• Get away from the crowds and make it a trip to remember by hitting the water at Cowes in a kayak or stand-up paddle board
• Embark on a star-studded journey between Victoria's two most loved spots on the Penguins to Prom Drive, from Phillip Island’s Little Penguins to the majestic Wilsons Promontory
• The 7km George Bass Coastal Walk hugs the clifftops between Kilcunda and San Remo with views that are arguably Bass Coast’s finest

The Westernmost point of the island, the Summerland Peninsula, has some of the island’s best reef breaks.

Cape Woolamai has world class beach breaks with up to 2 metre waves, when the wind plays along. Experienced surfers will enjoy this spot.

For barrels head to Smiths Beach, which also hosts surf schools. This is where newbies learn to surf and the experts show off their manoeuvres on the consistent waves.

Cowes Beach

Head down to the foreshore, a summer favourite, especially for young families. The wide sandy beach has gentle waves. A grassy reserve is set under tall shady pines, and just across the Esplanade, there are oodles of facilities and eateries.

San Remo Beach

The beach opens in to the channel and is usually a gentle swimming beach, protected from the larger ocean swells. The channel is also a great spot for fishing, as the tides change. Further down the coast, usually calm Childrens and Back Beach are popular swimming spots with low waves and no rips.

Smiths Beach

During the warmer months this beach attracts families venturing out for the day from Melbourne, and regulars chasing consistent ride-worthy waves. If surfing requires too much coordination for your day off, try stand up paddle boarding or simply soak up the sun on the wide golden cove. When the tide is out and no one is ready to head home, go rock pool exploring at both ends of the beach.

Surf Beach

As the name suggests, this is a wide stretch of beach ideal for surfers. Daredevil surfers head to this spot all year round for the huge waves and strong currents. Casual beachgoers should visit this beach for the sublime sunsets, but for swimming you are better off at one of the island’s calmer spots.

Cape Woolamai

The Pinnacles at Cape Woolamai are straight out of a scene from a fantasy series. Get up close and personal with these outcrops on the Pinnacles Walk, which takes you to the highest point on the island, where you can spot the daring surfers below. The beach is the longest and most exposed stretch on the island, making it a great spot for novice and pro surfers looking for some gnarly waves. It is also well known for beach fishing; salmon in winter and snapper, gummy shark and whiting in the warmer months. Although a tempting spot to swim, the strong rips and currents make for one of Victoria’s most dangerous swimming beaches. For swimming Cowes or Smiths beach is recommended.

Summerlands

Once the sun sets this is the main meeting spot of the delectable little penguins. During the day they venture out to sea and swimmers are welcome, head to the western end of the beach for safe swimming with minimal waves and rips. Although the waves are inconsistent, surfers can find right hander breaks over the reef in the central section of the beach.