Red Rock Beach

Phillip Island offers a variety of great beaches for the many visitors each year. Red Rock Beach, located on the north side in the town of Cowes, is one of the nicest beaches on this pretty island. The beach gets its name from the red rocks that can be found along the shoreline. 

The rocks are a beautiful sight against the bright blue water and make for a perfect backdrop for photos. Visitors to Red Rock Beach will also find plenty of sand to relax on and water that is much calmer than the south side of the island. There are also several restaurants and cafes nearby, making it the perfect spot to spend a day or afternoon.

Key Visitor Info

Address: 18 Appley Ave, Cowes VIC 3922

Accessibility: Visitors can drive right up to the beach.

Best known for: Being an ideal beach if you’re looking for somewhere calmer, away from the big waves and suitable for young children.

Things To See & Do At Red Rock Beach

Children playing in rockpools at Red Rock Beach, Phillip Island
Image source: Robert Blackburn & Visit Victoria

Red Rock Beach is a beautiful spot on Phillip Island, and there are plenty of things to see and do here. The first thing you’ll notice is the stunning red rocks that line the shore. These rocks are actually iron-rich sandstone, and they get their vibrant color from hematite deposits. 

You can explore the rocks by walking along the beach or paddling out in a kayak. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a Seal or two sunning themselves on the rocks.

The area is home to a large colony of little penguins, and you can often spot them waddling along the shoreline in search of food. There are also several shipwrecks just offshore, making for excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities. 

And of course, the beach itself is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and simply taking in the stunning view.

Best Time to Visit Red Rock Beach

Calm water at Red Rock Beach, Phillip Island
Image source: Destination Phillip Island

The best time to visit is from late September to early November when the weather is mild and the water is warm. This is also the time when the waves are at their best for surfing, so if you’re looking to catch some waves, this is the time to do it! Late November to early December is also a good time to visit, as the water is still warm but the crowds have started to thin out. January and February are usually the busiest times at Red Rock Beach, as everyone is trying to escape the heat. 

Directions To Red Rock Beach

To get to Red Rock Beach from the nearest city, Melbourne, simply take the South Gippsland Highway south for about 2 hours. Then take the San Remo turn-off and follow that for about 15 minutes until you reach Red Rock Road. Once you’re on Red Rock Road, follow it for about 5 minutes until you reach the beach. The exact address is 2 Red Rock Road, San Remo, VIC, 3925. And that’s all there is to it! Just sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride. Thanks for choosing Red Rock Beach.

Attractions Nearby

Red Rock Beach is a beautiful spot on Phillip Island, and there are plenty of attractions nearby that are worth visiting. The first spot on my list would be the Churchill Island Heritage Farm. This working farm is a great place to learn about the island’s history and see some of its native wildlife. Next, I would recommend visiting the Nobbies Centre. This facility is dedicated to educating visitors about the local penguin population and the work that is being done to protect them.