Cat Bay

Cat Bay is a surf spot on Phillip Island, Victoria, on the east side of Melbourne. It’s part of a fairly exposed stretch of coastline that catches a lot of Southern Ocean swell, so it can work well when there’s enough size and the right swell direction.

What it’s like

• Wave type: Mostly a beachbreak with shifting sandbars.
• Best for: Intermediate to experienced surfers, depending on conditions.
• Swell exposure: Picks up plenty of swell, especially from the south and southwest.
• Wind: Usually best with offshore or light winds; onshore winds can make it messy quickly.
• Consistency: Can be good when other more sheltered spots are too small, but quality varies with sand movement.

Conditions and hazards

• Currents: Can have strong currents and rips, especially on bigger days.
• Crowds: Popular at times, particularly when conditions are good.
• Tide sensitivity: Like many beachbreaks, it can change a lot with the tide and sandbanks.

Vibe

Cat Bay is more of a serious local surf beach than a mellow beginner spot. It’s often appreciated for its raw, open-coast feel and ability to handle swell, but the quality depends heavily on recent sandbar setup and weather.