Yellow Buoys (Mornington Peninsula)

Yellow Buoys is a very sheltered sandbar surf break on the Mornington Peninsula that only produces waves infrequently—around five days per year. When it works, it tends to deliver short, fat, often messy waves, so it’s more of a novelty bay wave than a consistent surf destination. Functionally, it relies on strong weather and swell-driven water pushing into Port Phillip Bay. Gemini describes the spot as working when massive swells or strong gales push water into the bay, while Perplexity emphasizes how rarely waves appear. Ride length is typically brief, with a short closeout on the sandbar. Conditions are beginner-friendly when present, and the break is described as sheltered. In addition, the spot’s wind dependence is notable: strong onshore winds are required to create rideable waves, which can also mean choppier, less “groomed” surfing. The biggest safety consideration is water quality and pollution—particularly after heavy rain due to runoff near creek outlets. Always check for water quality alerts before going out, and follow local guidance on where to paddle out to line up with the point.