Forrest Caves (Phillip Island)
An exciting destination which can only be reached at low tide. The walk features sea caverns formed by the erosion of the cliffs by the waves over many years. You will pass by large sand dunes that are home to thousands of short-tailed shearwaters from October to April which travel from as far as Alaska.
Millions of years ago ash exploded from nearby volcanic vents. The ash settled to form a soft layer of red rock known as tuff. Over time this rock platform was eroded by wave action into a series of large caverns. Although some of the caves have partly collapsed, the formations are still over three metres high.
Time your trip wisely using the tide charts in the links below, as the Forrest Caves are only accessible at low tide. Be careful and be aware of incoming tides which will flood the caves. The surf is rough here are there are no lifeguards.
Location: Turn left off the main Phillip Island Road (coming from San Remo) just before the Surf Beach Estate (between Woolamai and the township of Surf Beach). The turnoff is easy to miss.
There is a car park and two toilets at the base of the wooden stairs. The toilet doors are very heavy and can blow shut with a lot of force when it is windy - watch your fingers. Walk up the steps from the car park on to the beach and then turn left. There are 55 steps up to the top of the dunes and another 85 steps down to the beach. The caves are less than 500 metres to the east.
- 2km return / 45 mins return
- Grading is easy
- Beach sand, steps
- Parking available (gravel)
- Toilets located at the car park
- Not suited to wheelchairs or prams
- Bicycles not permitted
- Please do not climb in the dunes since there is a program to replant and stabilise them to protect wildlife. The endangered Hooded Plover also nests on the beach at certain times of year.
- Picnic table
Access for Dogs:
Dogs not permitted since the area is a conservation precinct.
Photos:
Location
Forrest Caves, Phillip Island Road, Newhaven 3922 Map
Web Links
→ Forrest Caves Walk, Phillip Island (Walking Maps)
→ Tide Predictions for Victoria
→ Melbourne Tide Times (Tides Chart)
