Safety

 

Phillip Island boasts some of Victoria’s most spectacular beaches. However, as well as being beautiful they can be dangerous, especially along the island’s south coast.

We want everyone to keep safe when exploring the amazing coastline of Phillip Island (Milawul). 

Please pay attention to signage and regulations at all times.   

 

 

All Phillip Island Nature Parks attractions, reserves and beaches remain open as usual.

We know people care deeply about our wildlife on the Bass Coast and Phillip Island.

If you encounter sick or dead birds or wildlife, do not touch them. Instead, record the exact location, take photos if it is safe to do so, and report it online or by calling the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

Early reports help wildlife and animal health experts monitor disease activity and determine where action may be needed.

How to report:   

  • Avoid contact with sick or dead wildlife and keep your pets away  
  • Record what you see, take photos and note the location  
  • Report it to DEECA using the online form or call the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline 1800 675 888  
  • Report clusters of 5 or more sick or dead wild birds of any species, anywhere in Victoria.  

Report even one sick or dead: 

  • wild seabird, waterbird, shorebird or bird of prey   
  • marine mammal (e.g. seal, sea lion, dolphin). 

Phillip Island Nature Parks is working closely with the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action and other relevant organisations to prepare in the event of H5 bird flu detection in wildlife on Phillip Island.

More information:

https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/birdflu 
https://birdflu.gov.au/

 

Download the VicEmergency app to receive real-time emergency updates. The app aligns with the VicEmergency website. Set up “watch zones” to receive location-specific alerts.

To help you stay safe, we encourage everyone to download the Surf Life Saving Beach Safe app and access important information available on the Life Saving Victoria website and throughout the Visitor Information Centres.

You can play it safe on Phillip Island’s beaches by:

  • Downloading the Vic Emergency App for waterway warnings at emergency.vic.gov.au
  • Be aware and prepared for conditions – check the Bureau of Meteorology app bom.gov.au for up-to-date conditions and warnings
  • Read safety signs to understand the dangers of individual beaches.
  • Swim between the red and yellow flags wherever possible
  • Supervise children at all times in and around water.
  • Always swim with a friend.
  • Learn how to spot and avoid rip currents – find out more at beachsafe.org.au or download the beachsafe app.
  • Take personal responsibility, think twice and assess your safety and ability before entering the water.

WARNING – swimming is not advised at the following locations:

Surf Beach (Hopetoun Cres)

Surf Beach (Pine Av)

Surf Beach (Dunvegan Cres)

Surf Beach (Dixon St)

Surf Beach (Park St)

Surfies Point

Forrest Caves (Bruce Ave)

Forrest Caves

Woolamai Beach

Magiclands

The Colonnades

The Colonnades (via Aussie Track/Ocean Reach)

Berrys Beach

Stay away from cliff edges and the base of coastal cliffs (do not sit or stand within 10 metres).

Take care when driving on Phillip Island especially at dawn, dusk and at night when wildlife is most active. To report injured or deceased wildlife, call Wildlife Victoria on (03) 8400 7300.