Phillip Island has many popular beaches like the surfer-magnets of Cape Woolamai and Smith’s Beach or the people-magnet bay beaches like Cowes.

Being an island, of course, there are many other beach options, some much quieter than others. Flynn’s Beach is one such lesser-known beach, a pretty stretch of shoreline on the island’s north coast at a place called Cat Bay.

Located far from the bustle of Cowes, Flynn’s is down towards the Nobbies and Penguin Parade via a roundabout at the entrance to the nature park.

It is a long, curving stretch of sand that – like many beaches on the north side of the island – can become heavy with washed-up dried seaweeds. There was plenty of this the last time I visited at the western half of the beach but the eastern end was much clearer.

It was a quiet weekday and only other person on the beach was a lone fisherman. It was reasonably windy but not unpleasant. For really nasty winds you need to visit the south side of the island!

There is also the remains of an old jetty to explore, although now they are little more than timber poles sticking out of the sand.

Conditions are often conducive to surfing but on calmer days this is an excellent swimming beach away from the crowds. Rocky reefs at either end of the beach are fun to explore.

The car park is sealed and has toilet facilities. The path to the beach is flat but there are steps to negotiate in order to access the sand.

Flynn’s Beach is a great option for swimmers, surfers, walkers and explorers. It provides plenty of space, interesting natural features and good facilities.