Cape Woolamai

Overview

Cape Woolamai is a small town and headland at the south eastern tip of Phillip Island. It is home to the world-renowned surf beach, Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club, and a popular Safety Beach. It still contains remnant vegetation and wildlife such as an important breeding colony of the Short-tailed Shearwater.

Stunning sea views, interesting geological formations and abundant wildlife can be found at Woolamai Surf Beach, the Colonnades, the Pinnacles and Forrest Caves.

History

The cape was named by George Bass (but spelt 'Wollamai') when he passed it on his whaleboat voyage in early 1798. Wollamai is aboriginal for snapper fish and Bass thought the headland resembled the head of that fish.

The area was purchased from the government in 1868 by John Cleeland, sea captain, publican and owner of the Melbourne Cup winner of 1875, 'Wollomai'. He then built Wollomai House, and ran merino sheep from New South Wales. In 1910 his son, John Blake Cleeland, noticed the sand was shifting due to erosion so he planted rows of Marram grass, still evident today.

In 1959, 230 acres of farmland was sold and subdivided into housing estates for beach shacks and holiday makers. It was then named ' Woolamai Waters and Woolamai Waters West ', and later renamed ' Cape Woolamai '.

Places of interest

Phillip Island Airfield
Vietnam Veterans Musuem
Cape Woolamai State Faunal Reserve
Surf Beach and Life Saving Clubrooms
Cape Woolamai Beacon
Abandoned granite quarry

Accommodation

Cape Woolamai is serviced by nearby Newhaven which has various types of accommodation including motel, caravan parks, B&Bs, private house rentals and back packers. For accommodation and other information go to www.visitbasscoast.com or phone 1300 366422.

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