Meet the site
Right Point is the southern headland of Cat Bay on Phillip Island's western shore, a kilometre south-west of Flynns Reef and a couple of kilometres short of The Nobbies. Scuba Doctor lists it as a 2–8 m shore reef dive with exploration around the offshore reefs off the point and old jetty pylons in Cat Bay further north, and records the story behind the name: George Bass named Cat Bay in January 1798 because he lost his cat here. The diving is shallow and relaxed. Off the point a series of basalt reef patches sits on a sand and seagrass floor, each with a kelp cap, undercut edges and gutters between, and the usual Western Port entrance community lives on them – encrusting sponge and ascidians under the ledges, abalone and crabs in the cracks, wrasse, leatherjackets, cowfish, old wives and zebrafish over the top, Port Jackson sharks resting in the gutters in the cooler months, and stingarees and fiddler rays on the sand. The old jetty pylons in Cat Bay are the point of difference: the remains of an early landing, now reduced to stumps and scattered timber, they have become small artificial reefs with sponge and ascidian growth and their own populations of small fish and invertebrates, and they make a worthwhile target for a second dive or a long snorkel. The bay is also one of Phillip Island's better-known surf breaks when a westerly swell wraps in, which is when the site is unworkable; on easterly winds it is calm and clear. The wooden steps from the Right Point car park make the entry easy and the alternative of entering on one side of the point and exiting on the other adds variety. Right Point suits beginners, snorkellers and divers staying at Cowes who want a quick, easy reef on a day when the south coast is blown out, and it pairs naturally with Flynns Reef and Cowrie Beach along the same road.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Right Point, Cat Bay is recorded as Reef in Phillip Island & Western Port. The listed access is shore. Confirm the actual meeting point, route and permission to visit; a map pin does not establish any of these.
Topics flagged by the stored research
These are questions prompted by the existing notes, not a verified or complete hazard assessment.
- Current and timing
- Ask how the operator assesses the current window for the actual route. Historical tide notes are not a departure instruction.
- Other water users
- Ask about vessel activity, exclusion areas and the agreed surface arrangements.
- Water movement
- Ask how swell and local exposure affect the proposed entry, exit and route.
Historical access notes exist for this record, but have not been independently verified for current use. Request current directions from the operator or site manager rather than following an old entry description.
Questions, answered
Is Right Point, Cat Bay suitable for my certification?
The record lists Open Water. That does not establish suitability for every route or day. Share your training, recent experience and equipment needs with the operator and ask about the specific proposed dive.
Can I book Right Point, Cat Bay through YouDive?
YouDive is an independent research directory. Contact an operator directly to confirm whether it currently runs the trip, the inclusions and the booking terms.
What you might see
Wrasse, leatherjackets, cowfish, old wives, zebrafish, Port Jackson sharks, stingarees and fiddler rays, abalone, crabs, encrusting sponges and ascidians on reef and old pylons, kelp and seagrass
Location
Shallow reefs off Right Point at the southern end of Cat Bay on the western shore of Phillip Island, with old jetty pylons in the bay to the north.
Facilities nearby
Right Point car park with wooden steps to the beach; no toilets on site – nearest at The Nobbies or Penguin Parade; No air fills on Phillip Island; nearest fills on the Mornington Peninsula (Rye/Portsea) or in Melbourne's south-east
Before you make plans
Conditions, access and operator schedules can change. This is a location guide, not a dive plan. Ask a local operator about current conditions and suitability for your training and experience.
Sources & further reading
scubadoctor.com.auscubadoctor.com.auscubadoctor.com.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.