Cat Bay

Cat Bay features a sheltered reef break split into two main areas: Shelley Beach, a flat reef bottom with gentle left and right peaks ideal for beginners (waves rarely exceed one metre at high tide), and Right Point, a more challenging nearby option. Waves average around one metre in small swells but can reach two metres when summer southeast winds accompany larger south to southwest swell; the break works best on incoming or mid-tide. Swimmers should only enter during high tide when waves are low. The area harbors rocks and sharks, and the local crew at Cat Bay is known for its territorial attitude toward visiting surfers.

Phillip Island's surfing heritage extends back to the 1920s, and the island became a National Surfing Reserve in 2013 with Cat Bay designated as one of four protected sites. The Phillip Island Boardriders Club has hosted the annual Cat Bay Classic longboard competition since 2022, regularly attracting around 50 competitors across open and master divisions. The break also hosted Round 1 of the 2023 Victorian Longboard Titles. During the 1960s and 70s, Western Australian surfers made the long journey across the Nullarbor to paddle Cat Bay and other island breaks.

Cat Bay sits on Phillip Island's northwest coast near Ventnor and has a sealed car park with facilities available at the nearby Summerland Beach area. Access involves a steep descent from the parking area to the golden sand beach.