Beach Number:

vic183

Includes Beaches:

New Haven/homestead

State/Region:

VIC - Cape Woolamai

Post Code:

3925

General Beach Hazard Rating:

4/10 (Moderately hazardous)

Beach

Cleeland Bight forms the Phillip Island boundary to the Eastern Passage to Western Port. It is a 3 km wide, east facing bight, containing 4.7 km of curving sandy beaches, running from the bridge at Newhaven to the rocks of Cape Woolamai. Two low wave beaches occupy most of the bight. The first is Newhaven, which begins at the bridge, faces south-east and extends to the sandy Manuka Point. It is backed by a low dune and the Newhaven Swamp. Road access is available at each end and a caravan park backs the eastern end. Woolamai Safety Beach is, as the name implies, another low wave beach that curves its way south from Manuka Point, then swings south-east toward Cape Woolamai. Esplanade Drive backs the first 1 km of beach after which there is only foot access along the back of the Woolamai sand dunes.

Both beaches receive waves averaging less than 0.5 m, and are exposed to tides reaching over 2 m. Both have relatively steep, narrow beaches with no surf. However at low tide, extensive tidal flats are exposed in front of Newhaven Beach.

Swimming

Two relatively safe low wave beaches, with deep water off the beaches at high tide and tidal flats at low tide. However, be aware of strong tidal currents running parallel to the beaches.

Surfing

None.

Fishing

Best at high tide and over the rocks and reefs along the southern end of the beach.

General

Two popular summer beaches for people and families looking for a quieter, usually calm beach. They are also partially protected from westerly winds.