Accessible Beaches in Bass Coast
Explore the Coast with Confidence
From the surf beaches of Phillip Island to the calmer bay beaches of San Remo, Coronet Bay and Cape Paterson, Bass Coast offers a range of coastal experiences for visitors of all ages and abilities.
Many beaches across the region feature accessible parking, beach access pathways, Changing Places facilities, accessible amenities and mobility equipment options to help visitors enjoy the coast with confidence.
Whether you're searching for a family-friendly beach, a seaside café close to the waterfront, accessible facilities or a place to enjoy the sand and sea, this guide will help you choose the beach that's right for you.
Smiths Beach, Phillip Island
One of Phillip Island's most accessible beaches, Smiths Beach combines accessible infrastructure with the natural beauty of a classic surf beach. Popular with surfers, families and beachgoers alike, it offers opportunities for coastal walks, rockpool exploration at low tide and stunning ocean views. During summer, the beach is patrolled by lifeguards from Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club, helping visitors enjoy the beach safely.
Accessibility Features
- Patrolled beach (mid-December to mid-February)
- Accessible parking bays
- Recently upgraded beach access ramp
- Accessible public toilets, including a Changing Places facility
- Free Mobi-Chair® floating beach wheelchair and 5 metres of portable beach matting (available from the Phillip Island Visitor Information Centre (Newhaven) or Berninneit, Cowes
- Smiths Beach General Store and Island Surfboards & Surf School located nearby via an accessible paved pathway
- Drinking water station
- Accessible picnic tables and seating
- Home to annual accessible surfing events hosted by the Disabled Surfers Association of Australia
Good to Know
- Lifeguards are only on duty when the red and yellow flags are displayed.
- Always swim between the flags when the beach is patrolled.
- As with any surf beach, conditions can change quickly and strong rips and currents are possible. Check current beach conditions before your visit using the BeachSafe app. SLSA Beachsafe
Detailed information and more images of Smiths beach and the facilities can be found on the Accessible Beaches Australia website - Smiths Beach — Accessible Beaches Australia
- Cowes Foreshore, Phillip Island – Has ramp access onto the beach. Please note that ongoing works on the Esplanade may impact access from the main strip. As an alternative, we recommend the Anderson Boat Ramp, Cowes for easier beach access.
- Woolamai Beach, Phillip Island – Offers ramp access onto the beach and accessible changing facilities within the Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC). Please be aware that water conditions can be rough, so we recommend entering the water only if you are an experienced swimmer.
- Coronet Bay Beach – Features a new amenities block and flat ramp access to the beach from the left side of the park.
- Cape Paterson Bay Beach – Accessible via the boat ramp and has disability parking with beautiful views. Please note there is a lip from the ramp onto the sand, and the boat ramp is quite steep; we recommend driving to the bottom and bringing support if using equipment. Accessible facilities are available at both Wonthaggi SLSC and Cape Paterson SLSC.
- San Remo Front Beach (left of the Fishermans Co-op) – Offers ramp access onto the beach. Fun fact: if you time your swim around noon, you may get to swim alongside the pelicans!
Beach Safety
We want everyone to enjoy Bass Coast's beaches safely. Before visiting, we recommend checking local conditions and familiarising yourself with important beach safety information.
Before You Visit
- Visit Life Saving Victoria for information on water safety and safe swimming practices. Water Safety & Drowning Prevention | Life Saving Victoria
- Check BeachSafe for patrol information, beach hazards, surf conditions and detailed beach profiles. The BeachSafe website and app are useful tools when planning your visit. SLSA Beachsafe
- Visit VicEmergency for updates on incidents, warnings and beach closures that may impact your trip. Incidents and Warnings - VicEmergency
Stay Safe at the Beach
- Swim or wade at patrolled beaches wherever possible.
- Always swim between the red and yellow flags when lifeguards are on duty.
- Follow the advice of lifeguards and lifesavers.
- Always supervise children around the water.
- Check local conditions before entering the water.
For even more information on water safety, rip currents and beach conditions, visit the Bass Coast Beach Safety page.
Need Beach Mobility Equipment?
Free beach mobility equipment is available year-round to help more people experience Bass Coast's beaches and foreshore environments.
Mobi-Chair® floating beach wheelchairs, supplied with portable beach access matting, are available from:
- Phillip Island Visitor Information Centre, Newhaven
- Berninneit Cultural & Community Centre, Cowes
These Water Wheelchairs offer users an opportunity to experience being submerged in water and comfortably navigate the shoreline.
Hippocampe all-terrain wheelchairs, designed for use on beaches, trails and uneven terrain, are available from:
- Inverloch Visitor Information Centre
These all-terrain wheelchairs help create a smoother transition from pathways and foreshore areas to the beach, allowing more visitors to enjoy Bass Coast's coastal experiences with confidence.
Beach Walker Rollators, designed to be used on all terrains and beaches and support in navigating challenging soft sand, mud, grass and gravel.
- Grantville Transaction Centre, Grantville
- Wonthaggi Civic Centre, Wonthaggi
Please visit our Access for All | Bass Coast Shire to explore Changing Places Locations, Hire Forms for Accessible Equipment and updates or relevant information.
Contact our Visitor Services team:
Not sure which equipment or beach is right for you? Our Visitor Information team can help you choose the most suitable option based on your needs and planned activities.
- Phillip Island Visitor Information Centre: 1300 366 422
- Email:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - Inverloch Visitor Information Centre: 1300 762 433
- Email:
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