Cowes family walking alongside the beach

Discover Cowes

Cowes is the heart of Phillip Island, a resort-style town flush with eateries and accommodation.

Like all towns on the island, it manages to retain a relaxed vibe and down-to-earthedness. While many make the pilgrimage to Phillip Island for a glimpse of those sweet, furry little penguins, Cowes uncovers new ways to experience the beguiling island life.

People on the beach on the Cowes Foreshore

Things to do in Cowes

Head down to Cowes Beach, a summer favourite, especially for young families. The wide sandy beach has gentle waves. A grassy reserve is set under tall shady pines, and just across the Esplanade, there are oodles of facilities and eateries.

Take a stroll along the Cowes Jetty as turquoise waters lap gently at the pylons. A lovely place to explore in its own right, the pier is also the departure point of Wildlife Coast Cruises and Eco Boat Tours where you can check out the local seal colonies, or jump onboard Westernport Ferries to hitch a ride to French Island or Stony Point on the Mornington Peninsula.

The Esplanade is full-to-bursting with seafront dining, cafes and boutique stores for all your artisan ware and fashion needs. Indulge in a round of golf or find your state of bliss at one of the day spas.

A Maze’N Things is the stuff of dreams for the kidlets. The puzzle-rich theme park is full of illusions, mazes, magic displays and mind-bending, imaginative fun, complete with high ropes and mini golf.

Enter the eucalypt forests of the Koala Conservation Centre and home of one of Australia’s most renowned fur-icons, the koala. Unobtrusive viewing areas and treetop boardwalks provide a unique glimpse into the koala’s bush habitat.

Buckle up and get to the Grand Prix Circuit, home of the Australian Grand Prix. You can race around the track with an experienced racing driver, sit behind the wheel yourself on the replica go kart course and see the line-up of vehicles on display.

Cowes restaurants & cafes

Cowes Gelateria exterior view of building

Waterfront dining is where it’s at on the island, so make your way down to the Cowes Foreshore for a feed with sumptuous views over Western Port. Overlooking the historic jetty, Hotel Phillip Island offers up a delicious menu of traditional pub meals, curry, tapas and gourmet pizzas.

Nearby North Pier Hotel is a local favourite, while Beach HQ has a wide ranging menu celebrating fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

For authentic Greek cuisine in the heart of Cowes, head for family-owned and operated Banis Restaurant & Bar. For a touch of Italy, try Pinos Trattoria, a longstanding Cowes favourite, or Isola di Capri famed for their Italian family charm. Keeping it international, Anerie offers a dash of French, expect menu du jour in a warm and cosy setting, with everything from coffee and croissants to champagne and oysters.

The Waterboy Café, G’day Tiger and M&O Café bring a dash of the Melbourne café scene to the island.

Located on the Esplanade, The Lost Cowe offers a range of delicious dishes, all created fresh in-house daily and served with flair, alongside a range of cocktails.

For something off the beaten track, check out Wild Food Farm and Cafe at Rhyll. Enjoy breakfast on the veranda at their homestead café or take a walk through the farm and learn about the native food trail.

At the end of a quiet country road, you will find Purple Hen Wines overlooking the tranquil waters of Western Port. The large, open cellar door takes in a stunning view and is open five days a week.

Phillip Island Winery has a cottage-style cellar door with beautiful views over their countryside location to Berrys Beach. Drop in for a tasting or stay for a glass alongside a ploughman’s platter of meats and cheese, smoked trout or homemade dips.

Grenache Wine Bar in Cowes is a ‘one stop shop’ for wine lovers, it also has an extensive spirit collection. Gin? They have 80+ varieties ready and waiting for you to try.

Closer to the waterfront, Shearwaters and Bandicoots is a small family owned retail store and wine bar focusing on boutique wines and craft beers.

Also in Cowes, Ocean Reach Brewing is an independent brewery that sells a range of locally-brewed beers and a more experimental range of seasonal beers, plus a selection of mouthwatering burgers.

Phillip Island Brewing specialises in small batch, handcrafted beers, which can be sampled at Rusty Water Restaurant and Bar. Stay for a beer or two with some bar snacks, or get comfortable for an à la carte dining experience at this acclaimed restaurant.

Where to stock up

Hill Top Meats is a family run business bringing you the very best in Grass Fed and Free Range Meats.
Omaru is a farm store stocking fresh and pickled vegetables, jams and chutneys.
Corner Dispensary has a range of organic produce and eco-friendly products.
Bass Strait Direct is where you will find fresh local seafood straight off the boat - plucked from Bass Strait daily.

Churchill Island

Head to Churchill Island to see a working farm and historic homestead from a bygone era at Churchill Island Heritage Farm. Walk or ride the 5km Churchill Island Walking Track which loops around the island, and visit the monthly Farmers Market for delectable local produce.