Visit Victoria.
You'll love every piece of Victoria

Cowes

Cowes Beach

Quick facts

  • Population approximately 4,000
  • 142 kilometres south of Melbourne.

Cowes, the main settlement of Phillip Island, is a bustling hub of cultural, artistic and recreational life. Originally named ‘Mussel Rocks’, Cowes was the main point of arrival by ferry from the mainland before the bridge linking San Remo and Newhaven was opened. Early visitors arrived by steamboat, stayed in one of the many grand guesthouses along the seafront and travelled around the Island on horseback to enjoy the many natural wonders and attractions on offer.

A variety of accommodation is available, complimented by a multitude of seaside dining and alfresco options, cafes and restaurants with beachside views. The town also has boat-launching facilities, boat hire and a jetty from which the ferry to Stony Point arrives and departs, various cruise vessels and amateur anglers. Cowes has beautiful beaches with fine sand that face north onto Western Port, and views of French Island and the Mornington Peninsula. The ferry to Stony Point and French Island and cruises to Seal Rocks and around the Bay depart from the jetty.

In town you’ll find art exhibitions, craft and souvenir shops and a cinema. All major sports are catered for at the Recreation Reserve and the Phillip Island Leisure Centre, both in Church Street. The bowling and croquet clubs are in Dunsmore Road and the golf course is located in Settlement Road. It is close to sheltered swimming beaches ideal for small children.

Activities and attractions

  • Go swimming at one of Victoria's few north facing beaches
  • Have a picnic on the foreshore – scenic beachfront picnic spots and free electronic barbecues are available at Mussel Rocks, Erehwon Point and Red Rocks
  • Enjoy one of two walks along the beach from the end of Thompson Avenue. Turn west to walk past Mussel Rocks, the yacht club and Richardson Point. At the boat ramp at Anderson Street you can return along the beach or walk along Anderson Street to Church Street, turn left and walk back into town. The eastern walk takes you past Erehwon Point along Lovers Walk, which ends at Dunsmore Road. Continue along Stradbroke Avenue and then follow the beach road back to Cowes or continue on to Observation Point
  • Enjoy the view as you dine at one of the excellent restaurants along the Esplanade
  • Take a charter boat out to see the seals at Seal Rocks or the koalas on French Island
  • Take a fishing charter out into Western Port or hire a boat
  • Watch the Penguin Parade at sunset at nearby Summerland Beach
  • Visit the Phillip Island Heritage Centre and Museum on Thompson Avenue to see exhibitions and a video of the history and wildlife of the Island.

Major events

  • San Remo Channel Challenge – February
  • Churchill Island Working Horse Festival – Easter
  • 2008 World Superbike Championships – March
  • 2008 V8 Supercar Championship – September
  • Australian Motor Cycle Grand Prix – October.

How to get there
Cowes is less than 2 hours drive from Melbourne. Travel along the South Gippsland Highway from Melbourne, turning onto Bass Highway to follow the road through Grantville and Bass before turning off to San Remo. You enter Phillip Island over the bridge between San Remo and Newhaven. You can also reach Cowes by passenger ferry from Stony Point on the Mornington Peninsula.