Summerland Bay

Beach

Summerland Bay is one of Australia's most popular tourist destinations, as every evening hundreds of tourists are bused out to see the sunset penguin parade. A large car park and tourist facility are located at the western end of the beach. Local parking is also provided on top... Read more

Summerland Bay is one of Australia's most popular tourist destinations, as every evening hundreds of tourists are bused out to see the sunset penguin parade. A large car park and tourist facility are located at the western end of the beach. Local parking is also provided on top of Phelans Bluff, which forms the western headland.The beach is 1.2 km long and faces due south. Kennon Head and its platform and reefs form the eastern boundary, while the western end comprises Phelans Bluff, together with its platform, reefs and boulders. A dune field up to 1 km wide backs the beach that, together with backing Swan Lake, is part of Swan Lake Reserve. The reserve is home to both the penguins and a mutton bird rookery.The beach receives waves averaging just over 1 m which, together with the relatively fine beach sand, produces a wide, low gradient beach fronted by a wide, continuous bar. The bar is usually cut by two or three rips toward the central-eastern end.

Swimming

Bathing is permitted during the day when the penguins are out at sea. The beach is moderately safe, with the safest section being at the low energy western end, as waves and rips increase to the east. However, watch the rip against the western rocks.

Surfing

A popular right hander breaks over the reef and boulders below Phelans Bluff, together with Centre Crack, a right hand reef break.

Fishing

Best off the rock platforms at high tide, if the waves are low.

General

Victoria's number one tourist destination, together with a moderately safe beach and some good point and reef surf.