low tide

You can watch as the waves comes in through the gaps in the rock to flood the pools here, but take care and always stand well away as freak waves can occur.

6. Take care

Take care not to enter the caves as waves can quickly rush in and flood the rock pools.

Features

Public toilets

Local treasures

Nature trail