Cowes Beach

On the northern side of Phillip Island, Cowes Beach is one of Victoria’s most popular beaches for relaxation and family fun. With stunning views, gentle waves and heaps of activities Cowes Beach is the ultimate seaside holiday experience for all ages. This guide will help you discover the best of Cowes Beach, from nearby attractions and activities to eating and staying options so you can have a holiday to remember.

The Centre of Phillip Island

Cowes Beach is often referred to as the heart of Phillip Island’s holiday scene. This beautiful seaside town attracts locals and tourists alike with its laid back atmosphere, views and proximity to Phillip Island Nature Parks. Within walking distance to the town centre Cowes Beach is close to shopping, eating and family attractions making it a hub of activity for beachgoers and adventurers.

Beach History

Cowes Beach has a history that runs parallel to the development of Phillip Island as a whole. The island was originally home to the Bunurong people and has great cultural significance. When European settlers arrived in the mid-1800s, Cowes was an early holiday retreat for those escaping the hustle and bustle of Melbourne. Over time, Cowes became one of Victoria’s most popular tourist destinations, and today, it combines historic sites with modern amenities. Nearby Churchill Island showcases Phillip Island’s farming heritage with historical farming activities, preserved homesteads and seasonal markets. Rock formations like Mussel Rocks and Seal Rocks are a natural attraction and a delight for photographers and nature lovers. This history is preserved in the landscape and the local attractions that continue to celebrate the area’s cultural heritage and commitment to conservation.

Getting Here

Cowes Beach is just 1.5 to 2 hours from Melbourne via the Bass Coast. Public transport options are a train from Melbourne to Frankston and then a V/Line bus to Cowes so it’s easy for non drivers. Phillip Island’s Visitor Information Centres can also provide you with travel advice and maps and recommendations for getting to Cowes Beach and other attractions like the Penguin Parade and San Remo.

Activities at the Beach

Cowes Beach has something for everyone. Whether you want to relax on beautiful beaches, play beach games with the family or get your adrenaline pumping with water sports, a Phillip Island tour from Melbourne isn’t complete without a visit to Cowes Beach – it has it all.

Swimming and Sunbathing

One of the best things about Cowes Beach is the family-friendly swimming environment. The gentle waves and shallow water make it a safe and fun spot for kids and beginners. It’s one of the best beaches for swimming on Phillip Island, with clean sand and friendly wildlife, including occasional sightings of Australian fur seals and migratory birds. Sunbathers will find plenty of space to relax; beachgoers can walk or lie down with a good book on the soft sand. Public toilets, changing rooms, and outdoor showers mean you can spend the whole day soaking up the sun and sea breeze.

Water Sports and Kayaking

For the adventurous, Cowes Beach has plenty of water sports. Kayaking and paddleboarding are popular activities with several hire shops nearby so you can get equipped. Paddling along the coastline allows you to find secluded spots and dramatic cliff formations along the shoreline. Jet skiing is another adrenaline rush. Zip across the water and take in the island’s rugged landscape. The Cowes Yacht Club, located on the beach, has boating equipment and runs events throughout the year, so there’s even more to do on the water.

Fishing and Boating

Fishing is another popular activity at Cowes Beach, with plenty of spots along the shore and around the jetty. Anglers can cast a line and try their luck with the local fish. The boat ramp is nearby for those who want to head out into deeper water. Safety is key, and local resources, including a fishing safety brochure, have tips for safe fishing in the area. Cowes Beach is also the launch point for scenic cruises that offer a unique perspective of Phillip Island’s coastline. These cruises often stop at native wildlife, including the famous Australian fur seals at Seal Rocks.

Best Time to Visit

Cowes Beach has different seasons so that you can enjoy it all year:

Summer (December to February): Summer is the holiday season, and Cowes Beach is bustling with swimming, sunbathing and beach games. It’s the perfect time to visit nearby attractions like the award-winning Penguin Parade and Koala Conservation Reserve.
Spring and Autumn: Spring and autumn are milder and less crowded, so they are perfect for beach walks and enjoying the natural spaces without the peak season chaos.
June to August: The water is too cold for swimming but winter is a great time to visit for quiet walks and wildlife spotting. Fewer tourists means you can have the island to yourself and the wide open spaces and rock formations without interruptions.

Dining and Accommodation

Cowes Beach has plenty of dining and accommodation options surrounding the beach.

Cafes and Restaurants: From beachfront cafes to fine dining restaurants. Isola di Capri does Italian, others do seafood with bay views. The town centre has family friendly places for casual meals after a day at the beach.
Accommodation: Cowes Beach is near several hotels and resorts, Ramada Resort and Wyndham Phillip Island, for all budgets. NRMA Phillip Island Beachfront Holiday Park and Phillip Island Park Lane Holiday Park are for families and outdoor types, with beachside accommodations and walking trails nearby.

Beyond the Beach

Beyond Cowes Beach, Phillip Island has so many attractions that lure visitors from all over the world, it’s one of Victoria’s most popular tourist spots. One of the island’s most famous experiences is the Penguin Parade at Summerlands Beach where you can see the Little Penguins waddle in at dusk.
For families and chocoholics Pannys Phillip Island Chocolate Factory is a fun spot to indulge in chocolate, interactive displays and even make your own chocolate.
Nature lovers have plenty to see with Churchill Island Marine National Park, a protected area with high biodiversity. This park has beautiful coastal views and where you can see marine life, dolphins and seals in their natural environment.
Phillip I Birdwatchers can see masked boobies, a beautiful bird that nests on the cliffs and coastline and native fur seals that bask on the rocks.